Stella Adebisi Oke: Seasoned educationist and administrator

Mrs Stella Adebisi Oke (nee Ademokun), who has died aged 68 years, was a committed educationist and administrator. She was an employee of the Lagos State Ministry of Education until 1995 when she retired voluntarily as Chief education Officer.

Born to the late Pa Moses Ogunwanwo Ademokun and the late Mama Taiwo Abigail Ademokun (nee Adefeyisan) in Odunfa Street, Lagos, she had her primary education at Lagos Anglican Primary School, Broad Street, Lagos, from 1955 to 1961. She gained admission into Queens School, Ede, in the old Western Region and completed her secondary school education in 1966. She was admitted to Olunloyo College of Education in 1967, which was later merged with Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. She bagged her NCE Certificate in Biology and Education from the institution.

Stella met her childhood boyfriend, Mr. Adeniyi Oke in 1966 while preparing for her school certificate and he assisted her in Mathematics and Science subjects. The relationship lasted for six years leading to their wedding at First Baptist Church, Broad Street, Lagos, on January 29, 1972.

After a brief period of teaching at Luba Primary School, Ijebu Ode, Stella joined her husband in the United Kingdom in September 1972. She attended the University College, Cardiff South Wales, England, where she obtained a B.Education degree in Education Administration. On her return to Nigeria, she joined the services of Lagos State Ministry of Education. She worked in several secondary schools as a teacher before starting her Baptist Academy, Ikorodu Road, Lagos, before transferring to the Ministry of Education as O/C Model Schools. She was in charge of the Model Colleges built by the State Government in several locations of the state.

Stella was honest in all her assignments in the management of the Model Schools. She retired voluntarily as Chief Education Officer in 1995.

After retirement she started her private business, Bissok Ventures, trading in textiles children wear and Aso Oke. She also ventured into garment manufacturing and business centre management. She was a part time broadcaster at LTV8 Lagos featuring in several children programmes sponsored by the 7UP Bottling Company.

Stella was from a Baptist family but was married to an Anglican. She got confirmed in the Anglican Communion in 1994 at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church (AVMCC). Because of her determination and passion to serve God, she attended the Latter Rain Bible School, Akilo, where she studied Bible and Art of Worship and Prayer. She attended the Lay Reader course at AVMCC and became a licensed Lay Reader of the Anglican Communion.

Stella joined the Anglican Youth Fellowship in 1982 with her husband and was Assistant Secretary for six years and general secretary for four years. She was a member and past president of Ladies Progressive League. She served as the President from 1996 to 2001. Stella was a special adviser to the Boys and Girls Brigade of the AVMCC and participated actively in their programmes.

She joined the Elderly Ministry of the Cathedral because of her passion to serve and look after the elderly after her 60th birthday in 2007. She passionately participated in the Tuesday meetings of the Elderly Ministry. She was appointed the Assistant Coordinator of the group.

Stella also served in various committees of the church. She was a member of the Mother’s Union and the Holy Trinity (Anglican) Church, Obalende, Ijebu-Ode. She was actively involved in the social and welfare needs of the priests and guests during the yearly Ijebu Diocese harvest in Lagos.

She was a very warm, cheerful, peaceful, industrious and open-minded personality. She was frank and hospitable. There was never a dull moment with her. Stella was loving and very protective of her darling husband, six children comprising three boys and three girls, and 13 grand children.

Stella was a very prayerful person who put her trust in the Lord. Even during her medical challenges both in Nigeria and abroad, she prayed fervently.

A roommate of Chief (Mrs) Maiden Ibru (nee Thomopulous) and family friend, Stella was an active member of Queens School Old Student’s Association 1966 set. She was also a member of Lagos Country Club, GRA, Ikeja and a matron of a social group for professional Christian sisters, the Peace Sisters Club.

Her family, nay all those who crossed her awesome path, rejoice and praise the Lord for the wonderful life she led, her achievements and services during her life time. May her soul rest in the bosom of the Almighty God, Amen.
Stella Adebisi Oke, born November 25, 1947, died May 9, 2016