EXCITEMENT AS EKITI FIRST LADY’S MUM CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY
.Cleric Hails Governor Oyebanji’s Mother-in-Law’s Commitment to God’s Service
All roads led to Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Sunday as the mother of the state First Lady, Madam Esther Bolaji Adedipe, celebrated her 90th birthday with appreciation to God for attaining a ripe old age.
Clerics, traditional rulers, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, community leaders, public office holders, family friends, civil servants and guests from far and near came to honour Mama Adedipe and appreciate God’s grace upon her
It was a day to remember for her daughter, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji and her siblings who could not hide their joy as they extolled the virtues of the nonagenarian which she inculcated in all her biological children and others whom she mentored to become great later in life.
A special service was held in honour of the mother-in-law of Governor Biodun Oyebanji at First Baptist Church (Miracle Cathedral), Okeyinmi, Ado Ekiti and the event served as a double celebration with the commemoration of 2024 Mothers’ Day Celebration.
Delivering a sermon at the service, the pastor in charge of the church, Rev. Kayode Ayinde, congratulated Mama Adedipe and commended her children and family members for celebrating her birthday by showing appreciation to God for the good life she had lived for the past nine decades.
Dwelling on the theme of the celebration, “Mothers as Peace Seekers,” with Hebrews 12:14 as the scriptural text, Rev. Ayinde stressed that whoever that needs peace must first give his or her life to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Describing Mama Adedipe as a lover of peace, Rev. Ayinde hailed the impact the celebrant has made in her neighbourhood, her community, the church and in the lives of all individuals she had contact with.
Attesting to the piety, devotion and commitment to the service of God exhibited by the Governor’s mother-in-law, Rev. Ayinde described the celebrant as a prayerful woman.
The clergyman also testified that Mama Adedipe is very punctual in attending services in the church and always ready to participate in church activities despite her old age.
Extolling the virtues of her mother, Ekiti First Lady, Dr. Oyebanji appreciated God for the grace her mother had enjoyed all her life in good health, sartorial radiance and fulfillment of her wishes.
Dr. Oyebanji said the celebrant is a caring and doting mother who apart from loving her own child also cares about the welfare and progress of children of others.
The First Lady recalled with nostalgia that her mother was very passionate about education and want her children and other children in her neighbourhood to always attend school and never joke with their education.
According to her, the nonagenarian always want young ones to be diligent, industrious and committed to whatever they do which she described as the pathway to greatness in life.
Dr. Oyebanji also used the opportunity to appreciate eminent personalities and other individuals who came from all walks of life to honour her mother as she marked her 90th birthday.
At the birthday reception held at the Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti, Mama Adedipe’s biological children, her friends’ children, relations and senior citizens took turns to pay tributes to her.
The cutting of the birthday cake was conducted by a renowned member of Ekiti Council of Elders and veteran broadcaster, Chief (Mrs) Ronke Okusanya. The guests were thrilled by live bands and other entertainers.
Apparently overwhelmed and joyous on the show of love to her on her 90th birthday, Mama Adedipe appreciated all for honouring her with their presence at the church service and reception.
The celebrant prayed God to reciprocate the gestures of everyone who made her special day worthwhile for her and wished them abundant blessings in return.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Habibat Adubiaro; Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe; House of Representatives member representing Moba/Ido Osi/Ilejemeje Federal Constituency, Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole; members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), friends of Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, representatives of traditional rulers and other stakeholders.