It was a gathering of political heavyweights, captains of industry, and royal fathers in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, as dignitaries across Nigeria joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to celebrate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, the mother of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The thanksgiving service, held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, drew a high-powered delegation including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Ogun State Governor and Senator, Ibikunle Amosun.
Also in attendance were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Hope Uzodinma of Imo.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Delta State Governor James Ibori, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole were also present.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, led an array of traditional rulers to the grand event.
The business community was equally represented, with the Group Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Alebiosu, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and former Access Bank GMD/CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, among others, in attendance.
Representing President Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun as a “pathfinder whose life has positively impacted many beyond the borders of Ogun State.”
Akume said, “Mama dedicated her life to education and the upbringing of younger generations who have become nation-builders today. Her story is one of service, faith, and resilience. Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to promote the good name of the family through his exemplary governance and commitment to good leadership.”
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described his mother as “an embodiment of success whose hard work, faith in God, and selflessness shaped the lives of her children.” He expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life to celebrate 90 years in sound health and praised her for being a pillar of support to his late father and the entire family.
The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, who delivered the sermon titled “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God,” urged the celebrant to continue to show gratitude to God and forgive those who may have offended her.
He likened Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun’s life to that of the biblical Mary, saying, “Just as Mary gave birth to Jesus, Mama Abiodun gave birth to Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has elevated the family name as the number one citizen of Ogun State.”
The cleric praised the celebrant’s generosity and service in the vineyard of God, noting that she has been a blessing to many as the Iya Egbe Bishop of the church.
Most Reverend Fape also commended Governor Abiodun’s administration for its infrastructural strides, particularly the ongoing Gateway International Airport project in Iperu-Remo, which he said would ease the travel burden on residents and neighbouring states.
The celebration later continued with a colourful reception attended by a host of family members, friends, and well-wishers, as the nonagenarian was showered with tributes for a life of impact, faith, and grace.
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