By joshua BIOGRAPHY: MAMA MARY MALOMO AMUPITAN (NÉE AYODELE): A VIRTUOUS WOMAN, TRAILBLAZER AND PILLAR OF STRENGTH
A Life of Grace, Resilience and Purpose
Mama Mary Malomo Amupitan (Née Ayodele) was born on 18th September, 1946 into the family of Pa Joseph Ayodele Molegbemi and Mama Marion Iyeyomi Molegbemi, both of blessed memory, of the Iyamoodogan Clan, Idiamuyan Compound, Mopa, in Mopamuro Local Government Area of the then Kabba Province. Though raised by Mama Rhoda Olodooa, a relative of the same clan, her life has remained a living testament to God’s faithfulness and the beauty of a heart totally surrendered to Him.
As the firstborn of five children, she blazed the trail of responsibility and love from an early age. Her siblings are Julius Ajayi Ayodele (passed unto glory), Gbadebo Ayodele (of blessed memory), Olufemi Ayodele and Remilekun Folarin (Née Ayodele).
Education and Early Career: A Foundation of Diligence
Mama Mary’s educational journey began at Baker Girls Primary School, where her extraordinary love for learning and insatiable thirst for knowledge shone brightly even in her tender years. Her passion was so compelling that she would follow the white missionary teacher around, drawn by an irresistible desire to learn and better herself. That early display of determination and hunger for knowledge foreshadowed the resilient, hardworking and goal-driven woman she would become — a woman who never allowed circumstances to define her destiny.
She later concluded her primary education at SIM/ECWA Primary School, Okedigba, Mopa, where she obtained her Standard Seven Certificate. Even as a young girl, she combined schooling with work — a clear reflection of her unwavering determination and industrious spirit. Though she aspired to attend the School of Nursing, Idah, and narrowly missed the opportunity of a scholarship, God had a greater plan for her life.
In 1969, she served as an Auxiliary Teacher in Itakete-Ide, where she rode a bicycle, and later excelled at riding both bicycles and motorcycles. She also worked with Mr. Akobe from Kabba.
Driven by a thirst for self-improvement, she enrolled for the TICEP B and A Teachers’ Training Programme at Kabba Teachers’ College (KTC), Kabba in 1972. She subsequently obtained her Grade II Teachers’ Certificate in 1980, with which she served diligently as a primary school teacher until 1983.
Family and Marriage: A Union of Love
In 1972, Mama Mary met and married her late husband, Pa Solomon Adeniyi Amupitan Obarewo. Their union is blessed with six wonderful children: Lucky, Adekunle, Olabode (Sir Bodet), Bolanle, Oluyomi and Olufunsho. Though her beloved husband passed on to glory in June 1996, Mama Mary remained steadfast, raising her children with love, discipline and the fear of the Lord.
A Bold Career Transition: From Classroom to Commerce
In 1983, under the administration of late General Muhammadu Buhari, a policy was introduced requiring all teachers to possess both the National Certificate of Education (NCE) and http://B.Ed to remain in the teaching profession. Rather than be deterred, Mama Mary made a bold and courageous decision — she resigned from teaching to go into full-time trading, a step that enabled her to focus on raising her children and building a solid financial base.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with the sale of drinks. She later travelled to Ibadan to procure plastics for sale. Not one to limit herself, she added diesel to her trade and ventured into large-scale farm produce, travelling to Nasarawa and its environs to buy and sell.
Mama Mary later ventured into the timber business — and today, she stands proudly as the only female member of the Mopa Timber Contractors Association. A true trailblazer, she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry and excelled through sheer hard work, integrity and determination.
A Woman of Faith, Politics and Community
Mama Mary is a lover of God and the things of God. She is devoted to her family, truthful to the core, a unifying factor and a woman of virtue who strongly believes that hard work is the best policy.
Her diligence was reflected in politics. Under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), she served as Women Leader of Adogbe Ward for eight years. She was a staunch believer in the principles of the late Chief Silas Bamidele Daniyan. A political associate once described her as one of the few who did politics with truth, saying, “Once Mama declares her support for a candidate, she never goes back.”
She is a disciplinarian to the core — one who will say the truth not minding whose ox is gored. She is a community leader who loves Mopaland dearly. She shares her meals with all, she is a good farmer, a gifted petty trader, and a woman who can turn anything to wealth.
Tribute
Dear Mama,
Your life is a shining example of what it means to trust God, work hard and remain true to one’s convictions. From following the white missionary teacher as a little girl because of your love for education, to breaking barriers in the timber business as the only woman among men, your journey has been one of courage, faith and excellence.
You have shown us that with determination, integrity and faith, no obstacle is insurmountable. You have been a mother, a mentor, a leader and a blessing to countless lives.
As you look back on your journey, may your heart be filled with gratitude to God for His faithfulness. You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and you have kept the faith. Your legacy of hard work, truthfulness and love for family and community will continue to inspire generations to come.
_”Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'” — Proverbs 31:28-29_
Thank you, Mama, for your love, your sacrifice and your unwavering spirit. May God continue to strengthen you, bless you and keep you in perfect peace. May your latter years be even more fruitful and fulfilling than the former.
With a grateful heart and profound respect,
Your Children, Family and Community
A Prayer for Mama Mary
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Mama Mary Malomo Amupitan. We thank You for her life, her love and her legacy. We pray that You continue to uphold her with Your right hand of righteousness. Grant her good health, peace and joy. Let her remain a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration to all who know her. Bless her children, grandchildren and generations yet unborn. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Mama Mary Malomo Amupitan: A Woman of Virtue, A Trailblazer, A Legend.
Her story is not just a biography — it is a testimony of God’s grace, a lesson in resilience and a celebration of a life well-lived.
Happy Birthday, Mama, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Auntie!