By Eric Elezuo
One may not be wrong if he alludes the principle of woman of substance to a distinguished entrepreneur, who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of legitimate and profitable enterprise, Mrs. Jokotade Oni. At 70 years, the ebullient woman of means has remained a cynosure of all eyes, radiating beauty and class, and still ‘slaying’ in all life’s endeavours.
Mrs. Jokotade Oni was born in 1953 into the humble family of Late Alhaji and Alhaja Egbebi. However, as a growing child, Jokotade was brought up by Late Justice Adewale Thompson, who was married to her sister, Mrs Ayoka Thompson, under whose tutelage, she was taught the rudiments of existence, and grounded to take up the challenges of life.
As a prelude to her successful career, Joko Oni, as she is fondly called, enrolled at Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba Lagos, where she had her primary school education after which she proceeded to Ibadan Grammar School for her secondary school education and she performed brilliantly, acquiring a West African School Certificate in the bargain.
Inclined to pursue more desirable academic knowledge, she thereafter, in 1968, left the shores of Nigeria for England to further her education. While in England, she studied at Pitmans College Southampton, and also the Montessori College Knightsbridge in London, and came out in flying colours.
When she concluded her education in the United Kingdom, she returned to her country, Nigeria, and launched her career, which is today a toast of class.
She started out as a teacher with Bodija International School for a couple of years, after which the quest to seek greener pastures and more adventures, persuaded her to join Nigerian Technical Company Limited (NITECO), Apapa as the company secretary.
It was in the discharge of her legitimate duties that she met, fell in love and married to her heartthrob, Late Chief Kunle Oni of the Oni and Sons dynasty. As a result of her new found status, she was transferred to the Ibadan branch of NITECO, located at Ojo Ibadan so she could be with her family.
The union with Chief Oni produced three children, out of which seven wonderful grandchildren has been produced.
After three years with NITECO, Jokotade Oni left the establishment to begin a private enterprise and become an entrepreneur. In 1984 therefore, She opened her shop ‘GOLDRUSH’ at Ososami Ring-road Ibadan; the business was incorporated professionally in 1992, and has remained till date as a result of her delve touches, mastercraft, focus, determination and ability to innovate. The jewelry outfit business is today domiciled in Ikeja, Lagos, where it still make waves.
Down to earth and jovial, Mrs. Oni, a lover of children, enjoys the company of her children and grandchildren. She is also in love with traveling and listening to Christian/spiritual music. Also, a social freak, Mrs Oni has been rocking the social space for well over 40 years, and it is not an overstatement stating that she shines like a million stars whenever she graces a social function.
At 70, the beautiful Ibadan princess, has remained in the purview of class, attention, entrepreneurship and relevance, using her Goldrush to affect lives positively and contribute her quota to the good of the society.
Here is wishing one of the queens of showbiz the best of celebrations as she rolls out the drums to celebrate three score and ten years.
Congratulations ma!