Former civil servant Esther Awolana reflects on life, business, and family at 80

Mrs. Esther Awolana, a Lagos-based former civil servant and retired businesswoman, celebrated her 80th birthday by sharing insights into her life. A native of Odogogo in Ogun State, she attended Christ Church School and Macjob Secondary School. She expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone and for her successful children. Her greatest wish is to maintain good health. Awolana began her career in trading, specifically buying and selling bread, which grew into a depot in Abeokuta before she moved to Lagos in 1971. Her inspiration for the bread business was to meet a basic need, expanding as demand grew. A significant childhood memory was the introduction of free primary education by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, then Premier of the old Western Region, which enabled her to attend school despite her father's initial reluctance. This experience taught her the importance of communicating one's desires. She later continued her education at L.A. Modern Secondary School, Moroko, after an interruption. She met her husband, a painter, in 1971, admiring his genuineness and support, particularly in her bread business. Awolana also worked for four years in the Operations Unit of Customs and Excise on Airport Road, Ikeja, before resigning to focus on her children and returning to her bread business. She attributes her longevity to her faith and avoiding excessive worry. As a wife and mother, she emphasizes cooking at home to manage resources and foster family well-being. She advises couples t