By Gbenga Osinaike
The massive turnout at the Classique Event Centre, Alausa, Lagos, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, bore testimony to the impactful life of Helen Olufunmilayo Dada, proprietor of Morality School, as she celebrated her 70th birthday.
Friends, families, and acquaintances took time out to celebrate with her; it was an exhilarating and fun-filled moment with Dayo Amusan, one of Nigeria’s leading comperes, serving as the anchor.
Participants at the event, which lingered into the evening, were quite relaxed, sharing the joy of the moment with the celebrant.
About Funmi Dada
Born on December 9, 1955, to the Oladapo and Moronkola families, Mrs. Dada had every reason to “roll out the drums.” Her children and grandchildren were right there, and her husband, Mr. Olusegun Dada, was solidly by her side as the celebration unfolded.
With roots traced back to Awe in the Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Helen Dada is the first of seven children. Her early childhood was spent with her paternal grandparents in Iwo, Oyo State, which informed the strong family values she carries today.
She had her secondary education at Baptist Girls High School, Osogbo, and later attended the Oyo State College of Education (now Osun State College of Education), where she bagged an NCE. Her quest for more knowledge led her to the University of Ilorin, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Armed with various certifications, she pursued a career in teaching. She taught in a number of schools in Osun State and later in Lagos, where she retired on March 1, 1995.
Despite her retirement, Mrs. Dada continued her mission of imparting knowledge. She established an educational institution, Morality School, which has maintained a tradition of producing outstanding students over the years.
Tribute from her husband
In a lengthy and emotional tribute, her husband, Mr. Segun Dada, noted that her love for God and commitment to humanity make the difference in her life. He also testified to her zeal for work, passion for excellence, and her unrelenting zest for success in all she sets her mind to.
According to her husband, she is always the last to go to bed and the first to wake up at home.
He recalled how she braved all odds to be with him, building their home from nothing to something they are now proud of. Her easy-going, mild nature, in the words of her husband, “cannot be taken for granted or mistaken for cowardice.”
”Beneath the veil of your quiet nature is a lioness full of empathy, kindness, courage, and great respect,” he said.
Her children and grandchildren all paid glowing tributes, recalling the great impact she has made in their lives. Friends, relatives, and church members also shared kind words.
Other tributes
The Senior Pastor of Restoration House, Hamilton, and Deputy Continental Overseer for the Redeemed Christian Church of God in The Americas, Pastor Yinka Dada, along with his wife, Toyin, described her in glowing terms in a heartfelt tribute.
They wrote: “As we grow older, we gain a deeper understanding of the patience, effort, dedication, and love required to build a strong marriage. You are the very embodiment of patience, and you have lived a life of service to your husband, your children, the Dada family, the church, and humanity. For all this, we offer our heartfelt admiration and respect.”
The celebrant’s close friend and classmate at the Osun State College of Education, Mrs. Dola Okunola, was also effusive in her praise. She wrote: “Today we celebrate Funmi Dada, whose 70 years on this earth have created a constellation of love, wisdom, laughter, inspiration, infectious joy, and compassion. We are not celebrating age alone; her impact on people should be celebrated.”
A retired Comptroller of Customs, Alhaji Chief Alade Saliu-Okulu, wrote in his commendation that the most intriguing thing about the celebrant is her commitment to her faith. “She does not compromise on her religious duties. She is always involved in church activities,” he wrote
Virtually all the tributes pointed to her devotional life and the fact that she does not trifle with matters concerning God and the church.
Appreciation
Indeed, that Saturday, the atmosphere at the celebration ground was evidence of the love people have for her. Guests were comfortably seated, and as food and drinks were served to the accompaniment of music, there were no signs that anyone wanted to leave in a hurry.
At the end, the celebrant was overwhelmed by the deluge of affection shown to her. She noted in her appreciation to the guests: “Only God can adequately pay you back for showing me such love. I am truly grateful and pray that we will all live the rest of our lives in joy and abundance
