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George Eliot, an English novelist and poet, once wrote “Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them.” Many of us who have felt the sting at the loss of a loved one can attest to the truthfulness of this paradoxical, yet profound expression.
On Friday, January 29, 2021, the world lost a rare gem, a change maker, an exceptional leader, and a mentor. The death of Emilia Asim-Ita was a blow that stunned not only the entrepreneurial ecosystem but the country at large.
A prominent figure with vast experience across various sectors, Emilia Asim-Ita was the visionary founder of A’Lime Media Limited (AML), a strategic communications advisory firm. She was an extraordinarily intelligent and accomplished entrepreneur who built an organization that has, for the past ten years, contributed to improving the corporate communications practice in Nigeria.
Let’s briefly explore her life and her contributions to the community.
The rise of an icon
In an interview by Nigerian Tribune, Ms. Asim-Ita made a startling comment, she said, “I’ve never been in employment as I’ve always built or grown brands since I was 16.”
“I started on Television in 2003 as a Segment Presenter for ‘Mind Your Grammar’ on NTA 2 Channel 5 for a year before hosting ‘YouthTalk with Emilia’ for 5 years and then ‘Rubbin’Minds’ on Channels TV.”, she added.
Though she began her career journey early, her passion and commitment to what she believed in spurred her into becoming a huge success in the tech and media space.
Having started out professionally in youth marketing and youth development, this exceptional woman co-founded RedSTRAT, (now RED Media), The Future Awards, (now The Future Africa), and ThistlePraxis; worked in media technology briefly, before establishing AML in 2010 where she was both Founder and Practice Director until her death.
With over 16 years of professional experience, Ms. Asim-Ita was a multi-sector strategist and expert in Business Sustainability, Communications, Development.
She was a selfless personality who gave back to society wherever she could by supporting organizations as a volunteer, board member, or mentor.
Notable organizations where she mentored include the Lagos chapter of Founder’s Institute, Queens Young Leaders (YLP) Programme by Cambridge University, United Kingdom, INVENT Lagos, TEEP, LEAP Africa and Teach for Nigeria. Indeed, she was a devoted woman who truly made a difference!
Emilia Asim-Ita’s fitting advice to young people
Understanding that every individual has something unique to them, she advised that young people should find their own path and follow it. She explained this further:
“I would advise someone younger or older or in my age group to follow their convictions and stay true to their values. And this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pivot in business or remodel your approach as often as things change.
We live in a world where those who shout the loudest seem to be the only ones celebrated; never be intimidated by noise or fooled by the appearance of success.
Life has taught me that it’s never about the quantity but the quality, never the size but the depth, never the outcome but the impact, and never how soon but how well we build a legacy.” We can agree that truer words were never spoken.
Emilia Asim-Ita was loved, respected, admired, and regarded as an exemplary role model. Though her death met with numerous reactions including stark disbelief, pain, and grief, a common thread that runs through all of them is the recognition of her contributions to humanity. On social media, many high-profile figures have expressed their grief over her sudden and untimely demise.
Nigerian filmmaker and founder of Africa Movie Academy Awards, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, also commented on Facebook saying,
“Rest well beautiful soul Asim-Ita Emilia. This was too early, you had so much to give, but your light will continue to shine, bless you, sis, bless you as the angels welcome you home.”
Also, Esther Ijewere, author, advocate, women and girl child’s rights activist, and a columnist for The Guardian wrote:
“Goodnight Emilia. This one pierced through my soul. You lived Sister, You lived intentionally, superwoman & relentless soul. When will this cycle of grief end? Jesus, I am tired of typing RIP. Rest in Peace.”
At techbuild.africa, we equally express our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends as well as the entire staff, and the Board of A’Lime Media Limited.
Featured Image: Emilia Asim-Ita, Founder, AML
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