Teaching Career
In 1954, Racheal Abeje began her teaching career, She taught in several schools across Ota and its environs, including African Church Central School, Onibuku; African Church School, Odan-Otun; Local Government School, Otun-Ota; African Church School, Iyesi-Ota; and Local Government School 1, Sango-Ota.Driven by her passion for education, she enrolled for a part-time course at the Ansar-Deen Practicing College, Ota, where she earned her Teacher Grade II Certificate in 1976.
This achievement elevated her to the position of Assistant Head Teacher, a role she held until her retirement in 1988. With 35 years of unblemished service, she left an enduring mark on generations of students who remember her as a nurturing and disciplined teacher.
Family Life
In 1954, she married Alhaji Waheed Amoo Salako, a senior civil servant with the Nigerian Ports Authority. As a wife and mother, she was deeply committed, holding the home together while her husband’s career often took him to distant cities such as Warri and Port Harcourt.
She raised six children, four of whom became university graduates excelling in their professions, while the remaining two became successful artisans. She was fondly called Iya-Ope (Ope’s mother) and earned the title Olorì-Àgbà (Senior Queen) as the eldest wife in the Oyede royal family. Her dedication, sacrifices, and values continue to live on in her children and grandchildren.
Christian Life
Although married into a Muslim family, Racheal Abeje remained steadfast in her Christian faith. She became born again at the African Church Cathedral, Agege, in 1995, where she was an active member of the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) and played leading roles in church programs.
Later, she joined the Foursquare Gospel Church, Temidire, closer to her residence, where she was admitted into the Elders’ Forum. Known as a prayer warrior, she consistently gave her time, resources, and heartfelt prayers to others. She was also faithful in tithing and giving, even into her later years.
Compassion and Legacy
Mama Racheal Abeje was renowned for her generosity. She gave freely to all who came her way, often insisting that no one around her should suffer. Her home and her small shop became centers of kindness, where she joyfully blessed others.
Her twilight years were spent in worship, thanksgiving, and service to her community. Strong, humorous, and grateful for her blessings, she often expressed joy in her native Awori dialect, celebrating the successes of her children and the goodness of God in her life.
On August 12, 2021, at the age of 89, she passed away peacefully after a fulfilled life of service to God, her family, her students, and her community. She will be remembered as a devoted teacher, loving matriarch, devout Christian, and cheerful giver whose legacy continues to inspire.
In honor of her life and values, the Racheal Abeje Salako Memorial Foundation was established to follow in her footsteps of kindness, giving, and service. The foundation seeks to ensure continuity of her generous impact by uplifting others, particularly through education and community support, just as she did during her lifetime.
May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Sùn Re Àbèjé Olórí Ire.
