Esther Awolana Marks 80, Recalls Bread Depot Rise and Civil Service Stint
Updated
Updated · Punch Newspapers · Jul 4
Esther Awolana Marks 80, Recalls Bread Depot Rise and Civil Service Stint
1 articles · Updated · Punch Newspapers · Jul 4
Summary
80-year-old Esther Awolana used her birthday interview to trace a life from Ogun schooling to a bread-trading business that grew into a bulk depot in Abeokuta before she moved to Lagos in 1971.
1955 free primary education under Obafemi Awolowo, she said, changed her life after her father had resisted paying for school, eventually helping her finish secondary education despite financial setbacks.
Four years in Customs and Excise at Ikeja followed marriage, but she said she later left the civil service at her husband’s request and returned to the bread business he had helped support.
Her broader message centered on health, faith and patience in marriage, alongside a call for Nigerian public officials to manage resources accountably as families struggle with food, schooling and basic infrastructure.