IYIN-EKITI — It was a day of joy, gratitude, and family celebration as the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, led members of the Bamidele family, political associates, friends, and well-wishers to the 60th Birthday Thanksgiving Service of his immediate younger brother, Omolade Foluso Bamidele, held at Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church on Sunday.

The colourful event attracted a large turnout of dignitaries from across Ekiti State and beyond, turning the church premises into a gathering of family members, political leaders, community stakeholders, and admirers who came to celebrate a life of service and impact.

Among the prominent guests at the thanksgiving service were Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and his wife, alongside top government officials, traditional leaders, political associates, and friends of the Bamidele family.

The thanksgiving service was marked by heartfelt worship, hymns, prayers, and reflections as family members joined the celebrant in appreciating God for six decades of divine grace, protection, and accomplishments.

Speaking during the service, Senator Bamidele expressed profound gratitude to God for His faithfulness to the Bamidele family over the years. He noted that the occasion was not only a celebration of his brother’s 60th birthday but also an opportunity for the entire family to thank God for preserving the children and grandchildren of their late parents.

The Senate Leader also appreciated Governor Oyebanji and other distinguished guests for honouring the family with their presence, describing their attendance as a strong demonstration of love, friendship, and solidarity.

Paying glowing tribute to the celebrant, Senator Bamidele described Hon. Foluso Bamidele as a dependable and selfless brother whose commitment to family values has continued to strengthen the bond among family members.

According to him, the celebrant remains one of the major pillars of the Bamidele family, always ready to provide guidance, support, and intervention whenever the need arises.

“For six decades, Foluso has been the kind of brother anyone would be proud to have. He has consistently demonstrated love, responsibility, and commitment to the wellbeing of the family. His life is a testament to service, sacrifice, and selflessness,” Senator Bamidele said.

He prayed for God’s continued grace, strength, wisdom, and good health upon the celebrant, expressing confidence that the years ahead would usher in greater fulfilment, peace, and opportunities for meaningful service to humanity.

The thanksgiving service created memorable moments as family members and guests offered prayers and goodwill messages in honour of the celebrant, while thanking God for His enduring mercy and blessings upon the family.

Following the church service, the celebration moved to a lively reception where guests were treated to music, entertainment, and refreshments. Family members, friends, associates, and dignitaries took turns sharing fond memories and congratulatory messages as they celebrated Hon. Foluso Bamidele’s milestone birthday.

The event was a fitting tribute to a man widely admired for his humility, dedication to family, and commitment to service, while also highlighting the enduring values of faith, gratitude, and family unity that continue to define the Bamidele family.

For many attendees, the occasion was more than a birthday celebration—it was a joyful testament to God’s faithfulness and a memorable gathering that brought together loved ones and well-wishers in appreciation of a life well lived.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 89th birthday, celebrating him as a towering statesman whose influence continues to shape Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

In a statement issued on March 4 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded Obasanjo’s courage, sacrifices, and decades of dedicated service to the nation.

Tinubu reflected on Obasanjo’s remarkable leadership journey — from serving as Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1976 and 1979, where he notably handed over power to a civilian administration, to his historic return as the first civilian President of the Fourth Republic, steering the country from 1999 to 2007.

The President also highlighted Obasanjo’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s history, including his efforts during the civil war to safeguard the nation’s unity and his period of imprisonment for standing against military dictatorship. He commended the elder statesman’s unwavering advocacy for Africa’s political stability and economic growth.

Describing Obasanjo’s books and public engagements as enduring testaments of patriotism and commitment to nation-building, Tinubu prayed for continued strength, sound health, and wisdom for the former leader as he marks another milestone in a life devoted to service.

The 89th birthday celebration, observers note, once again underscores Obasanjo’s lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape and his continued relevance in national and continental affairs.

***A Historic First in His 30-Year Public Career

It was a colourful scene of culture, music, and prestige on Saturday at the ancient town of Iyin-Ekiti, as the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Adeniyi Ajakaiye (Oyinyosaye III), installed the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), as the Oluomo of Iyin-Ekiti during the grand finale of the 2025 Iyin-Ekiti Day Celebration.

Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau

The conferment, offered by the Oluyin-in-Council and the entire Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, came as a heartfelt recognition of Senator Bamidele’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of his hometown — a community he has served with distinction over the years.

Former Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau

The air was charged with excitement as cultural troupes thrilled the audience with traditional drumming, dance, and colourful displays, while dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to witness the royal event that blended heritage with modern prestige.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Senator Bamidele expressed profound appreciation to the Oluyin, the Council, and the people of Iyin-Ekiti, describing the honour as “deeply humbling and inspiring.” He revealed that it was the first traditional title he would receive in his over three decades of service in public life, and promised to rededicate himself to serving his people and humanity with even greater zeal.

Also conferred with chieftaincy titles at the ceremony were other eminent personalities, including:

Senator Jubrin Barau, Deputy President of the Senate – Agba Akin of Iyin-Ekiti.

Senator Jide Ipinshagba, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement – Aare Bobagunwa of Iyin-Ekiti.

Hon. (Engr.) Remi Oseni, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FERMA – Aare Bobajiroro of Iyin-Ekiti.

Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State – Asiwaju of Iyin-Ekiti.

The event was not just a coronation, but a reunion of culture, governance, and gratitude — a royal celebration that left Iyin-Ekiti aglow with pride and joy.