Deaconess Emily Arinola Adeboye (née Odediran) was born on March 1, 1955, in Oke-Idofin, Esa-Oke, Osun State, Nigeria, to the late Pa. Michael Akintola and the late Madam Veronica Ibijola Odediran. By birth, she is the 14th of 19 children—nine sons and ten daughters. Raised in a modest home, her early years were shaped by the values of hard work, faith, and resilience. From these humble beginnings, she went on to achieve remarkable milestones in both her personal and professional life.
As one of the first few female children in her father’s family to attend a higher institution, Deaconess Adeboye's journey was far from easy. The path to education was filled with challenges, and to make everything work, she had to live far away from her family with an aunt, even though her father’s house was just a stone's throw from her school. It was a sacrifice that underscored her determination and the support of those who believed in her dreams. She is forever grateful to her late brother, Paul Ojo Odediran, whose selfless sacrifices ensured that she had the opportunity to pursue her education. Without him, her story might have been a different one.
In December 1978, Deaconess Adeboye married the love of her life, Mr. Moses Adelowo Adeboye. Their union has been blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren, whom she cherishes deeply, seeing them as the fruits of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering love.
Her educational journey, which began in 1962 at St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Idofin, Esa-Oke, was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge despite limited resources. After completing her primary education, she attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Modern School in 1970, where she began to nurture her passion for teaching. Undeterred by challenges, she pursued her dream and earned her Grade II Certificate from Teacher’s Training College in 1975.
Driven by a commitment to continuous growth, Deaconess Adeboye furthered her studies with an Associate Grade 1 Teacher’s course at the prestigious University of Ibadan. She continued to seek ways to better herself and, in 1992, completed her Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) through in-service training at the College of Education, Ilesha.
Though born a Catholic, Deaconess Adeboye embraced her husband’s Anglican faith, continuing her spiritual journey with a deep and abiding commitment to God. Music, too, has been a constant in her life. She joined her church choir at the age of 10, where she discovered not only her love for singing but also her devotion to worship and service in the community.
Throughout her career, Deaconess Adeboye proved herself a natural leader, excelling as both a treasurer and financial secretary in various schools and cooperative unions. She used these roles to demonstrate her sharp financial skills, organizational abilities, and deep sense of responsibility toward her community.
In November 2001, Deaconess Adeboye and her family relocated to the United States, marking a new chapter in their lives. Despite the many adjustments that come with starting anew in a foreign land, her resilience and determination continued to shine through. She worked at the Woodbridge Developmental Center in New Jersey for two years before transitioning to Newark Public Schools, where she became a beloved figure, impacting the lives of countless students and colleagues. She retired in June 2022 after a fulfilling career.
Beyond her professional achievements, Deaconess Adeboye has been an unwavering advocate for the empowerment of women and the importance of strong, nurturing families. Through mentoring, she has consistently sought to guide both peers and younger generations, offering wisdom and support in areas of personal development and family life.
In retirement, Deaconess Adeboye and her husband, Moses, enjoy the fruits of their years of hard work, traveling to new places, and sharing their love for life and each other. Her story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the deep commitment to uplifting others along the way.