I don’t know why Payment of my Pension was Stopped around 2005 —Oldest Living Nigerian Teacher, Mama Taiwo
Source: https://www.operanewsapp.com/
Mama Agatha Taiwo Adebiyi, born on August 9, 1920, as a twin during the Spanish Flu pandemic, is likely the oldest living retired teacher in Nigeria. She survived the pandemic, unlike her twin sister. Her father, Anthony Bello Laotan, was a teacher who later worked for UAC and the Daily Times, and he authored the book “The Torch Bearers of the Old Brazilian Colony in Lagos.” Her mother, Catherine Ayodele Laotan, was also a teacher and taught at various schools, including Mount Carmel Convent School in Lagos. Mama Adebiyi shares her rich family history in an interview reflecting on her life.
Mama Agatha Taiwo Adebiyi grew up in a modest family with three sisters, all of whom have since passed. She attended St. Mary’s Convent School, St. Theresa High School, and St. Agnes Teachers Training College, graduating as a teacher in 1938. She began her teaching career in 1939 at St. Mary’s Convent School, later becoming headmistress at several schools, including Salvation Army Primary School and Our Lady of Apostles Primary School, where she retired in 1975. After retirement, she returned to teaching on a contract basis. In her time, teachers were highly respected, and parents showed appreciation by sending gifts. Mama Adebiyi was married twice and had 10 children, raising them as a single mother after the death of her husbands.
Mama Agatha Taiwo Adebiyi managed raising 10 children through a combination of teaching, saving part of her salary, and engaging in petty trading. She sewed clothes for her children, sold jewelry, and groceries, and was supported by the community due to her teaching reputation. Despite a modest income, she was able to pay her children’s school fees, provide for their needs, and manage the household. She credits her long life to God’s grace, a positive outlook, and the support of her family. At her age, she enjoys simple daily activities like watching TV, playing Ludo, and having meals with her family. She doesn’t have a favorite food, preferring whatever is prepared at home.
Mama Agatha Taiwo Adebiyi advises the younger generation to listen to elders, live by example, and be content with what they have. She encourages them to follow the teachings of their religion, whether the Bible or Quran. Regarding her health, she feels blessed with good health, rarely falling ill, and only experiencing occasional headaches or stomach pains that resolve on their own. Her favorite drinks are stout and malt, and she enjoys ice cream, cake, and biscuits in moderation, particularly after meals. Stout helps her relax and sleep well, a habit she’s maintained since her youth.
Mama Agatha Taiwo Adebiyi stopped receiving her pension around 2005 after her pension payments were halted without explanation, despite her efforts to resolve the issue. She feels entitled to the pension she earned for her years of service and hopes the government will pay her arrears. Recently, she was honored with the Teacher’s Lifetime Award by the Lagos State wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, which she appreciates as a meaningful recognition of her long career. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International.
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