Jude Solomon’s sudden death hit everyone like a thunderstorm. One year after he passed to eternal glory, Solomon, described by many as one of the finest gentlemen they ever came across, is still being mourned by everyone who knew him. Many who benefitted from his friendship and magnanimity reassembled at memorial masses celebrated for him on 13 September 2022 in Nigeria, Lebanon, United Kingdom and Australia.
Nobody makes a fine corpse. But Jude Rudolf Solomon did. Even in death, the beloved businessman cut a perfect portrait of charm and humanity at its finest.
Few people get to transit from being utterly indispensable to “eternally unforgettable.”
This truth amongst so many others manifested in the manner in which friends and families have been mourning the astute businessman and generous philanthropist who lived life in line with the teachings of his Creator.
He never treated anyone as a minor or stranger or competitor. Jude was dear to anyone who had the qualities of endearment. He had a quiet way of being genuine. He did something unique and beautiful by setting aside his own interests to work for the good of others.
Jude was a good person who without doubt has been rewarded with a smooth passage to heaven where he is with his Creator. He will never be forgotten. May his kind soul continue to rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord.
While alive, Solomon worked with Otedola at Zenon Petroleum & Gas Ltd.
Within a short while in the company, Jude proved himself to be the proverbial swizz knife. He was simply exceptional. He was multi-dimensional and vast in his approach to work and situation. He was a problem solver and a team player in his delivery and discharging of duties. This helped Zenon rise astronomically above its competitors as he also rose to the position of Head of Sales and Marketing Zenon Nigeria.
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After working and building the Zenon brand for eleven years, Jude finally set forth on a new challenge in 2009. He left Zenon to pursue his interests in the energy sector and real estate development. He further transformed those seeds into a thriving business he managed successfully until he was visited and taken away by the grim reaper on 13 September 2021.
He was not only successful on the business front; he was equally a dedicated family man and a lover of animals. He married his wife Maricel in May 2011 and the union was blessed with two wonderful sons – Jason and Kevin aged 9 and 7 years respectively.
When the news of his shocking demise erupted, his former boss and mentor, Femi Otedola could not hide his feelings as he put pen to paper scribbling a tribute on his encounter with the magic working marketer.
Otedola averred that; “Jude was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever come across. I have known him for 22 years of his life. He worked with me for many years learning the rudiments of business. He was there for me at very significant periods in my life and business. We spoke every morning, severally during the day and last thing at night. He was fiercely loyal, sincere and extremely honest right to the end. He was selfless and always thought of others before himself.
He was deeply spiritual and an excellent father and husband. His dedication to family was absolute. Jude, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
