By Olufunke Ojo
Education stakeholders in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos State and beyond, family members and dignitaries have lauded the retired deputy director of education in the council, Mrs. Florence Aderemi.
It was during an event marking her statutory retirement and pen down after 35 years of service, which held in Lagos recently.
In their tributes, led by the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Lasisi Owolabi, the retiring educationist was commended for living an exemplary life for others to follow.
She was described as an administrator, who always encouraged other members of staff to do more and be diligent in their work.
Owolabi noted that Mrs. Aderemi was “one of the best teachers in Nigeria”.
He said: “I’ve known her for advocating for gender and inclusive education. She has supported head teachers in writing their school development plans, writing of sectional reports, advocacy and sensitisation for enrolment in primary schools.
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“She is a talented, hardworking trainer and intelligent teacher to the core, who has also received multiple awards and attended more than 100 seminars and conferences in her years of service. Mrs. Aderemi is a role model at her work places and among teachers in Nigeria.”
Other stakeholders in the council, family members and dignitaries also lauded the retiring deputy director for service to the education sector in the state.
Mrs. Aderemi’s profile was read by one of her well-wishers, Mrs. Bimbo Kupoluyi.
Mrs. Kupoluyi, in the citation, said: “Mrs. Florence Aderemi is an indigene of Ilesha, Osun State. She started her teaching career in 1987 in Ketu, Lagos State. She obtained her Grade 2 Certificate in 1986. Mrs. Aderemi obtained her National Certificate of Education (NCE) in 1995. She proceeded to Lagos State University for her first degree, where she studied Guidance and Counseling in 1996-2001, after which she proceeded to University of Lagos in 2010-2012 for her Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling.
“The celebrator has taught in many schools in Nigeria, which include: Ategbon Olukotun Primary School Ikotun, Anglican Church Primary School Akesan, Egbeda Primary School Egbeda, and African Church Primary School Mosan Ipaja. She was also a part-time lecturer at Yewa College of Education, Ogun State. She became the social mobilisation desk officer of the Local Government Education Authority in Alimosho from 2010 to 2015. Then, she became the Head of Section, Social Mobilisation of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Education Authority from 2015 till date.”
Responding, Mrs. Aderemi, in her speech, gave all glory to God for making her to go far in her career.
She added: “I also give thanks to my husband, Mr. Johnson Aderemi, a lawyer, for his love and support. I also want to thank my entire family for their support. They have been very supportive of every step I took in my career so far. I am very grateful for my experiences so far. There are sweet and bitter experiences, but I’m thankful for life and growth.”
In her message to those still in service, she said: “A teacher needs to be focused in life, dedicated and determined. With due concentration, a teacher will be great in life.”
The event was concluded with dancing, rejoicing and presentation of gifts to the retiring deputy director by her family members, friends and well-wishers.