In Loving Memory of Valentina (Valya)

Alecksandrovna Saliu-Lawal Nee

VOLOSEVICH.
Introduction
Our hearts are heavy as we gather to celebrate the life of Valentina Alecksandrovna Saliu-Lawal
nee Volosevich, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Born
on the 20th of January 1941, she peacefully departed this world on the 18th of April 2024 at the
age of 83 years.

Early Years and Family

Valya was born to Nikolaevich Alexander Volosevich and Ivanova Anna Rogova in Moscow, Russia
(Former Soviet Union/USSR). She grew up in a close-knit family, surrounded by love and laughter.
She was the last of four children, all of whom have since departed this world.
Her childhood was filled with memories of the Second World War. Valya was married to Dr.
Mustapha Dapo Saliu-Lawal on 6 July 1967 and later got divorced in 1989. After her divorce,
Valya never remarried and dedicated her life to her children.
Notable to note, Valya was the second woman to migrate to Nigeria in 1964 after her very dear
friend, Mrs Geta Akande. Valya was born into an Atheist family in Russia but later in life, she
started to believe in God after her mentor, President Vladimir Putin restored the Orthodox
Church in modern day Russia today.

Education and Career

Valya attended Moscow Medical College No. 2 named after Klara Zetkin from 1971 – 1974 and
finished the complete course of the college with the speciality of Medical Nurse. Before that ,
Valya worked as sales representative at the Wall paper House, Moscow at the age of 23 years and
then worked for state construction committee ( GOSSTROY) of USSR from 1964 to 1966 and
state construction committee ( GOSSTROY) of USSR from 1971 to 1974 as an Economist.
Throughout her career as a manager, she worked tirelessly to avoid waste and corruption. Valya
wrote letters to three Presidents in her lifetime, President Leonid Brezhnev, President Dmitry
Medvedev and President Vladimir Putin to address certain issues.

Passions and Hobbies

Valya had a zest for life. She was a dedicated Housewife who loved to look after everyone,
whether it was tending to children of her friends and Lawal family children (my cousins) or
cooking elaborate Russian family meals. Her Love and kindness shone through in everything she
did. Valya worked first as Dental Nurse in Benin City, afterwards, she went on to work at Country
Home Motels (The Ranch), Golden Girl Pools, Nitomac Furniture, and Barka Nigeria Ltd.
afterwards, she worked in several other places such as Onitsha and Lagos.
In Lagos, Valya worked for Jabita Hotels, Hassan Jammal, Weesam and Larisa Mansour and Lana
Bada before retiring from active service.
Family and Relationships
As a mother, Valya was unwavering in her love and support. She raised two children—Osazuwa
Dmitry Saliu-Lawal and Omoruyi Alexey Saliu-Lawal.
As a grandmother to her cherished grandchildren, Omoruyi Alexander Saliu-Lawal and Omorefe
Dmitry Saliu-Lawal, she showered them, with much love, patience, and a sense of adventure. Her
traditional Russian cooking created lasting memories.
As a friend, she was fiercely loyal, she stood up for those who couldn’t and was a rock to her
friends and family, both immediate and extended.
Valya was so close to her family to the point that she showed up to my honeymoon a day after
my wedding just to spend time with us.

Community Involvement
Valya was deeply committed to her community. She volunteered and was once the President of
the Association of Soviet Women in Nigeria (ASWIN) in partnership with RODINA Society (Soviet
Society for Cultural Relations with Citizens abroad), Soviet Union, always putting others before
herself. Her selflessness inspired us all. Valya was a member of Benin club for several years before
moving to Lagos for Greener pastures.

Legacy and Impact

Valya was a remarkable woman- a fighter, a devoted mother, mother-in-law and a cherished
grandmother. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone who
knew her. We find solace in knowing that she is now at peace, free from pain. Valya's legacy
extends beyond her immediate family. She taught us the true value of kindness, and her kindness
rippled through generations. Her love and kindness will continue to inspire us.
Valya feared no one in her Lifetime, not even the Police in Nigeria.

Closing Thoughts
As we bid farewell to Valentina Alecksandrovna Saliu-Lawal (Valya), let us remember her
infectious laughter, her warm hugs, and the way she made us feel cherished. She leaves behind a
legacy of love, resilience, and compassion.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Thank you very much to Naomi Oghomwen Adesuwa Saliu-Lawal (my wife) for your endless love,
support, care, and cooking to my mother, Valya.

Omoruyi Alexey Saliu-Lawal and family. (Son)