Matriach Of The KEHINDE Family Passes On At 93

•The Story Of Mama JOANNA EBUN KEHINDE

She lived a good life. That was the conclusion of many when the news of the passing away of Mama Joanna Ebun Kehinde and Jaiyesimi families broke a few days ago. She was 93 by the time she breathed her last. She died peacefully. She was a strong woman in her lifetime. And a great woman of wisdom.

Her last major birthday party was on Wednesday, 20th March, 2019 when the family and friends of this retired Ogun Civil Servant, Mama Joanna Ebun Kehinde celebrated with her, as she clocked 90 on that day.

The birthday party which was low-keyed, on her request, as a mark of respect for the celebrant’s wish, was held at the City People Event Centre, Gbagada, Lagos. It began with a birthday thanksgiving handled by Rev Daramola, a Minister from the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Ikeja, Opebi Circuit, Lagos. It was followed by a reception. Pastor Femi Emmanuel also attended the event. Music was by Juju singer, Empress Seun Aransiola, who midway into the party had a joint performance with her boss, the AJUM President, Queen Ayo Balogun. There was a special appearance by Gospel Star. Shola Allyson who sang 4 of her best numbers. Ace Saxophonist, Segun Oluwayomi thrilled guests before and during the birthday thanksgiving. MC Jimmy Jairo anchored the reception.

Until she retired about 30 years ago, Mama was a top Civil Servant in Ogun State and served as a Social welfare worker. Her main area of concentration was Women and Children. That in fact summarises the story of her life. Mama Mrs Joanna Ebun Kehinde (nee Jaiyesimi) was born on March 20, 1929, to late Pa Phillips Adesanya Jaiyesimi and late Madam Abigail Jaiyesimi (nee Ogunyemi) both from Isara Remo, Ogun State. The first of 5 siblings, mummy followed her uncle late Pa Adebayo Jaiyesimi to Osogbo where she started her primary education at Methodist Primary School, Osogbo and later went to the United Missionary College, Ibadan for a Teacher Training Course from 1947-1949.

Mummy was appointed into the Teaching Service in 1945 and she taught at the Methodist Church School, Otepete in Ilesha from 1945-1946, Methodist School, Offa, Ilorin from 1950-1951. Home Craft Centre, Afon, via Ilorin Methodist Circuit in 1952 and the Methodist Girls Secondary Modern School, Sagamu from 1953-1954. Mama got married to her hearthrob, late Gilbert Ademolu Kehinde (Pa Gilly) in 1957 and she relocated to Ibadan to live with him. Mummy taught at Methodist School Agodu, Ibadan from 1957-1959, Mummy then left Nigeria to further her studies abroad. She went for a 3-year Teachers Diploma Course at Bath College of Domestic Science, Bath, England, from 1959-1962 and later for a Certificate in Education Course at the University of Bristol.

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1964, Mummy taught briefly at the United Missionary College, Ibadan before joining the Western State Civil Service. After the creation of states, she followed her husband to Ogun State where she worked with the Ogun State Civil Service until her retirement.

Mummy took delight in taking adequate care of her children and those of the extended family. Her home was always a beehive of activities. A strict disciplinarian and a devoted Christian, Mama takes active role in the church activities and is a member of the YWCA of Agbemi Methodist Church, Ibadan.

To God be the glory, all her children have excelled in their various fields. What more can a woman ask for at 93? This woman has a basketful of blessings and is sure surprised at what God has done for her, talk of the endless favours. Like the Psalmist say concerning the virtuous woman.

She is blessed with kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom simply call her Grandma.