Brigadier Simeon Olaosebikan Apata, Teni’s father was a retired army General who fought galantly under the command of General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War.
Teni was less than 3 years old when her father died.
Brigadier-General Apata was a disciplinarian. He was a no-nonsense man.
When he opened a private school – Apata Memorial Secondary School, around Ire-akari – Isolo axis of Lagos State, he ensured that students and teachers were well behaved.
Punctuality was key. Students were of good manners – in class and out of class. The school was well equipped (one of best schools in lagos state in the early 80s).
The General participated in the development of the areas where the school was sited. People who lived around Ire-akari, papa-ajao, Okota, Ilasa, parts of lagos state in the early 80s can confirm this.
Armed robbers that ‘visited’ to steal within the neighbourhoods always met serious resistance from the retired army General. These men of the underworld always left with bruises.
So apart from being a successful soldier, late Brigadier Olaosebikan Apata was a disciplinarian and good manager of resources