The ancient town of Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State was agog on Wednesday as dignitaries across the country converged on St. James Anglican Church to commemorate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, the mother of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Among the attendees were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. 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 AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; members of federal and state assemblies; and traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, were also in attendance.
The event was graced by captains of industry, including the Group Managing Director of First Bank PLC, Mr. Segun Alebiosun; Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and former Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun as a pathfinder who has made positive impacts on the lives of children in Ogun State, the Southwest, and across the country as a whole.
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 younger generations who have contributed immensely to nation-building.
Describing her as a good Christian, President Tinubu said her life would continue to inspire her family and others in the state, adding that the large number of people who turned out to celebrate her 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 life of selflessness have 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 90th 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 who had wronged her and show love to people around her.
Reading from Luke 1:46–49, the clergyman 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 earned her the title of Iya Egbe Bishop of the church.