The serene town of Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State came alive on Wednesday as political leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers, and eminent Nigerians gathered to celebrate Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, mother of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on her 90th birthday.
The colourful thanksgiving service, held at St. James Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, drew an impressive roll call of dignitaries from across the nation.
Among those in attendance were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; and former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
Also present were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo). Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ogun State Governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as well as Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Chief James Ibori (Delta), were also among the distinguished guests.
The royal class was led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, who joined other traditional rulers and clerics to honour the nonagenarian.
Business and corporate leaders were not left out, including Group Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Alebiosu; Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji; and former Access Bank Group CEO, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, among others.
Tinubu Hails Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun as a Pathfinder
In his goodwill message, President Tinubu described Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun as “a pathfinder and a nation builder” whose life of service as an educator has impacted countless lives across Ogun State and Nigeria.
Represented by the SGF, Tinubu noted that her devotion to raising future leaders and her deep Christian faith have remained sources of inspiration, not just to her family but to all who have crossed her path.
“Her life continues to inspire families across Nigeria. The large turnout here today is a testament to her compassion, resilience, and impact on humanity,” the President said, commending Governor Abiodun for “sustaining his family’s legacy through his dedication to good governance.”
Abiodun Praises Mother’s Sacrificial Life
In an emotional tribute, Governor Dapo Abiodun described his mother as “an embodiment of hard work, faith, and selflessness,” who played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of her children.
He thanked God for preserving her life to witness her 90th birthday in good health, recalling how her discipline and devotion contributed immensely to his success and that of his siblings.
“My mother remains our pillar of strength, a prayer warrior, and the heart of our family. Her life continues to inspire us daily,” the governor said.
Clergy Urges Celebrant to Remain Thankful
Delivering the sermon titled “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God,” the Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, urged the celebrant to continue living a life of gratitude, forgiveness, and service to God.
Citing Luke 1:46–49, the Bishop compared her role to that of Mary, mother of Jesus, saying Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun gave birth to a son whose leadership has brought honour to the family and the state.
He praised the celebrant’s devotion to church work, noting her generosity and service as the Iya Egbe Bishop of St. James Anglican Church.
Commending Governor Abiodun’s developmental strides, particularly the Gateway International Airport in Iperu-Remo, the Bishop said the project had transformed the area and would serve as a major economic gateway for Ogun and neighbouring states.