Kemi James: Family Announces Burial Programmes for Late Businesswoman

Femi Ashekun/

The family of the late businesswoman, Oluwakemi Oyeteju James, has formally announced the burial programmes for the deceased, detailing a two-day funeral arrangement in Lagos.

In a statement released on Sunday, her husband, Michael James, an eminent journalist and former Editor of Ovation International Magazine, confirmed that the funeral rites for his wife, fondly known as Kemi, will take place on March 31 and April 1, 2026.

According to him, “the Service of Songs will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Stella Hall of Daystar Christian Centre, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos, between 4pm and 6pm.”

He added that “the Funeral Service will hold the following day, April 1, 2026, at the same venue, from 10am to 11am.”

James further stated that “the interment, immediately after the funeral service, will be a strictly family affair.”

Announcing her passing, he said, “Kemi departed this life on March 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of diligence, warmth, and devotion to family and enterprise.”

Providing insight into her life and background, the statement noted that Mrs James was born on July 29, 1972, to Army Captain Yemisi and Ololade Oyediran.

“Kemi was the first child of the family, a position she carried with grace, responsibility, and a deep sense of care for others,” the statement read.

On her personal life, James said, “we were married on February 8, 2006, and our union is blessed with two wonderful children, Kufreabasi and Anietientebasi.”

Reflecting on her educational journey, he noted that “she began her primary education in Shomolu, Lagos, before attending Shepherdhill Girls High School, Obanikoro, and later completed her secondary education at Federal Government Girls’ College, Oyo.”

He added, “her pursuit of excellence took her to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, and subsequently to Yaba College of Technology, where she obtained her Higher National Diploma.”

On her early career, the statement disclosed that “Kemi commenced her professional journey with an industrial attachment at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Ikeja Branch, where she worked in the Savings Department.”

“She later trained at African Concord Magazine as a Reporter and Researcher, before joining Modern Design and Associate in Ikeja, where she served in the Proof Reading and Finishing Department,” he said.

Speaking on her national service, James stated, “in 2000, she served the nation under the NYSC scheme in Lagos State, where she was posted to the Lagos State Printing Corporation and served meritoriously.”

After her service year, he noted that “she worked as a Marketing Executive at Swift Freight International (Nig) Limited for three years before venturing into private business.”

Describing her entrepreneurial journey, the statement said, “after exploring various endeavours, Kemi chose to pursue her passion for cooking, which led to the establishment of Limelight Caterings Limited.”

He added, “through hard work, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to quality, she built the business from serving family and friends into a reputable brand trusted for large-scale corporate and private events.”

Highlighting her unique approach, James said, “her forte was healthy cooking; she was deeply committed to using organic and wholesome ingredients, a philosophy that endeared her to many clients.”

He concluded, “Kemi will be remembered not only for her enterprise but for her kindness, resilience, and the lasting impact she made on all who encountered her.”