On Friday, January 17, 2025, we will gather to honor the life of our beloved Grandmother, Mother, and Sister, Mrs. Christie Oluwakaiikunmi Adebamiwa, whose remains will be laid to rest after a funeral service at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to serving God as the wife of the late Venerable Joshua Adebamiwa of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.
Early Life and Education
Mrs. Adebamiwa was born on August 16, 1941, to the late Pa Daniel Akinseye Akinsowon Olamiti and the late Mrs. Juliana Oluwawemimo Olamiti in Idanre, Ondo State. Her father served as a Catechist in the Anglican Communion, and her mother was a devoted homemaker. Having lost several children before her birth, her name, Oluwakaiikunmi, was a heartfelt prayer for divine blessing. God answered their prayers, and she thrived, later becoming the eldest of six siblings.
She received her primary education at St. Andrews Primary School, Alade, Idanre (1949-1955), and attended St. Monica’s Grammar School, Ondo (1956-1961) for her secondary education. She completed her ‘A’ levels at Christ School, Ado Ekiti, in 1964 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Religion Studies from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) between 1966 and 1969.
Teaching Career
Mrs. Adebamiwa began her teaching career as an auxiliary trainee at Akoko Grammar School, Arigidi (1962), and Olofin Grammar School, Idanre (1965-66). Over the years, she served in various schools across Oyo, Osun, Kwara, and Ondo States in several capacities:
– Class Teacher
– Olofin Grammar School, Idanre (1969-1970)
– Esie/Iludun Grammar School, Kwara State (1971-1972)
– Islamic Grammar School, Ibadan (1972)
– UMC, Ibadan (1972-1976)
– Vice Principal
– Koso Community Grammar School, Iseyin (1976)
– Methodist High School, Ibadan (1976-1977)
– Anglican Grammar School, Ile Ife (1977-1979)
– Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School, Ile Ife (1979)
– School Principal
– Ooni Girls High School, Ile-Ife (1979-1984, as Pioneer Principal)
– Ife City College, Ile-Ife (1984-1988)
– Ife Girls High School, Ile Ife (1988-1994)
– Baptist Grammar School, Iwo (1994-1995)
– Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Oshogbo (1995)
– Baptist Girls High School, Oshogbo (Nov 1995-2000, retirement)
Social Responsibilities
Mrs. Adebamiwa was deeply involved in educational and community service:
– Vice President of the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Oranmiyan branch (1987-1990)
– Chairperson of the Board of Governors, St. Joseph Grammar School, Idanre (1990-1992)
– Chairperson of the Idanre Descendants Union, Ife branch
– Board member for various schools in Idanre and Ile Ife
– Matron for numerous student unions and clubs
Religious and Spiritual Contributions
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life:
– Lay Reader of the Anglican Communion for life (1989)
– Member of the Parochial Church Council at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Moro, and St. Andrews Church, Alade
– Choir member at All Souls Chapel, OAU, Ile-Ife
– Active in various church roles, including Bishop Nominee to the Synod of Akure Diocese and Life Matron for the Girls Guild at St. Peter Anglican Church, Ede
Mrs. Adebamiwa received numerous awards, including:
1. Meritorious Award from the Women’s Fellowship of All Souls Chapel, OAU
2. Award of Excellence from the Idanre Student Union (OAU branch)
3. Best NYSC Corps Employment Award by Osun State NYSC
4. Awards from the Home Economics Teachers of Nigeria and the Mathematical Association of Nigeria as the Best Principal of the Year.
Post-retirement, she dedicated her time to training adults, particularly women over 40, in fitness and counseling youngsters and those facing marital challenges. She shared her wisdom through talks on various subjects, including the roles of women and mothers in society.
Marriage and Family Life
Mrs. Adebamiwa married the late Venerable Joshua Alakinde Adebamiwa on July 29, 1969, in Idanre, and their union was blessed with many children. She passed away on October 18, 2024, at the age of 83, leaving behind siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
May her soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.