Arinola was a dedicated colleague, trusted friend, and passionate contributor whose impact on Nigeria’s, Africa’s, and the global ICT community will long be remembered. For over two decades, she served with excellence, commitment, and a strong spirit of collaboration across various leadership platforms, including ITAN, ICANN BC, and AfICTA. Her courage, professionalism, and faithful service distinguished her throughout her life. Though her passing is deeply painful, her legacy of commitment and service remains enduring.

Dr. Jimson Olufuye Founder, Fmr. Chair & Chair, AfICTA Advisory Council

Arinola wasn't only just a colleague of mine but also a dear friend. Her friendship was genuine, dependable, and deeply treasured. She was a source of strength and encouragement to me. She was tough when circumstances demanded toughness, courageous when difficult decisions had to be made, and steadfast in her convictions. She stood firmly for what she believed was right, even when it was not the easiest path to take. Her integrity was unquestionable, and her principles guided every aspect of her life. Arinola was also exceptionally smart. Her sharp mind, insightful perspective, and ability to solve complex problems earned my respect. She approached challenges with clarity and determination, inspiring me to think bigger and strive for excellence. She had a gift for seeing possibilities where others saw obstacles. What I will remember most about Arinola is the combination of these qualities. She was strong without being harsh, principled without being rigid, intelligent without being arrogant, and successful without losing her humanity. I will remember her strength. I will remember her wisdom. I will remember her friendship. Most importantly, I will remember the extraordinary person she was. My deepest condolences to the family and colleagues. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Ms. Ulandi Exner, Fmr. Chair, AfICTA

In Loving Memory of Arinola ❤️ A profound leader and visionary, Arinola was a guiding light who shaped the African ICT landscape with brilliant foresight and unwavering integrity. More than a pioneer of digital transformation, she was a relentless advocate for community, dedicated to lifting others up as she climbed. Her legacy is measured in the barriers she broke, the networks she built, and the generation of African tech talent she inspired. Though she is no longer with us, her impact remains woven into the very fabric of the continent's digital ecosystem.

Mr. Waddah Fadul, Board, AfICTA

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of our colleague, leader, and mentor in the ICT industry.

Madam Arinola Akinyemi was a true visionary and brilliant mind in the ICT field. Her leadership and guidance have left an enduring legacy in the Tech industry. May we find peace and comfort in her incredible achievements in Africa's Digital Transformation Agenda.

She was not just an exceptional ICT Professional, but also a wonderful Mentor who always took the time to share her expertise locally and globally. She received critical acclaim and prestigious accolades for her outstanding contributions to the ICT field.

May God bless her soul and comfort her family during this difficult moment.

Rest In Peace, Ma ?️

Mr. Lucas Oluoch, Principal ICT Officer, Kenya Wildlife Service

Not everyone gets lucky to have a sister like Arinola Juliana. She had a way of keeping things grounded — of stepping in, stepping up, and making sure things get done. She had a heart that cared deeply, and it was easy to take that presence for granted.
Now that she's gone, the quiet space she's left behind feels enormous. We say thank you to a sister who didn't need applause to make an impact. Who helped in quiet ways, who gave without fanfare, and who helped by doing. Her legacy is one of dependability, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength. We miss and love you always! ??❤️?

Mrs Shade Olawuwo

Arinola was a remarkable leader whose dedication and contributions left a lasting mark on AfICTA and the African ICT community. As Vice Chair, West Africa, she served with passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the advancement of Africa’s digital future. Her thoughtful leadership, professionalism, and collaborative spirit made her a valued colleague and respected voice across our organization. While her absence is deeply felt, her legacy of service and impact will continue to inspire.

Ms. Rachael Shitanda, Acting Chair, AfICTA

Ms Arinola Akinyemi... her last message to me was "Now this is steeze" referring to a throw back picture of myself and a more recent picture. This shows her very humorous and sense of connecting easily. She was a mentor, leader, strategist and a brilliant woman. Very outspoken, seeing possibilities in situations while remaining principled. Her life has touched many others (especially youths and young people across Africa and around the world). She will be missed greatly by her family, IT communities and all her dear colleagues and friends. May her soul rest in peace.

Mr. Timilehin Ambali, Board Member, AfICTA

It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute in honor of Ms. Arinola Akinyemi, a dear friend, an exceptional professional, and a truly remarkable human being.

