By Churchill Oyowe
In a heartfelt celebration that underscored the importance of honoring parents while they are alive, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, a former correspondent for The Punch newspaper and now a leading agribusiness entrepreneur in Nigeria, emphasized the profound rewards of such tributes. Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, South West Nigeria, Adebayo highlighted the significance of celebrating his mother, Alhaja Rafatu Anike Ibiladun Adebayo, who recently turned 90.
Adebayo remarked, “Celebrating one’s parents while they are alive is in accord with God’s injunction and it is highly rewarding. We, as her offspring, made a deliberate decision to honor our mother with a high-class celebration during her lifetime, rather than waiting for her transition to throw an elaborate party.”
The grand celebration, held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the renowned Jogor Centre along Liberty Road in Ibadan, attracted dignitaries from across the South-South geopolitical states. Among the notable attendees was the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably represented by the members representing Warri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi. Also present were the members representing Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie Federal Constituency, Hon. Ben Etanabene; and Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi, as well as the Chairman of the 8th Governing Council, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Mr. Alex Eyengho. Captains of industry, such as Chief Tunde Smooth and Chief Ayiri Emami, also graced the occasion.
The event was a vibrant display of cultural heritage, featuring performances by the Itsekiri Omoko Dance Troupe, Urhobo Royal Ema Dancers of Agbarha Kingdom, and a cultural troupe from Ijaw. The legendary Yoruba juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade, enthralled the audience with his timeless songs, adding a touch of musical brilliance to the celebration.
Royalties from various South-West communities, led by the Orangun of Ila-Orangun, His Majesty Oba Abdulwahab Olukayode Oyedotun Bibiire I, were present, lending a regal air to the festivities. The media contingent was led by the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Chris Isiguzo, ensuring extensive coverage of the memorable event.
The roll call of distinguished guests included former members of the House of Representatives, Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen and Chief Solomon Ahwinahwi; immediate past Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr. Michael Tidi; Delta State Commissioner for Works (Urban Roads), Hon. Reuben Izeze; former chairman of DESOPADEC, Prince Michael Diden, alias Ejele; Executive Director of FENOG, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha; and the Director General (DG) of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency, Prince Godwin Ejinyere.
Other notable attendees were the National President of Neo Black Movement of Africa, Chief Ese Kakor; Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Tony Ofoni; Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council, Hon. Julius Tekeme; Executive Director of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, Mr. Peter Dunia; and Delta NURTW boss, Chief Francis Ariyor.
In a moving tribute, Hon. Ben Etanabene, the lawmaker representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Mama Anike Ibiladun Adebayo as a mother par excellence. “Thank you for giving us your son, Sola Adebayo, as a friend,” he said.
Prince Godwin Ejinyere, Director General (DG) of Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Development Agency, also paid homage to Alhaja Anike Ibiladun Adebayo, celebrating her as a fulfilled mother who raised her children in the fear of the Almighty God. “Her celebration at 90 is no surprise because it takes well-brought-up children to celebrate their parents while alive. Our prayer for her is for God to grant her more sound health and fulfillment of days on earth in joy and happiness. I rejoice with my friend, Sola Adebayo, for the privilege to celebrate his mother at 90. It’s truly a thing of profound joy for the Adebayo family,” the WUEDA DG said.
In his goodwill message, a former chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and a former member representing Warri North Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Prince Michael Diden said that he had been present against all odds because it was the least he could do for a bosom friend, Sola Adebayo, who was celebrating his beloved mother.
Diden, who was equally a former chairman of Warri North Local Government Council, enthused: “We are in Ibadan to join Sola Adebayo and his family honour their mother. I congratulate Mama Adebayo for clocking 90. I pray Mama continues to live long to enjoy her children.”
The celebration of Mama Anike Ibiladun Adebayo at 90 was not just a family affair but a communal acknowledgment of a life well-lived and the enduring legacy of a matriarch who has touched many lives.
