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Phebean Ajibola Ogundipe: The Educator Who Shaped English Learning in Nigeria

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Phebean Ajibola Ogundipe (1927–2020) was a pioneering Nigerian author, educator, and civil servant, best known for co-authoring the acclaimed Brighter Grammar series — a cornerstone of English language education across Nigeria and West Africa. Her contributions to literature and education made her one of the most influential Nigerian women of the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1927 in Esa-Oke, Osun State, Phebean Ajibola Ogundipe (née Itayemi) grew up during a period when education for girls in Nigeria was still uncommon. Her brilliance and determination led her to excel academically, setting her on a path to become one of the country’s foremost educators.

Her early exposure to literature and language fostered a love for writing that would later define her legacy. Under the name Phebean Itayemi, she emerged as a talented writer and became the first Nigerian woman to be published in English, following her victory in a short story competition.

Career and Educational Contributions

Ogundipe dedicated her life to education and curriculum development. As a teacher and later an education officer, she was deeply committed to improving the quality of English language instruction in Nigerian schools.

Her collaboration with Charles Ewart Eckersley and Ronald Ridout on the Brighter Grammar series provided generations of students with one of the most effective and enduring tools for mastering English grammar and composition. The series became a staple in classrooms across Africa, praised for its clarity, structure, and accessibility.

Beyond her work as an author, she served in various capacities within the Nigerian government, including as Deputy Chief Federal Adviser on Education, where she influenced educational policy and the training of teachers nationwide.

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Literary Legacy

While Brighter Grammar remains her most famous work, Ogundipe’s literary influence extended beyond textbooks. Her early stories explored social and cultural issues in postcolonial Nigeria, often focusing on women’s experiences and education as a means of empowerment.

She was among the first women to demonstrate that Nigerian voices — particularly female ones — could thrive in English-language literature, paving the way for future generations of writers.

Later Life and Passing

Phebean Ajibola Ogundipe lived a life marked by intellectual achievement and public service. Even in retirement, she remained a respected figure in Nigeria’s educational and literary communities.

She passed away on March 27, 2020, at the age of 92, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of learning, language, and leadership.

Conclusion

Phebean Ajibola Ogundipe’s life was a testament to the power of education and the written word. Through her teaching, authorship, and public service, she not only advanced literacy in Nigeria but also inspired countless young women to pursue education and intellectual excellence.

Her legacy endures every time a Nigerian student opens a page of Brighter Grammar — a symbol of her lifelong belief that knowledge is the key to empowerment.

Source:

The Guardian Nigeria (March 2020): “Brighter Grammar author Phebean Ogundipe dies at 92”

National Library of Nigeria Archives: Records on Nigerian Educational Textbooks

Daily Times Historical Features (1960s): Profile of Phebean Itayemi Ogundipe

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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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