At a time when the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is at an all time low of 47 years due to the hard times, hitting the ripe old age of four scores and ten is not an easy walk. It is definitely cause to momentarily throw away the work to be done, pop champagne and raise the roof.
So it was recently in the Oyo State capital of Ibadan when Alhaja Rafatu Anike Ibiladun Adebayo, mother of veteran journalist, Asiwaju Shola Adebayo hit 90.
Alhaja Adebayo accompanied by her journalist son and other members of the family alighted from the 2024 model of Sports Utility Vehicle JAC to the venue of the event and was given a standing ovation by the guests at about 12:25 pm.
As one stepped into the hall, the coolness of the air conditioner literally moped up the hot and upsetting weather felt outside. This resulted from the optimal functioning of the twelve giant standing air conditioning units and sixteen ceiling fans oscillating at their optimum.
The 20 florescent tubes and 24 energy saving bulbs shown brightly, illuminating the hall at the heavily decorated event center, located on Liberty Road, right in the heart of the ancient city of Ibadan. The turn out was massive but quite interestingly the hall was large enough to accommodate each and everybody.
There was orderliness, as the security personnel placed at strategic points to the entrance of the expansive premises were literally idle. Not even the hazy weather could deter the people as they kept coming. As the dignitaries arrived the hall, the ushers promptly led them to their various seats, smiling.
Traditional rulers, accompanied by their chiefs and aides in long flowing robes (agbada), bards and Spector’s added colour to the ceremony, held at Jogor Event Center which glowed in colorful modern fabrics.
Notable politicians, both serving and former commissioners from Delta and Oyo states, National Assembly members from the two states, local government executives, political party leaders, top civil servants, across the country, business moguls, particularly from the oil sector, media executives and community leaders all trooped in to celebrate with the matriarch of the Adebayo Family.
It was a political rally of sorts. Important personalities engaged in banters, the gathering presenting a perfect opportunity to catch up on old times.
At the carnival-like ceremony, neighbours were not left out of the hearty celebration. As early as 9 am, they beheld exotic vehicles particularly Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) gliding into the neighborhood and promptly joined the joyous party.
The guests stood up to usher the celebrant as she walked majestically to a special canopy designed for the nonagenarian, an accomplished community leader. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, she waved at the crowd and thanked them for the honor of a lifetime. She hugged the guests and pumped hands.
The list included the General Overseer Mega Praise Ministry, Evangelist Michael Diden and his wife, Mrs. Light Diden; business mogul, Chief Emami Ayiri; Dr. Julius Tekeme, chairman Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State; Mr. Peter Dunia, the Executive Director of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited; Mr. Matthew Tonlagha of FENOG Nigeria Limited; High Chief Tunde Smooth; and Dr. Christ Isiguzo, the National President
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Tony Ofoni, Hon. Reuben Izieze, Commissioner for Works, (Urban and Roads).
Others are Alhaji Alhassan Yahaya, Deputy National President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Francis Arhiyo, the Delta State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers; Hon. Thomas Areyitomi, member, National Assembly; Comrade Churchill Oyowe, the Delta State Chairman of NUJ; the state NUJ Secretary, Comrade Victor Sorokwu; Mrs. Stella Macaulay, National Vice President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ); and NAWOJ state chairman Women Journalists, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo.
The Legendary Yoruba Juju Maestro, King Sunny Ade, Urhobo Royal Ema Dancers of Agbarha Kingdom, Ijaw Cultural Troupe and Itsekiri Omoko Dance Troupe, added colour to the ceremony with their wonderful performances.
Going by the turn out of people from all walks of life, it will certainly not be out of place to say that Liberty Road, Ibadan is yet to witness a birthday ceremony of such magnitude.
Long after the ceremony, the echoes of the celebration will definitely linger on for years to come.