Arinola was one of those rare individuals whose presence commanded respect without demanding it. She possessed an extraordinary intellect, remarkable wisdom, and a level of maturity that distinguished her among her peers. Her ability to analyze complex issues, provide thoughtful guidance, and lead with clarity made her an outstanding leader and mentor to many.

Within the ICANN and Internet governance community, Arinola earned the admiration of colleagues across the world through her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Yet, her greatest qualities extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. She was a person of character, integrity, humility, and genuine kindness.

What made Arinola truly special was not only her intelligence but also her heart. She carried herself with grace, treated people with respect, and inspired confidence in everyone privileged to know her. Her wisdom was matched by her compassion, and her leadership was grounded in service to others.
To those of us who had the privilege of calling her a friend, Arinola was a source of encouragement, insight, and inspiration. She embodied the values of true leadership, strength with humility, excellence with kindness, and influence with purpose.

While words cannot fully express the loss, I take comfort in the legacy she leaves behind. Her impact on the lives she touched, the communities she served, and the people she mentored will continue to endure. She was indeed a blessed soul whose life reflected purpose, grace, and uncommon excellence.

May her memory remain a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Rest in peace, dear Arinola. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Taiwo Peter Akinremi

Ms. Arinola was a committed leader whose service and dedication left a lasting impact on AfICTA and Africa’s ICT ecosystem. As Vice Chair, West Africa, she served with passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to advancing digital transformation across the continent. Her wisdom, warmth, and collaborative spirit enriched our work and inspired those around her. Though her passing is a painful loss, her legacy of service, excellence, and leadership will continue to inspire generations.

Kayode Oyeyemi, Acting Executive Director, AfICTA

Ms Arinola was a woman of substance, wisdom, and remarkable kindness. She was someone I deeply admired for her warmth, generosity, and cheerful spirit. Always full of life and laughter, she had a unique way of making people feel welcome and valued. ‎ ‎I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with her through various work-related engagements and activities. Every encounter reflected her professionalism, passion, and genuine concern for others. ‎ ‎Though her passing leaves a great void, her legacy of kindness, excellence, and selflessness will continue to inspire many. ‎ ‎May God grant her family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. ‎Rest in peace, Miss. Arinola Akinyemi. You will be greatly missed.

Adam Odufuye,  Dotengee Ltd.

I operate a small ICANN-Accredited registrar in the USA, and I had the privilege of serving the global community with Arinola on the Nominating Committee. It was truly great to meet and know someone of such character, principle, wisdom, and integrity. Her many decades of accomplishments in pioneering paths in Africa's technology expansion are remarkable, as was her ability to take situations and groups, hear all perspectives and respectfully find solutions. She taught me a variety of sayings that I will always cite, such as, "God's designed a balance of two ears and one mouth for a reason". Truly a remarkable human being, and I am grateful for the time I had in her orbit. Rest in bliss and peace, Arinola..

Jothan Frakes,  ICANN

On behalf of myself and my family, I pay tribute to a distinguished colleague and leader whose life exemplified substance, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of ICT across Africa.

The departed was a woman of remarkable fortitude and value. Within AfICTA, she was known as a motivator, a principled voice, and a colleague who consistently approached our engagements with candor, professionalism, and a constructive spirit. Her contributions were marked by clarity of thought, boldness in advocacy, and an abiding dedication to the mission of fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem in Africa.

In her passing, AfICTA has lost a precious gem and a respected leader. Her courage, resolve, and steadfastness serve as a lasting example to all who had the privilege of working alongside her. While we mourn her absence, we take solace in the legacy she leaves behind and in the knowledge that she now rests in the eternal peace of the Almighty God.

May her soul find eternal rest in the Lord Jesus, and may her example continue to inspire our collective efforts at AfICTA. Amen..

Dr Segun H. Olugbile,  CEO DAPT Ltd

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Arinola Akinyemi.

I had the privilege of working closely with Arinola on the ICANN NomCom 2025 Committee. She brought passion, determination, and an unwavering positive spirit to everything she did. No matter the challenge, she was always smiling, encouraging others, and helping move the work forward with grace and optimism.

Arinola lived a colorful and meaningful life, leaving a lasting impact on those who had the opportunity to know and work with her. Her contributions to the ICANN community and the broader African Internet community will continue to be felt for years to come.

She will be remembered not only for what she accomplished, but also for the warmth, kindness, and energy she shared so generously with others.

My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. May she rest in peace.

Mr Ching Chiao