Seven decades after beginning a life devoted to shaping young minds, veteran educationist and former Principal of Methodist High School, Ilesa, Osun State, Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Famiyesin (née Amokeodo), has been celebrated for a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom, with family, colleagues and education stakeholders gathering to honour her outstanding contributions to learning and human development.
The platinum jubilee celebration, held on Saturday in Ilesa, transformed into a tribute to a woman whose career in education has spanned public service, private school administration and mentorship, earning widespread admiration across the educational community.
Relatives from the Famiyesin and Amokeodo families, friends, former colleagues, associates and members of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ilesa West Chapter, were among dignitaries who attended the colourful celebration.
Activities commenced with a thanksgiving service at the Christ the Saviour Anglican Church, Cappa, Ilesa, where the officiating minister, Very Rev Agboola Raphael Ayodeji, in his sermon, acknowledged marvelous things that God is doing in the life of the celebrant.
Ayodeji also reflected on the importance of gratitude to God for a purposeful and fulfilled life and urged worshippers to remain thankful for divine grace and enduring accomplishments.
The celebration later shifted to Kings Event Centre, opposite the School Board along Ife Road, Ilesa, where guests were entertained with music, refreshments and a reception that featured goodwill messages, presentations and warm tributes celebrating the life and achievements of the celebrant.
Many speakers described Iyabo Famiyesin as an education administrator whose influence has continued to resonate through generations of students and teachers.
Having served as Principal of Methodist High School, Ilesa, she later established His Grace Foundation School, Ireti Ayo, Ilesa, where she has continued her commitment to mentoring young learners and promoting quality education within the private school system.
One of the major highlights of the reception was a tribute delivered by the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ilesa West Chapter, Mr. Azeez Akeem, who commended the celebrant for her enduring commitment to educational development and her dedication to mentoring younger generations.
He said “On behalf of the Executive Council and the entire members of NAPPS Ilesa West Chapter, I heartily congratulate our esteemed member, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Famiyesin, on the joyous occasion of her 70th Birthday, celebrated today — Saturday, July 25, 2026.
“Today, we honour and celebrate an exceptional educationist, an inspiring mentor, and a distinguished school proprietor whose life has been devoted to the advancement of quality education and the development of future generations.
“As the former Principal of Methodist High School, Ilesa, you served with remarkable distinction, discipline and unwavering commitment, leaving behind an enviable legacy of academic excellence and moral uprightness. Even after your retirement from public service, your passion for nurturing young minds continued through the establishment of His Grace Foundation School, Ireti Ayo, Ilesa, where your vision and dedication have continued to transform lives.
“Within the NAPPS family, you have remained a dependable colleague, a source of wisdom, and a shining example of professionalism and integrity. Your wealth of experience, humility, and unwavering commitment to the growth of private education have enriched our association and inspired fellow school proprietors.
“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone of seventy fruitful years, we thank God for a life richly spent in service to God, education and humanity. Your legacy is evident in the countless students you have mentored, the educators you have inspired, and the many lives you have positively influenced.
“On behalf of all members of NAPPS, Ilesa West, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with excellent health, renewed strength, divine protection, overflowing joy, and many more years of peace, fulfilment and impactful service. May your latter years be filled with greater accomplishments and abundant grace.
“Congratulations and Happy 70th Birthday, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Famiyesin!
“Thank you for being a pride to the teaching profession, an outstanding school proprietor, and a valued member of the NAPPS family. We celebrate you today and always.”
The celebration also provided an opportunity for guests to reflect on the pivotal role experienced educators continue to play in nation-building through character development, leadership and academic excellence.
For many in attendance, the occasion was more than a birthday celebration. It was a recognition of a distinguished career defined by service, discipline and an unwavering commitment to education.
As the festivities drew to a close, family members, friends, associates and professional colleagues offered prayers for Iyabo Famiyesin’s continued good health, strength and many more years of impactful service, describing her journey as an enduring source of inspiration to educators and younger generations alike.
