To commemorate the 90th birthday of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, mother of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, dignitaries from all over the nation, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, gathered on Wednesday at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo.
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, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele were also in attendance.
Attendees included former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole.
Traditional leaders, including Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and representatives from the National and State Assemblies joined them.
Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun was referred to by President Tinubu as “a pathfinder who devoted her life to moulding and mentoring younger generations that have contributed immensely to nation-building,” on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
He claimed that many people throughout Nigeria had been inspired by her life of faith, tenacity, and service, and that the high attendance at the Thanksgiving service was evidence of her lasting influence.
According to Governor Abiodun, his mother was “an embodiment of success” who influenced her children’s lives with her discipline, faith, and altruism.
Recalling her steadfast support of his late father and her ongoing role as an example to the family, he praised God for keeping her healthy enough to celebrate her 90th birthday.
The Most Rev. Olusina Fape, the Bishop of the Remo Anglican Diocese, encouraged the celebrant to recommit her life to God and demonstrate compassion and forgiveness in his sermon, “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God.”
Bishop Fape compared Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun to the Virgin Mary, who had a son who became a blessing to his people, citing Luke 1:46–49. She also had a son who is currently the leader of the Gateway State.
He applauded the governor for his progress in development, pointing out that the building of the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo will make travelling easier for people in Ogun and the surrounding states.
