Chief (Mrs) Olaitan Victoria Abiodun, educationist, businesswoman, and mother of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, marked her 90th birthday on Wednesday, October 15, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers.
Born on October 15, 1935, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, to Mr. Raji Alli Balogun and Mrs. Adijatu Kubura Alli Sobowale, Chief (Mrs) Abiodun began her education at Bishop Oluwole Memorial Primary School, Agege, Lagos, and completed her primary education at St. James Anglican Primary School, Iperu, in 1955.
She began her teaching career in 1956 at African Church Primary School, Iperu, before earning her Grade 3 and Grade 2 teaching certificates from Teacher Training Colleges in Iperu and Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, respectively. Over the years, she taught in various schools across Ogun and Ondo States, including St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Sagamu, and Ondo High School, where she rose to Head of the Home Economics Department before retiring in 1986.
After retirement, she ventured into business, expanding her trade beyond the education sector.
Reflecting on her 90-year journey, Chief (Mrs) Abiodun described her life as one defined by grace, faith, and hard work. “Ninety years is not a small journey. It’s been grace all through — grace that carried me through marriage, motherhood, teaching, and service to my community,” she said.
She fondly recalled her late husband, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, popularly known as “Baba Teacher,” describing their 65-year marriage as a partnership built on shared values of service and integrity. “We both believed teaching was more than a job — it was a ministry. When you teach a child, you shape the world,” she said.
Chief (Mrs) Abiodun also spoke about the importance of moral values and good character. “The world is moving fast, but good character never goes out of fashion. Power should bring compassion, not arrogance,” she advised.
She urged Nigerian women to see themselves as “builders of homes and society,” adding that her greatest legacy remains a good name. “If people remember me as a woman of faith, discipline, and love, I am fulfilled,” she said.
As tributes poured in, Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude for his mother’s lifelong guidance and example, describing her as a pillar of strength and a symbol of quiet leadership.
Chief (Mrs) Abiodun concluded her remarks with a prayer for peace and prosperity in Nigeria: “May God guide our leaders, bless our children, and let the light of truth never go out in our land.”
