Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday reflected on his 39-year journey with his wife, Bamidele, saying they never imagined they would one day become the First Family of Ogun State as she celebrated her 60th birthday.
The governor made the remark during a special thanksgiving service held in honour of the First Lady’s Diamond Jubilee at the Government House Chapel, Oke Igbein, Abeokuta.
Abiodun described his wife as a woman of virtue, compassion, unwavering faith and an indispensable partner whose steadfast support has remained central to his personal life and public service.
Recalling how their relationship began nearly four decades ago, the governor said God’s faithfulness had sustained their family and elevated them to positions they never envisaged.
He said, “When I remember that our paths crossed about 39 years ago, I cannot but thank God for how He has preserved us. At the time, I was in Ife while she was at the University of Ibadan. I used to drive to Ibadan to see her.
“Neither of us knew that one day God would grant us the privilege of becoming the First Family of Ogun State.”
The governor also expressed gratitude for the gift of their children and God’s continuous protection over their family.
He added, “I believe that when we think about our lives in terms of the number of days we have lived, and then consider the number of minutes and seconds our hearts have beaten, we are reminded that we must remain accountable to Almighty God.”
Responding, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun described her Diamond Jubilee as more than a personal celebration, saying it marked a renewed commitment to serving humanity.
She said, “This Diamond Jubilee is more than a personal milestone. It is a divine call to deepen my commitment to service and humanity.”
The First Lady added that the occasion had strengthened her resolve to positively impact more lives through her humanitarian initiatives and dedicated service to the people of Ogun State.
The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, described Mrs. Abiodun as a devoted wife and dependable pillar of support to the governor, noting that every successful leader draws strength from the unwavering support of a committed spouse.
Also, the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives candidate for Remo Federal Constituency and former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Funmi Afuwape, hailed the First Lady as a humble mentor whose passion for empowering others has inspired many.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, commended Mrs. Abiodun’s compassion for women, children and vulnerable residents, describing her as a role model whose life exemplifies selfless service.
Delivering the sermon, the President of the Ogun Baptist Conference and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Oyewale Oyeniyi, urged the celebrant to remain steadfast in serving God and humanity beyond her husband’s tenure as governor, saying a life dedicated to God and service to others remains the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind.
