MY WALL OF FAME: CASH MADAM, ALHAJA BISI EDIONSERE

MY WALL OF FAME: CASH MADAM, ALHAJA BISI EDIONSERE

Alhaja Khadijatu Kuburat Adebisi Edionseri was born at Ibara Abeokuta Ogun State to Chief Sanusi Elegbede and Sabitiu Elegbede in April 1935.

She started her education at St Andrews School, Ibara but realised earlier in her life that she had a flair for business.

Subsequently, at a very tender age of 10, Alhaja Khadijatu Kuburat opted for tutelage in the sales and marketing of basic products, by joining her late sister Princess Bilikisu Akewusola at Badagry in 1945 to understudy the trade. This trading experience took her to Aganna, Olorunda, Idiagbon, Ilogbo, Ota, Coker, lju, and Ishaga Onilado.

 Within a very short time, she developed a good marketing skill. This resulted in her being the most result oriented sales person in Badagry and its environs in 1954. She was appointed Dealer by John Holt in Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State, The rapid growth of her business resulted in her being subsequently appointed as a dealer by UAC, CFAO and GBO by 1958 as a whole seller for the Ibadan area of the old Western Region.

This successful woman, in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, dominated the business scene until she retired in 1995 and relocated from Lagos to Abeokuta where she has lived semi-retirement.

When the Ogunpa River disaster of 1960 in Ibadan, resulted in an enormous loss from the flooding of her warehouse and shops, her dynamism and quick thinking were instrumental to her decision to register with the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Water Resources as a supplier of gravel and sand.

Her business instincts and managerial skill were once again in the forefront, as she was able to grow into one of the main contractors of both Ministries. Within a period of 6 years, she was involved in the majority of drainage works for roads constructed in the old Western Region and also the construction of the majority of water reservoirs within the region.

Her commitment and zeal were instrumental to her being invited to become a contractor of the Ministry of Defence. During the Civil War of 1967-70, she was appointed one of the major food suppliers to the Nigerian Army between 1970 – 1995. she built several businesses which including road and Building Construction Company, specialized sales and Distribution Company, Farming, Advertising and Public Relations Company, and a Telecommunications Company.

Notwithstanding her very busy schedule, she gave various humanitarian causes her complete dedication.

So far over 2000 young deprived youths have benefitted from scholarship scheme for primary, secondary and university education.

 

About 200 others have also been sponsored for post-graduate studies within and outside Nigeria. She enjoys Giving because she believes that Giving is Living. Her ability to give without any reservation resulted in her being christened “CASH MADAM”. She has over the last Sixty (60) years supported various good humanitarian causes like hospital project, educational development projects within schools and universities, religious projects etc.

In honour and recognition of her service to humanity, she has been appointed Matron of several associations and clubs like the Abeokuta Sports Club, Ogun Prestige Social Club, Club 20 Ayetoro, Metro Club Yewa, Big Gate Social Club, Abeokuta City Club, Club 85 Ijebu Mushin, Crown 88 Club of Nigeria, Ayo Club Ayetoro, Olowolagba Ladies Club, Alowo Mafisegberaga Club Lagos, Ifelodun family, Ibara Young Star Club

She was also bestowed with several titles which include Iya Suna of Yewa Land, Iya Alaje of Yewaland, lyaAlaje of Egbaland, Iya Suna of Egbaland and now the Iya Suna of the Umbrella Islamic body of Ogun State The Muslim Council of Ogun State. At  87, Mama is a fulfilled woman. She is blessed with children and grandchildren. She retired at an early age in 1995 and has continued her Service to Humanity within Nigeria especially her home state, Ogun.

Princess Khadijat Kuburat Adebisi Edionseri can be described as an ageless beauty.

She looks a lot younger than her Eighty-eight (88) years of age. Over the years, she has maintained her pencil-slim frame. She is cute. She is strong. She is full of life. She is athletic. She is smart and still very stylish and fashionable. She still looks radiant.