Biography of Yeye Otunba (Mrs.) Christie Ajibike Akinsanya (née Adekoya

Yeye Otunba Christie Ajibike Akinsanya, fondly known as Sister Christie, is an accomplished educator, artist, administrator, and humanitarian. She was born on 9th January 1948 in Kaduna, to the late Mr. Samuel Adeyemi Adekoya of Ibefun, Ogun State, and the late Madam Victoria Olabisi Adekoya of Abeokuta, Ogun State.
She attended Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, where she obtained her West African School Certificate (WASC). She proceeded to the Yaba College of Technology for her Advanced Level studies, and later to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she earned a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art (Second Class Upper Division) in 1973.
She further pursued postgraduate studies in Education at the University of Lagos, Akoka, and completed an Administrative and Management Course at ASCON, Badagry.Her professional journey in education and public service is marked by dedication, excellence, and an enduring commitment to nation-building. She began her career as a Youth Corps member, teaching at the Federal Government College, Zaria (1973/74). She later joined King’s College, Lagos, where she taught Fine Art and also served as a Lecturer at the Federal School of Arts and Science, Victoria Island, Lagos. Through her devotion to the teaching profession and her passion for nurturing creativity, she rose to become Head of the Fine Arts Department at King’s College, Lagos.
Her transition into public service took her to the Federal Ministry of Education, where she was deployed to the Federal Scholarship Board, Abuja. There, she distinguished herself through years of committed service, rising to the position of Deputy Director before retiring meritoriously in 2008.
A gifted and versatile artist, Yeye Otunba Akinsanya has exhibited her works in solo shows and group exhibitions across several countries, including London, Moscow, and Addis Ababa, among others. Her artistic expression reflects her deep cultural roots, global exposure, and passion for the human experience.Beyond her professional and artistic accomplishments, she has been deeply involved in humanitarian and social work. As the wife of a distinguished diplomat, she played an active role in the Diplomats’ Spouses Associations in the countries where her husband served — including Bangui (Central African Republic), Dakar (Senegal), Geneva (Switzerland), London (United Kingdom), Moscow (Russian Federation), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).
During her stay in Ethiopia, she served as Chairperson of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors accredited to Ethiopia (2005–2006). In that capacity, she successfully organized two international charity bazaars within the Nigerian Embassy compound in Addis Ababa, with proceeds donated to homes for handicapped children and the elderly. A devout Christian, a loving wife, and a proud mother of five, Yeye Otunba Christie Ajibike Akinsanya continues to inspire admiration through her life of service, creativity, grace, and compassion.