…Eminent Nigerians converge on Ibadan to celebrate Mrs. Moyomade Bolatito Ojo-Lanre’s distinguished career in education
Eminent Nigerians from the political, diplomatic, academic, media, entertainment, tourism and hospitality sectors converged on Ibadan to celebrate Mrs. Moyomade Bolatito Ojo-Lanre on the occasion of her birthday and retirement from active service after a distinguished career in education.
The ceremony, held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, attracted family members, friends, professional colleagues and well-wishers who paid glowing tributes to the celebrant for her discipline, dedication to education, commitment to family and decades of service to society.
Among the dignitaries at the colourful birthday and pen-down ceremony were former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi; Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari; Mrs. Toyin Adaramodu, wife of Senator Yemi Adaramodu; renowned actor Yomi Fash-Lanso; Prof. Babalola Wasiu Adeyemo, President, Hotel Management and Tourism, Atiba University; Babasoji Awe, General Manager, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development; Mr. Ayo Ogundele, President, Oyo State Hoteliers Association; Otunba Ayo Olumoko; Babatope Omotehinse; Babatope Oloropupo; Mogaji Soladoye Adewole; Mogaji Cosmos Olalekan Oni; Oyo State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Akeem Abass; Pastor Funsho Fafowora; Yinka Agboola; Sunday Olajide; Omooba Kunle Olatunji; Remi Koleoso; Monica Taiwo and Dapo Falade, among others.
Mrs. Ojo-Lanre, who commenced her professional teaching career at Apata Grammar School, Apata, Ibadan, retired in 2026 as Principal of Oyalami Community Grammar School, Orita Challenge, Ibadan. Her career trajectory from classroom teacher to school administrator was widely described by speakers as a reflection of discipline, perseverance, professional competence and commitment to developing young minds.
Speaking at the event, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari described the Ojo-Lanre family as deserving of honour, while expressing his respect and affection for Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Esq. He disclosed that he had already booked a travel ticket before learning about the ceremony but had to alter his travel plans to attend. Buhari congratulated Mrs. Ojo-Lanre on her successful career and acknowledged her invaluable support to her husband throughout his engagements in journalism, law, public service and tourism development.
Also speaking, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi paid an emotional tribute to the celebrant, describing her as more than a wife to Wale Ojo-Lanre. He commended her for serving as a mother, sister, companion and dependable pillar of support to her husband and family. Farounbi, who had returned from the United States for the occasion, highlighted her patience, understanding and sacrifices, noting that many successful public figures have spouses who make significant contributions away from the public spotlight.
Mrs. Toyin Adaramodu praised Mrs. Ojo-Lanre for her strength of character, humility and commitment to family values, while Yomi Fash-Lanso described her as a true and dependable wife — an “Iyawo gidi” — whose dedication to her family remained evident over the years. Fash-Lanso noted that successfully combining marriage, motherhood and a demanding professional career to attain the position of Principal was itself an achievement worthy of celebration.
Prof. Babalola Wasiu Adeyemo commended the celebrant’s commitment to intellectual and professional development, describing her progression from classroom teacher to Principal as evidence of perseverance and leadership. He urged her to deploy the wealth of experience accumulated during her career towards mentoring younger professionals and contributing to society after retirement. Similarly, the President of the Oyo State Hoteliers Association, Mr. Ayo Ogundele, described her retirement as a moment of thanksgiving and accomplishment after decades of meritorious service.
In a family tribute, Bukky Ojo-Lanre, Esq., described her mother as an exceptional parent whose approach to child-rearing was built around discipline, education and sound values. She said Mrs. Ojo-Lanre remained uncompromising about the proper upbringing and education of her children, insisting that discipline and strong values were essential foundations for responsible adulthood.
The celebrant’s achievements also extended beyond her professional responsibilities. After obtaining a degree in Chemistry Education from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, she returned to academic pursuit and earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 2016. She subsequently continued her steady rise within the Oyo State teaching service until her retirement as Principal.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, reminiscences, music, dancing and expressions of gratitude, with speakers repeatedly describing Mrs. Ojo-Lanre as disciplined, resilient, accommodating and deeply committed to education and family.
For Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate the woman who had shared his journey through the years while building her own distinguished career. The impressive gathering of personalities from different walks of life transformed the event into a celebration not only of a birthday and retirement, but also of friendship, family, service and enduring relationships.
At the centre of the celebration was Mrs. Moyomade Bolatito Ojo-Lanre — an educationist who rose from classroom teacher to Principal, continued her own intellectual development while nurturing others, and devoted decades to moulding young minds.
Indeed, it was more than a birthday and pen-down ceremony; it was a celebration of a fulfilled career, a nurtured family, enduring friendships and a life of service worthy of honour.
