Obasanjo, Anyaoku, ex-governors, others honour Awolowo-Dosumu at 70

Eminent personalities from within and outside Nigeria yesterday gathered in Ikenne to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Mrs. Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu.

A thanksgiving service was held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo in honour of the celebrant while she was also installed as Iya Ewe of the church.

Among the dignitaries present were former President  Olusegun Obasanjo and wife, Bola; the State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa; the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; former Secretary General,  Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and his wife, Bunmi and Pa. Ayo Adebanjo.

Others were the former Governors of Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo and Delta States, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Chief Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Delivering his sermon, titled: “This is the day of joy”, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, the Most. Reverend Micheal Olusina Fape, appreciated God on behalf of the celebrant for attaining the age of 70 years.

The cleric said birthday is an opportunity to thank God for the gift of life and an acknowledgement of the fact that all are product of accident.

Fape who doubles as the Bishop of Remo, described the celebrant as a blessing to her generation and urged her to rededicate her life to the service of God and mankind by absolutely relying on God.

He said: “For our dear sister, this is the day that the Lord has made, the day is your birth, the 70th year of the same. That our sister has seen this day is by the grace of God. God has preserved your life as it is unto this day.

“You have reasons to praise God for this day. You have not merely existed for these 70 years, but you have been a blessing to your generation.

“You have no reason to doubt God that He will sustain you in the years ahead.” But then, you need to rely more on Him. You may still have more challenging days ahead. But if you surrender your life to Him completely, and find time to grow deeper in the knowledge of God through His word, you will not fail.

“Our dear sister think no evil, see no evil, and talk no evil. All that you need in the years ahead is Christ to stand firm and overcome in the events of vicissitudes of life. You don’t need religion or denomination. It is my prayer for you that your tomorrow will be better than your yesterday and today, put together.”

Amosun in his goodwill message congratulated the celebrant for attaining the age of seventy years.

He acknowledged her contributions to the development of Remoland, Ogun State and the country in general.

Amosun added: “The celebrant is one of the fruits of the Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. We want to thank you for the numerous contributions to mankind. We acknowledge all that you have done and we said it is not by mistake that you are adding another feather to all the feathers you have already.”

While Mimiko described the celebrant as a “quintessential representative” of the Awolowo family because of her intellectual ability, public service commitment and humility, the duo of Osoba and Adebayo described Awolowo Dosumu as a brilliant woman and wished her more prosperous years.

Also in attendance were the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nwodo, founder, Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare and his wife; the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade; Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN); Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa; Senator Femi Okurounmu; Senator Kofoworoola Bucknor-Akerele.

The list also include; the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams; Senator Adegbenga Kaka; former Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Olusola Obada; Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, Sir. Solomon Oguntimehin; Mrs. Kemi Nelson; the Executive Chairman,  Safari Books Limited, Chief Joop Berkhout and Chief Akin Osuntokun.

Also in attendance were traditional rulers, including Chairman, Ogun State Traditional Council, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu; the Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade among others.