President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun; mother of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as a pathfinder, who had made positive impacts on the lives of children in Ogun State, the Southwest and across the country as a whole.

President Tinubu stated this at the 90th birthday celebration of the Abiodun’s matriarch, held at St James Anglican Church, Iperu in Ikenne local government area of the State.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, noted that the celebrant as an educator spent a large part of her life moulding and mentoring the younger generations that had contributed immensely to nation building.

Among the attendees were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Oyo State counterpart, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

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Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, former Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole , members of federal and states assemblies, and traditional rulers led by the Ooni of ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi were also in attendance.

The event was also attended by captains of industry, including Group Managing Director, First Bank PLC , Mr. Segun Alebiosun, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, former Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

Describing Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun as a good Christian, President Tinubu said her life would continue to inspire her family and other families in the State, adding that the large number of people that turned out to celebrate her at the gathering was a testament to her resilience and love for mankind.

He said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to promote the name of the family in the country through his support for the enthronement of good governance in the country.”

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described his mother as an embodiment of success who played an important role in the life of her children.

The governor noted that her hard work, faith in God, resilience, and a life of selflessness, had helped her children to be successful in life.

Thanking God for sparing his mother’s life to clock 90 years in sound health, the governor said she was greatly supportive of his late father, noting that the celebrant would continue to serve as an inspiration to her children.

The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, admonished the celebrant to re-dedicate her life to the service of God as she celebrates her 90 years birthday.

Delivering a sermon with the theme; “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God,” Most Reverend Fape said the celebrant should thank God for being alive to witness the celebration of her 90th birthday, urging her to forgive those that had wronged her and show love to people around her.

The clergyman, reading from Luke chapter 1 verse 46 to 49, said the life of the woman could be likened to that of Holy Mary who gave birth to Jesus as Chief Mrs. Abiodun gave birth to Prince Dapo Abiodun, who raised the name of the family as the number one citizen of the Gateway state.

He described the celebrant as a devoted and committed Christian who had done a lot in the vineyard of God, noting that her generosity has made her to be chosen as the Iya Egbe Bishop of the church

While urging people to emulate the life of the celebrant, the clergyman commended Governor Abiodun for the massive infrastructural development in the state, adding that the construction of the Gateway International Airport at Iperu-Remo, is a big relief to the people of the state and the neighbouring states, as it would save them the stress of going to Lagos to board flights to their various destinations.

Sanwo-Olu hails nonagenarian passion, dedication, service to humanity

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the nonagenarian adding that Mama Abiodun is worth celebrating at 90 for the positive impact she made in her career, community and family, especially in the lives of her children, who are doing well in different aspects of life.

He described the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun as a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of the nonagenarian, who has shaped the lives of many people through education.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, also rejoiced with his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and other children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for celebrating the 90th birthday of the matriarch of the family.

He said: “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke; family; the government; and the people of Lagos State, I express warm felicitations to Madam Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, the mother of my dear brother, Governor Dapo Abiodun, on her 90th birthday anniversary.

“We are happy to celebrate Mama Abiodun on her 90th birthday. We thank God for giving her the grace of longevity and for being surrounded at old age by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Mama, as an educationist, businesswoman and community leader, made positive impacts in the lives of many people who were directly and indirectly touched by her kindness, love, passion, dedication and service to humanity.

“As Mama Victoria Olaitan Abiodun joins the league of nonagenarians, I pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless her with good health and strength at old age.”