A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF MR. PHILIP ADEBAYO ABIONA
Pa. Philip Adebayo Abiona was born into the family of Late Chief George
Olatunbosun Abiona and Late Madam Marian Folashade Abiona at IlewoOrile in Abeokuta North Local government, Ogun state on January 22nd,
1941.
He attended Ikereku Idan primary school and Saint Andrew’s primary
school, Ibara, Abeokuta. He then proceeded to the Anglican modern school,
Ibara, Abeokuta.
His childhood interest in “Teaching” as a profession led to his seeking
admission into St. Paul’s teacher’s training college Abeokuta for the teachers
Grade III course (1959- 1960) and grade II course (1963- 1964). He later
studied Education (English & Geography) at College of Education,
University of Lagos from 1966 - 1969.
His teaching career started at Anglican modern school, Ibara, Abeokuta in
1960 where he taught English. He later taught at St. Peter’s Anglican
primary school, Imosan from 1961 to 1962 before he proceeded for his grade
II course.
After grade II education, Pa Philip Adebayo Abiona had teaching stint at St.
Stephen Anglican Primary school, Asa obintin near Ilaro, Yewa North, Ogun
state (1965 – 1966) before he sought and got admission into College of
Education at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.
After graduation from college of education at University of Lagos, Pa Philip
Adebayo Abiona got employed into Maryland Comprehensive Secondary
School, Maryland, Lagos in 1969. He was one of the pioneering staff at
Maryland Comprehensive Secondary school where he worked and taught
Geography between 1969 – 1980. He was also actively involved in the
school’s sports curriculum; he was notably the sports master for St. Anthony
house. He also was the coordinator Red Cross for the school and was incharge of the sick-bay.
He continued his career as education inspector at Shomolu-Kosofe School
Management Committee, Lagos state ministry of Education and served in
various School Management Boards between 1980 - 1995. He participated in
several workshops and seminars on Education. He worked part-time at Exam
Success on Morroco Rd, Shomolu, an evening coaching school for
preparation of students for GCE. He also worked as a part-time exam
coordinator for PITMAN institute. Pa. Philip Adebayo Abiona finally retired
from public service in 1995. After retirement from civil service, he worked
as an education consultant with Lake Point institute between 1996 – 2001
and thereafter retired from active service.
Pa. Philip Adebayo Abiona while in active service was also committed to
serving God. He was one of the foundation members of Holy Trinity
Anglican, Aguda-Titun, Oke-Ira where he served as the first parish secretary
of the church, the first Branch president of former (AYF) Anglican Youth
Fellowship now ACF, church society that he nurtured and cherished with so
much passion and actively participated in society conferences; he also
served as Financial secretary, AYF Mainland Archdeaconry in Lagos
Diocese, vice-president, AYF Agege Archdeaconry and occupied other
serving roles. Pa. Abiona was actively involved in other church committees;
he represented the church at Diocese level and remained committed to
serving God.
He was also committed to community service – He was a staunch member of
Red Cross society, an officer of Special Road Marshal, served as secretary in
different associations which included Ogunsola Landlords Association,
Aguda Titun, he was foundation member of Ifedola cooperative society,
Oke-Ira, Ogba and many others.
Pa. Philip Adebayo Abiona, was a great servant leader, an erudite teacher
and an educationist par excellence that people looked up to in Ogba Aguda
Titun and Oke-Ira community at large. He was a great mentor, a cheerful
man that was full of humility and contentment. He was an epitome of a great
patriarch who gave up opportunities as sacrifice for family’s well-being and
togetherness. He was happily married with children and grandchildren.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.