The 10th year memorial anniversary of the transition of Princess Tejumade Alakija has started in Virginia, The United States of America last Saturday.
The events started with a Church thanksgiving service held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of Praise, Chesapeake Virginia and a Luncheon at the residence of Dr. Akomolafe & Mrs Toyin Lambo-Akomolafe her daughter.
Omooba Tejumade Alakija (nee Aderemi), transited to glory on 23rd August, 2013 at the age of 88. She was born in 1925 to the royal family of late Oba Adesoji Aderemi Tadenikawo, a former Ooni of Ife and Governor of Western Nigeria and Queen Olapeju Aderemi (nee Omisore). Princess Alakija was a Nigerian Civil Servant, Educator, Administrator and Women’s Rights Activist during her lifetime.
Late Tejumade Alakija started her Primary education at Ile Ife, later attended Kudeti Girls School in Ibadan and CMS Girls School Lagos for her Secondary education after which she enrolled at the Prestigious University of London to study History and Postgraduate Studies in Education at Oxford. She started her civil service career as a teacher at Queens School Ede, Abeokuta Grammar School and led the establishment of Anglican Girls Grammar School Ijebu Ode at instance of the Anglican Church.
Princess Tejumade Alakija joined the Western Nigeria Civil Service and served as Assistant Secretary at the Ministry Works, and later the Ministry of Trade and Industry before becoming a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education. She retired as Head of Civil Service Oyo State, the first female to be so appointed in Nigeria. She was also former Pro Chancellor of three Universities , University of Benin, University of Nigeria Nsukka and University of Abuja.
In her remark on behalf of the family, her daughter Mrs Toyin Lambo-Akomolafe ably supported by her husband Dr. Olusoji Akomolafe said a lot of Nigerians are beneficiaries of Mama’s amazing legacy of hard work, discipline and commitment. Plans are in place to perpetuate her name in the consciousness of Nigerians because she is an icon of education development, public service and women advancement.
Mama Tejumade Alakija’s nephews and nieces led by Prince Abimbola & Olori Esther Olagbaju, Dr Dehinde & Olori Arleen Orafidiya, Prince Tokunbo Adeniji, Prince Wale Adeyemo, Princess Bolatito Mosaku, Mr Akin Fadeyi and Omo Oba Adetola Fadeyi were among the dignitaries present at the Virginia memorial event. They all extolled the legacies of Mama Alakija saying they are being comforted by the legacies she left. Other dignitaries include Ambassador & Mrs Myrick, Mr & Pastor (Mrs) Olugbemi, Pa Lambo, Mrs Layeni, Mrs Yemisi Omisore, Mr Soji Johnson, Lola & Joke Kassim, Foluso & Bolanle Baruwa, Wale & Folasade Oshin, Ajibike Famewo, Adegboyega Adekemi, Folabi & Folasade Ashimi and Mr Fadahunsi.
The memorial events continues in Nigeria until 23rd August which marks 10 years of her transition to glory.
