It was funfare and thanksgiving to God on Saturday, as the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, led his other siblings to celebrate the 90th birthday of the martriach of the Akeredolu family, Lady Evangelist Grace Akeredolu.
St Matthias’ Anglican Church, Orogun, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, played host to family, friends and well-wishers, where they sang praises and gave thanks to God for His divine mercy and favour over the Akeredolu martriach, who has continued to serve God and humanity.
The governor’s wife, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu; members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Princess Oladunni Odu, and several other dignitaries within and outside Ondo State were on hand to lend support to the Akeredolus and join them in appreciating the goodness of God in their mother’s life.
As the first son of the family, Arakunrin Akeredolu, read the Bible passage for the service, taken from the Book of Psalms, chapter 92.
Delivering his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese and Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev. (Dr) Segun Okubadejo, congratulated and rejoiced with the celebrant on her 90th birthday celebration, adding that God has really been very faithful to her.
Describing Lady Evangelist Akeredolu as the “Dorcas of our time and a woman whose life is a model to all,” Bishop Okubadejo averred that she is like a tree planted by the riverside.
The cleric said that clocking 90 years in the face of enormous challenges, especially in the current economic and social insecurity, and in a society where life expectancy is low, is a milestone which must be celebrated with praises and thanksgiving offering.
He described the occasion as a “gracious and glorious day, not only for the celebrant,” but for everyone who has joined the family to celebrate her on the special occasion.
He noted that it is a thing of joy to see Mama’s grandchildren and great grandchildren gather to celebrate her as it was said in the Bible, stressing that the occasion was to praise and give thanks to God, because she has enjoyed the favour of God.
Praying God to continue to sustain the nonagenarian great-grandmother in good health, Bishop Okubadejo added that the transforming favour, love and grace of God are still sufficient for her as she continues with the journey of life.
He said, “At 40, you celebrated the Peace of God, and we thank God the same peace is still with you till today. At 50, you celebrated the Love of God and we thank God you are still lucky God still loves you. At 60, you celebrated the Mercy of God, and if not for God’s mercy, there is no way you will be here today to celebrate 90, but we thank God for that.
“At 70, you celebrated the Grace of God, God has been so faithful to you. At 80, you celebrated the Praise of God and till today we thank God the praise has never ceased from your mouth, you are still praising God; and today, at 90, you are celebrating the Wisdom of God. If I want to be generous Mama, at 100, you will celebrate the Glory of God. We want to be more generous Mama, at 120, you will celebrate the Excellence of God.”
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu thanked all the Archbishops, Bishops and other church leaders as well as guests for the honour done the family.
Appreciating God for the grace his mother has received so far, Arakunrin Akeredolu also noted that the aged mother has lived well.
In separate interviews, some of the children of the celebrant, including Prof. Oluwole Akeredolu, Dr (Mrs) Modupe Adeyinka, Pastor Kola Akeredolu and Oluwafemi Akeredolu, all appreciated God for keeping their mother alive in good health to celebrate the exceptional and landmark 90th birthday, saying they not too many people are given the privilege to live up to the age.
The children averred that Lady Evangelist Akeredolu went through a lot to ensure that all of them got to where they are today, describing her as a strong pillar and true mother, who deserves the best.
The children also prayed God to grant their mother more years in sound health.
Highlights of the event include: thanksgiving, taking of Holy Communion, the Akeredolus’ family harvest, prayers for the celebrant and the Akeredolus.
