Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) and former three – term Federal lawmaker who represented the Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives of the National Assembly in Abuja, Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa, has penned a sterling tribute to commend the retiring School administrator and outstanding educationist, Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi.
Hon. Abike, who was a former seasoned broadcaster with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) before joining politics, in the tribute which was sent to THE IMPACT, recalled how Alhaja Oguniyi, the outgoing Principal of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, which is currently the best Secondary School in Lagos State, impacted on her representation and also how she was of immense assistance to her broadcasting achievements.
Alhaja Ogunniyi will be retiring on September 28, 2020, after a meritorious and excellent civil service career spanning 35 years as a Classroom teacher, Tutor, Vice Principal and Principal.
Over the years, Alhaja Ogunniyi has also been silently engaging in political, community and humanitarian engagements where she had undertook many important assignments and discharged them creditably.
In the tribute titled, ‘Tribute to Alhaja Abiodun Serifat Ogunniyi’, Hon. Abike described her as a warm, sincere and God – fearing woman among other positive adjectives used in commending her.
Hon. Erewa, fondly called ‘The Lady of the Tube’ during her broadcasting days, also stated that one is safe with Alhaja Ogunniyi as a friend.
“Alhaja Oguniyi is one of those persons you just feel you have known all your life. She is so warm, sincere and simply a GOOD person. Dedicated , loyal, kind , humble , respectful and impactful. If you have Alhaja Oguniyi as a friend, you can go to bed with your two eyes closed”.
Recalling how her path crossed with Alhaja Ogunniyi whom she also described as invaluable friend, Abike said :
“I met her in 2003 when I journeyed into politics to represent the Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, She was introduced to me by my Uncle, Uncle Luqman (Erogbogbo), as one of the women whom I could work with as I got into the political space and I am so glad I met her.
“She has been an invaluable friend. When I came up with my decision to give scholarships to indigent children, as a teacher, she advised me to first begin with a coaching scheme. Something that added value to Ikorodu pupils during the holidays.
“So, we began a free coaching / holiday scheme for students during holidays. She coordinated the coaching classes and spent quality time to give quality coaching to students as well as gave out free exercise books and many other items”.
Hon. Abike stated that the coaching classes and scholarship examination that she conducted through Alhaja Ogunniyi turned her into ‘mother’ of triplets, as the former lawmaker is also fondly called by friends and admirers.
According to her, the scholarship that was granted to the triplet whose parents could not afford to fund their education due to financial problem, helped in securing their future.
“Thereafter, we organized an exam for those we had researched to be truly indigent and gave scholarships to the first 10. Something interesting happened; out of the results, a set of triplets came first , second , third. Now, there was a dilemma. Do we give three slots out of ten to one family? Well, Alhaja Oguniyi and I deliberated and decided Yes. They came first , second , third”, she recalled.
“Some people discouraged us that they were Igbos. But we told them we did not care about that. They are Ikorodu residents and they won the scholarships. So, the Aniele triplets got the scholarship. It so happened that they apparently had no hope of going to secondary school as their parents had fallen into some financial difficulty at that time. They only came to the coaching scheme out of a desire to learn.
“Today, the triplets are graduates doing well in their chosen endeavors .One is now a pastor, another is an engineer and the third studied international relations and history”.
The three – term lawmaker said that Alhaja Ogunniyi’s contributions to the success of her scholarship/coaching scheme then convinced her to put her incharge of her educational programmes when she was a Representative.
“Without Alhaja Oguniyi, I could not have taken off my first year in parliament with such an impactful programme which has changed the lives of many. As a result of that, I left every decision on educational programmes to her and we were able to give out hundreds of scholarship. We did Teachers Seminar, recreational events for children, building of classroom blocks and so much more for education in Ikorodu”.
Another area that the retiring educationist also contributed to Hon. Abike’s career was when she offered accommodation and secured school for Mary, the miracle baby that was discovered in one of Hon. Abike’s many broadcasting and professional contributions to humanity.
“You all recall the story of Mary, the Miracle baby, (the girl who was being claimed by three mothers and whose story I followed through at the NTA). Thanks to Alhaja Oguniyi and her adorable daughter, Debola. When there were issues of putting her in a school and a place to stay, she offered to sort it out. We got her into Oriwu College while Alhaja Ogunniyi offered her her home to stay. Mary became a part of her family. All I needed to do was provide for her basic needs. She is such an amazing woman.
“She voluntarily became her foster parent. And thanks to her, she got enrolled into Tai Solarin University and is at her final lap to graduation.
“I can conveniently describe Alhaja Oguniyi as one of the very best teachers / principals in not just Lagos State but Nigeria. The numerous awards she won can attest to this, including best Principal in Nigeria and her school winning best school, and several other awards. She was not only a consummate Professional educator, she also gets involved in communal activities to ensure a well rounded society.
“As she retires, this is the beginning of a new life and even a better one. I have enjoined her to get fully involved in Politics as women like her must continue to make a difference. Her warmth, wisdom and wealth of experience must be passed on to the younger generation, especially young women, as the qualities which has made her a phenomenal woman is what is required to compete favorably in the political sphere.
“I wish Alhaja Oguniyi a retirement life full of happiness and peace.
“And one that promises even more greatness and worthwhile contributions to herself, her family, her state and her country , Nigeria”.
