Abuja Agog as Matriarch Is Celebrated in Thanksgiving, Royalty and Grandeur
It was a moment of profound joy and thanksgiving in Abuja as the National Executive Council of the Okun Development Association (ODA), led by its National President, Ambassador Rotimi Akenson, joined family, friends and well-wishers to honour the mother of Hon. Bolanle Bola Olorunsaiye (Nee Amupitan), former Commissioner for Women Affairs, as she celebrated her 80th birthday.
The octogenarian birthday, held in the Federal Capital Territory, was elegantly organised and filled with glamour, heartfelt prayers and songs of praise. More than just a birthday party, it was a celebration of a life dedicated to love, sacrifice, service to humanity and unwavering faith in God. The celebrant, a matriarch of great virtue, was described by many as a source of inspiration whose kindness, discipline and devotion have shaped generations.
The presence of the ODA National Exco added great significance to the occasion. Led by Ambassador Rotimi Akenson, the national leadership of the apex socio-cultural organisation of Okun people came in full strength, accompanied by the National Secretary and other national officers. Their attendance was a clear demonstration of respect and solidarity with Hon. Bolanle Amupitan Olorunsaiye, a distinguished daughter of Okunland.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Ambassador Akenson congratulated the celebrant on attaining 80 years in good health and sound mind. He described her as a respected mother of Okunland and a strong pillar behind the success of her children. He commended Hon. Bolanle for celebrating her mother in a grand and befitting manner, stressing that honouring parents while they are alive is a cultural value that must be preserved and promoted.
The celebration was given royal grandeur by the presence of revered traditional rulers. His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Muyiwa Ibeun, the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman, Mopamuro Traditional Council, graced the occasion with his royal presence, while His Royal Majesty, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede, Atolagbe I, travelled from Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State to felicitate with the family. Their presence underscored the high esteem in which the celebrant and the Olorunsaiye-Amupitan family are held across Kogi and Kwara States.
The event also became a convergence of political leaders and top government officials. Among those in attendance were the representative of the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Enikanolaye, and the representative of Hon. Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The Kogi State Government was ably represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Dr. Mrs. Arike Folashade Ayoade.
Also in attendance were His Excellency, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Hon. Sam Aro, former member of the House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency, and Hon. Olawumi Jacob, member representing Mopamuro in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
The guest list was further enriched by eminent personalities from various walks of life, including Barrister Shola Ojo and his wife, Erelu Professor Ronke Bello, Federal Commissioner at the Salaries and Wages Commission, Abuja, and Alhaji and Alhaja Sola Gold, former Secretary to the State Government of Kwara State.
Also present were the President of the Mopa Women Council, Directors and staff of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Abuja, Directors and staff of the Petroleum Regulatory Commission, old students of ESSMO, children, grandchildren, extended family members, political friends, associates and numerous well-wishers from far and near.
In her vote of thanks, Hon. Bolanle Bola Olorunsaiye expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for sparing her mother to witness 80 years in good health and sound mind. She described her mother as a virtuous woman, a disciplinarian, a prayer warrior and a selfless mother whose sacrifices, wise counsel and ceaseless prayers have been the foundation of her own achievements and those of her siblings.
Guests, in their goodwill messages, eulogized the celebrant as a compassionate mother and community builder whose humility and love have touched many lives in Mopa and beyond. The high point of the day was the offering of special prayers for long life and good health, cutting of the magnificent 80th birthday cake, presentation of gifts and soul-lifting thanksgiving.
The event ended on a note of appreciation, with the family thanking the ODA National Exco led by Ambassador Rotimi Akenson and all guests for honouring their matriarch. It was indeed a memorable day in Abuja, a celebration of motherhood, legacy and grace at 80.
