kakalistiq.com reports that it was a grand blend of celebration, gratitude and spiritual reflection as Deaconess Mrs. Aderonke Olufunmilola Bamgbose marked her statutory retirement as Director with the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission alongside her 60th birthday in a colourful ceremony held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Bethel Suites and Event Centre, Redeemed Church Camp, Mowe, Ogun State.
Born on January 6, 1966, Deaconess Bamgbose’s life has been defined by service and sacrifice. Her 33-year journey in the education sector began as a Master Grade II teacher and culminated at the pinnacle of public service as Director of Education, a career arc celebrated by colleagues and family as “a testimony of diligence, discipline and divine favour.”
From the moment she stepped into the hall, the celebrant’s infectious energy set the tone. Dressed elegantly and radiating joy, she danced with youthful enthusiasm, drawing cheers from guests who saw in her movements not just celebration, but the triumph of a fulfilled career.
The event attracted an array of distinguished personalities, including Pastor and Mrs. Olufemi Alani Olutoto, Principal of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary School, Ojodu-Ikeja; Deacon and Lady Evangelist Wemimo Dada, Founder of Elijah Apostolic Christ Church, Mowe; Professor Mustapha Adéyemí Bamgbose of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Alhaji and Alhaja Murtala Adetunji Bamgbose, Director of Public Service, Alausa, Ikeja; and the Chairman of the occasion, His Eminence Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa, Primate of the African Church, Nigeria.
Other notable guests who graced the celebration further underscored the esteem in which the celebrant is held across religious, educational and community circles. They included Rev. and Deaconess Adenrele O. Oduwaiye; Mrs. V. O. Ogundiran, Vice Principal of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Secondary School, Ojodu-Ikeja; Hon. Abisola Onakomaya-Solagbade of Mushin Constituency; Engineer Moses Tope Obaniyi, PRO of Loburo Community Development Association; Elder Samuel Odufuwa, a respected senior citizen; Mrs. Opeoluwa Orekoya, Mother of the Day and Rev. (Mrs.) D. O. Odusanya, General Overseer of Power of God Never Change Church, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. Their presence added further weight and distinction to an occasion already rich with honour, celebration and heartfelt tributes.
Adding cultural colour and glamour were members of Elijah Apostolic Church, Mowe, the Royal Bundle Club and Egbe Gbobaniyi of Odo-Egiri Kingdoms in Epe, whose vibrant presence transformed the celebration into a festival of religion, heritage and unity.
In his welcome address, Pastor Olufemi Alani Olutoto showered encomiums on the celebrant for her unwavering dedication to duty and immense contribution to the development of education in Lagos State. He described her career as “a model for younger teachers” and urged her to embrace retirement as a season of rest, service to God and entrepreneurial engagement.
Chairman of the occasion, His Eminence Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa, praised Deaconess Bamgbose for balancing her devotion to God with excellence in public service. He reminded the gathering that the grace to begin and end well in a long career is a rare divine gift, adding that her life stood as proof of God’s honour upon faithful service.
Testimonies flowed freely from colleagues, neighbours, family members and well-wishers who recounted stories of her discipline, compassion and leadership. The hall echoed with laughter and applause as speakers took turns to celebrate a woman they described as “a pillar of strength and a fountain of wisdom.”
One of the most emotional moments came when her daughter, Miss Omolewa Bamgbose, delivered a heartfelt tribute, portraying her mother as a disciplinarian, a nurturer and a woman who sacrificed endlessly for her children and students alike. The tribute drew standing ovations and a few tears from the audience.
Members of Egbe Akomolede Yoruba also paid glowing tributes, hailing her as an icon of cultural preservation and a result-driven leader whose tenure transformed their association.
The pen-down ceremony was conducted by Pastor Olufemi Alani Olutoto, who offered prayers for good health and long life as the celebrant bowed out of active service “gloriously and fulfilled.” Professor Mustapha Adéyemí Bamgbose later proposed a toast as the birthday cake was cut amid jubilations.
Overflowing with gratitude, Deaconess Bamgbose thanked Almighty God for sustaining her through what she described as a “tempest yet rewarding journey of service,” and expressed appreciation to friends, colleagues and loved ones for their overwhelming show of love. Gifts poured in as Mr. Babatunde Erinjogunola delivered the vote of thanks, while the celebrant danced once again, this time in pure thanksgiving and praise.
The night ended not just as a birthday party or retirement ceremony, but as a powerful tribute to three decades of dedication, a lifetime of impact, and a woman whose legacy in education and faith will long be remembered.
