On Sunday, June 14, 2020, the news of Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo’s passing shook the nation as well as many who loved her for her phenomenal work as an event planner. Ibidun died in the early hours of Sunday morning in Port Harcourt, where she went for an official project. The cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to her family.
At the time of her death, Ibidun was 39 and due to celebrate her 40th birthday the next month.
Since her death was announced, tributes have been pouring in on social media, expressing shock and sadness.
Here are 5 facts about Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo.
Ibidun Ighodalo was a former beauty queen. She emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Miss Lux Beauty Pageant. She was 18 when she won the pageant and was a student of UNILAG.
Ibidun met Pastor Ituah Ighodalo – who was formerly married to Lucy-Ann Suinner – when she was a Youth Corps member. The couple got married on 26 February 2007 and had a traditional wedding three days later in Ibadan, Oyo State.
They were married for 13 years and had two adopted children – a boy and a girl – before her demise on June 14, 2020.
She was the founder of Elizabeth R Events, an event management outfit known for its elegant decors on the streets of Lagos during Christmas and other festive seasons. Ibidun is known for pioneering such decorations in Nigerian cities. During Fashola’s tenure in 2007, she was commissioned to beautify Lagos and this led to her being dubbed the “Queen of Decorations”
Ibidun’e blossoming career also saw her work with some of society’s high-profile personalities.
She was the founder of the Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation, a non-profit organisation created to raise awareness on issues on infertility and provide financial support for couples that require fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination.
Ibidun was open about her struggle with infertility and the 11 IVF procedures she underwent before adopting two children. She shared in an interview on how this challenge inspired her to start the Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation to help women in her shoes.
Ibidun had a high taste in fashion. This was evident in her work as an event planner which involved styling brides, interior and exterior decorations, and beautifying events pertaining to the hospitality industry as a whole.
Sources:
Edition.cnn
The News Guru
DNB Stories