…..Retiree applauded for dedication to education and community development
..Tributes pour in as colleagues describe her as a disciplined and compassionate teacher
By Peter Taiwo
Family members, friends, professional colleagues and well-wishers on Saturday converged on the Cooperative Hall, Obantoko, Abeokuta, to celebrate the retirement of Mrs. Bolanle Amoke Sowole from the Ogun State public service after 35 years of meritorious service.
The colourful ceremony came barely a day after Mrs. Sowole voluntarily retired from service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 years, bringing to a close a distinguished career in primary education.
The celebrant, who retired from Community Primary School, Gbonagun, Odo Eran, Obantoko, was described by speakers at the event as a committed educator whose contributions positively impacted generations of pupils across Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Guests from different walks of life filled the hall to honour Mrs. Sowole, the wife of Mr. James Ayinde Sowole, Ogun State Correspondent of ThisDay Newspaper and National Ex-Officio of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The atmosphere was filled with joy and thanksgiving as relatives, former colleagues, neighbours and associates took turns to congratulate the retiree for successfully completing her career in public service.
In her remarks, Mrs. Sowole expressed gratitude to God for granting her good health and strength throughout her years in service, noting that the journey was both rewarding and fulfilling.
She thanked members of her family, colleagues and friends for their support and encouragement over the years, saying their contributions helped her navigate the challenges of the teaching profession.
Born about six decades ago at Luwani Village in Eweje, Odeda Local Government Area, Mrs. Sowole began her educational journey at African Church Primary School, Rogun Rogun, before completing her primary education at Methodist Primary School, Itesi, Abeokuta.
Determined to pursue academic excellence, she proceeded to Lantoro High School, Abeokuta, where she completed her secondary education in 1986.
She later enrolled at St. Leo’s Teachers Training College, Onikoko, Abeokuta, but was transferred alongside other students to Divisional Teachers Training College, Ilaro, following the merger of teachers’ training institutions.
At Ilaro, she successfully completed her Teachers Grade II Certificate programme, laying the foundation for a career that would span more than three decades.
In her quest for higher qualifications, Mrs. Sowole also attended Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, where she obtained the National Certificate in Education (NCE).
Her teaching career officially commenced on June 1, 1991, when she was posted to Christ Anglican School, Aderupoko, where she began nurturing young minds and contributing to grassroots educational development.
Throughout her years in service, she served in several primary schools within Odeda Local Government, earning respect from pupils, parents and fellow educators alike.
Among the schools where she served were Christ Anglican School, Shokan; African Church Primary School, Rogun Rogun; Anglican Primary School, Mogan; OLG Primary School, Obantoko; and Anglican Primary School, Bale Ogunbayo.
She also worked at Community Primary School, Gbonagun, Odo Eran, Obantoko, where she concluded her public service career before retiring on Friday.
Chairman of the ocassion, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju described her as a teacher who combined discipline with compassion, adding that her dedication to duty and commitment to the welfare of her pupils distinguished her among her peers.
Olanrewaju who is the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists Ogun State Council, said her dedication and good motherhood has been a reference point to good homes
Several colleagues recounted fond memories of her professionalism, patience and willingness to mentor younger teachers, qualities they said contributed significantly to the success of the schools where she worked.
The event also featured prayers, goodwill messages, presentation of gifts and cultural entertainment as guests celebrated a woman many described as an exemplary teacher and devoted family matriarch.
Mrs. Sowole, who got married on June 10, 1995, and whose union is blessed with children, was showered with encomiums as family members expressed pride in her accomplishments and service to humanity.
As the celebration drew to a close, guests wished the retiree a fulfilling and healthy retirement, urging her to continue contributing her wealth of experience to the development of education and society.
