Dignitaries from across the country, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday converged on St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, mother of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Also present were Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
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 in attendance.
They were joined by members of the National and State Assemblies and traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu described Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun as “a pathfinder who devoted her life to moulding and mentoring younger generations that have contributed immensely to nation-building.”
He said her life of faith, resilience, and service had inspired many across Nigeria, noting that the large turnout at the thanksgiving service was proof of her enduring impact.
Governor Abiodun described his mother as “an embodiment of success” whose faith, discipline, and selflessness shaped her children’s lives.
He thanked God for preserving her in good health to witness her 90th birthday, recalling her unwavering support for his late father and her continued role as an inspiration to the family.
In his sermon titled “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God,” the Bishop of the Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, urged the celebrant to rededicate her life to God and show love and forgiveness.
Drawing from Luke 1:46–49, Bishop Fape likened Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun to the Virgin Mary, who raised a son that became a blessing to his people, saying she too had raised a son who now leads the Gateway State.
He commended the governor for his developmental strides, including the construction of the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo, which he said would ease travel burdens for residents of Ogun and neighbouring states.
Credit: punchng.com
