Connect with us

Lifestyle

Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin: The Woman Who Gave Nigeria Its National Pledge

Published

on

Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin (November 6, 1938 – May 1, 2021) was a distinguished Nigerian professor, educationist, and princess from the Iji ruling house of Saki, Oyo State. She holds a special place in Nigeria’s history as the author of the Nigerian National Pledge, one of the country’s most enduring symbols of patriotism and unity.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1938, Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin hailed from a royal Yoruba family in Saki, Oyo State. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong passion for education and civic responsibility. This passion guided her lifelong dedication to teaching, scholarship, and national development.

Career and Academic Achievements

Adeyoyin built a remarkable academic career and rose to become a professor of education at the University of Lagos. Her work focused on national values, education policy, and youth development — subjects that reflected her deep belief in the power of education to shape both individual and national identity.

Throughout her years in academia, she was respected not only for her intellectual rigor but also for her commitment to inspiring moral and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.

The Birth of the Nigerian National Pledge

In 1976, during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, Adeyoyin wrote a short composition expressing loyalty and devotion to Nigeria. Initially published in the Daily Times newspaper, her piece caught national attention for its emotional depth and patriotic message.

Recognizing its significance, General Obasanjo formally adopted the composition as Nigeria’s National Pledge on September 7, 1976. Since then, it has been recited daily by schoolchildren, public servants, and citizens at official ceremonies across the country.

See also  Why Atiku Abubakar Cannot Succeed Obasanjo

The National Pledge reads:

> I pledge to Nigeria, my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity,
And uphold her honour and glory.
So help me God.

This simple yet powerful oath has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s civic culture — a call to integrity, service, and unity that continues to resonate with generations of Nigerians.

Legacy and Passing

Until her passing on May 1, 2021, Professor Felicia Adeyoyin remained a symbol of intellectual excellence and patriotic spirit. Beyond her role as the author of the pledge, she contributed immensely to education and the moral reorientation of young Nigerians.

Her life and work reflect the vision of a nation bound not by tribe or religion but by shared values and common purpose.

Conclusion

Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin’s legacy lives on each time the National Pledge is recited. In just a few lines, she captured the ideals of nationhood, responsibility, and unity — ideals that remain as relevant today as they were in 1976.

Through her words, she gave Nigerians a timeless reminder: patriotism begins in the heart and is expressed through action.

Source:

National Archives of Nigeria – Records on National Symbols

Daily Times (1976): Publication of the original pledge text

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

Published

on

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).

See also  Royal row: Alaafin may publish Supreme Court ruling after 48-hour ultimatum

“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.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

Published

on

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.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

See also  Royal row: Alaafin may publish Supreme Court ruling after 48-hour ultimatum
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

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

Published

on

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.

See also  Doctor dies after giving birth to triplets in Bayelsa, read details

“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.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Continue Reading

Trending