Remembering Oluyomi Victoria 5 Years On

It’s 5 years since our Oluyomi passed on.

We all miss her but know she’s with God.

We share her story again in the hope that someone will be encouraged

Victorious Victoria - In Her Own Words

Excerpt of Article Published by Yomi on the Shell Intranet

My name is OLANIYI TOLUWALOPE, OLUYOMI VICTORIA - Take a good look at the last name in that line-up “VICTORIA” THAT IS THE ETHOS OF WHO I AM NOW!

I was your regular happy-go-lucky girl like any other until the 26th of November 2011 when I had a massive stroke at the age of 31 years. I was in a coma for about a month and about 2 years in hospital, for recovery and rehabilitation.

I am currently recovering from the associated physical and speech challenges.

They say …in life “stuff happens” but we never imagine “stuff” can include extremely challenging experiences like this. I have always viewed challenges as opportunities for improvements – so I have CHOSEN to see myself as “VICTORIOUS VICTORIA” (I legally changed my middle name to “Victoria” post-stroke). I am extremely grateful to have survived this the way I have.

I recently visited the hospital, for a check-up and they were amazed at improvements I had made. I confess to showing off a little on some psychological tests. Ok, a lot!

My current reality is that I make use of a battery-operated wheelchair. I attend company-provided rehabilitation: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. My right hand is taking a break so I have learned to do things with my left hand - eating, operating the wheelchair and using the computer.

I work reduced hours/days but there is still a lot of work in SPDC! For the days, I don’t come in, I work from home and participate in structured rehabilitation activities. This is just to share a bit of perspective on how life has changed for me. Carers, shower chair and a means of transfer must be provided at any destination I spend significant time (including overnight trips). I also commute in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. And overnight trips require a medically recommended mattress. As a result, I work close to home and from home.

I am a Legal Counsel and my current tasks include support to HR & Finance, regulatory advice, company secretarial activities, review of new legislation and communications (such as Country Crises Team Meeting logs) both internal and external. I also support SEPA.

I feel a great sense of fulfillment being able to deliver good work. It is essential that anyone who has experienced a life-changing occurrence like mine continues to contribute to the Business if they would like to/are able to do so and are given the opportunity.

On my return to work, I was assigned a cozy office on the ground floor in BOI with flexible work hours. I have the necessary technology to enable me to communicate with other colleagues as I use an onscreen keyboard. There is some difficulty updating the software I use to type so I am driving greater collaboration between local and global IT to improve understanding on how requests related to the use of assistive technology are handled and funded.

The team, however, has been very helpful and I thank them. Accessible ramps, a dedicated parking space which enhances my mobility, supportive colleagues and a fantastic supervisor has been just what I needed to reintegrate to work. The interaction and support of colleagues benefit me immensely both emotionally and mentally.

It gets lonely, sitting away from your Team so peer review helps me vet my work and I may not be able to pop into the library like before, so colleagues assist with helpful articles, references to look up online and scanned documents. I enjoy visits, someone popping in to say hi: the practice helps my speech. My experience is largely pleasant as I have been and continue to be treated with dignity.

Learnings: I can’t participate in face-to-face training if they don’t that take place on the ground floor. So, I avail myself of the numerous courses available on Shell Open University, not just mandatory ones. I don’t have to wait to be developed, I just initiate my own development.

One important challenge is the negative attitudes of people towards disability. Some see it as a personal tragedy, something that needs to be cured or prevented, or punishment for wrongdoing. I would encourage more participation in D & I training available on SOU to improve awareness for both conscious and unconscious biases.

Shell is a really great place to work and healthcare is excellent. You will be taken care of no matter who you are. Before I joined Shell, I worked at a bank and a consulting firm. I know that I would not have had this career and wonderful healthcare if this had happened while I worked in either of those places. I like to highlight the personal support that I have received from my husband. He has been there every step of the way, with constant encouragement. My family has been there for me too. The Legal Team and Shell in general, are most supportive.

Thank you all very much.

Biography By Dupe Adeyemi-Wilson

Oluyomi Victoria Olaniyi-Toluwalope (Nee Adeyemi-Wilson) was born in Lagos in on May 31st, 1980. She was the fourth daughter of Engr. Oluyomi Adeyemi-Wilson and Mrs. Jokotade Adeyemi-Wilson.

Yomi, as she was known, was a bright and energetic child. She attended Federal Home Science Association School, Ikoyi where she flourished academically. When the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) went to her primary school to source young talent, Yomi was picked out of obscurity to star as Uzie Idafa in the nationally televised series, The Third Eye.

Yomi combined her acting career with her schooling. She sat the Common Entrance Examinations in Primary 5 and was the best pupil in her Primary School, including all the Primary 6 pupils.

Yomi proceeded to Queens College, Lagos for her Secondary Education, continuing to excel in her academic studies and earning the privilege of being a Shell Scholar.

Yomi studied Law at the University of Lagos (LL.B Hons), attended the Nigerian Law School (BL) and was a Chartered Secretary and Administrator (ACIS UK). She also acquired a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Financial Law from the University of London.

Yomi had a successful career consulting with IBTC (now Stanbic IBTC) and Accenture before joining Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria as Legal Counsel in 2006. She was a dedicated and hardworking employee who thrived in her time at Shell.

On October 26th, 2011, Yomi married the love of her life, Olaniyi Toluwalope who remained her partner and friend till the very end.

Yomi was a faithful Christian. She was a committed member of the High Life Church in Lagos and supported several other ministries in the Lord's work.