It was a big deal for Madam Mojisola Odegbami to hang around her family, friends and loved ones on Saturday, February 12, 2022, as she marked her 70th birthday in style.
The
Peter Akinolu Foundation (PAF) complex located in Obada, Abeokuta, Ogun State
hosted top dignitaries, members of her church, as well as the members of her
residential community who came to felicitate with the new septuagenarian on her
big day.
Madam
Mojisola Odegbami is a woman of many faces. She is a mother and grandmother, a
life teacher, life coach, benefactor to many and to cap it all, a woman with a
golden heart.
Many
people at the event described her as fearless, undaunting and a woman who holds
life very simply. Moji, as she is fondly called by her former schoolmates, the
1968 set of the Badagry Grammar School (BGS) was full of life as she received
several commendations from her family, former schoolmates, community leaders,
as well as her neighbours who came to felicitate with her.
DAMILARE SALAMI (08155134152) and Photojournalist,
Sunday Oyemade were in Abeokuta to cover the event and here are excerpts from
all that went down there. Enjoy.
ABOUT
THE CELEBRANT
Madam
Mojisola Ogunsina-Odegbami is a popular society woman in the Obada area of
Abeokuta, Ogun State. Popularly known as Mama O Ni Gba, Madam Moji Odegbami was
married to the popular Odegbami family but before then, she had been through a
lot in life. She struggled earlier on in life because she came from a very poor
background but at 70, it is all history. She had completely forgotten about her
sorrow because God has been gracious to her. She is now a mother and
grandmother who has seen both sides of life.
MOJ,
as her friends and former schoolmates from the Badagry Grammar School (BGS)
would call her, is a woman with the heart and strength of a man. While talking
about her at the party, some of them revealed that you’ll never have any dull
moment around Moji Odegbami. You will never find her around girls because of
the kind of strength she has. She had been helpful to many in the past, she is
still very helpful to men right now, her neighbours also noted.
ROYAL
FATHERS & HIGH CHIEFS CAME THROUGH
Let’s
quickly inform you that two royal fathers and many high chiefs were among the
special dignitaries that stormed the PAF Complex that hosted the event. They
came to felicitate with Madam Odegbami as a proud daughter of their community.
HRM,
Oba Afolabi Sowunmi, the Olu Ibogun of Ibogun Sowunmi was identified at the
event, he came with his beautiful Olori. Also spotted was HRM, Oba Afolabi
Solaja, the Olu of Obada community in Abeokuta, Ogun State. During his speech,
Oba Solaja revealed that Madam Odegbami had been a mother of the community, she
has been serving as a solid backbone to many less-privileged and young families.
Also spotted at the event was Chief Abiodun Akinjole, the Baale of Akinjole
community, High-Chief Oguntoyinbo and High-Chief (Mrs) Olusola Oguntoyinbo were
also spotted at the event.
RADIO
HOST, BABA BABATUNDE AWOBENA ANCHORS EVENT
He
is a popular voice on Faaji Fm and he has proven over time that there is no dull
moment whenever he anchors an event. Babatunde Awobena who anchored the event
brought his experience as a compere, comedian and radio host to the fore. He
was a perfect fit for the job because he understood the audience clearly and
gave them a show of their life. It was fun and there was no dull moment from
the beginning till the very end.
FAST-RISING
JUJU SINGER, FEMI FAMOUS ON THE BANDSTAND
Femi
Famous is a fast-rising juju singer who is doing so well in his chosen career.
He is popularly known as the Fazzar Funky Juju crooner and he is doing so well
for himself and the band. Femi thrilled from the beginning of the show till it
was very dark at night. His performance forced the royalties at the event to
shake their bodies. He is such a powerful singer and entertainer. Let’s quickly
tell you that this Fazzar Funky Juju creator is a great dancer too. He can be
easily compared to great dancers and entertainers like King Sunny Ade (KSA) and
Sir Shina Peters, (SSP).
GRANDMA
OPENS UP ON HER LIFE AT 70
During
her thanksgiving service, Madam Mojisola revealed the many battles she had
fought and many victories she had won through the help of her Lord Jesus
Christ.
“I
came from a very poor family. I am one of seven children, 5 girls and 2 boys.
My parents never had anything but we were always happy, my father struggled to
send us to school. Out of the 7 children, I am very proud to say that I am the
only one that has a master’s degree.
“After
I travelled to the United States, it was still very rough. With my Master’s
degree, I was still cleaning butts and doing other menial jobs but I was
resilient about it and that helped me a lot. With the proceeds I made from
those jobs, I was able to send my children to school and make a convenient
living for myself too. After my retirement back in 2016, I had served the
American Government for 35 years, I am back in Nigeria financially okay. Now I
can relax and enjoy my retirement benefits. The social security I get over
there is more than enough for me to fend for myself and those around me, that
was the turnaround for me. Even while I was here in Nigeria, I never relented,”
she said.
BAGADRY
GRAMMAR SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS PRESENT SPECIAL GIFT
It
was a gift galore for the birthday girl. So many people amongst her guests came
with different gifts for the celebrant. However, the most outstanding gift on
the day was a gigantic pencil art frame presented by the 1968 set of the
Badagry Grammar School (BGS Old Students).
Present
to present the gift was the President of BGS, Mr Funso Ogunsina who had a lot
to say about the celebrant. He revealed how they used to read together and
cause trouble together during their secondary school days. He was the first to
describe Madam Mojisola Odegbami as being fearless. “Moji was always hanging
around boys in those days and whenever we are afraid to do anything, you will
find her taking the lead role. She is not afraid of anything or anyone” was
part of his comments about the celebrant.
SEGUN
ODEGBAMI CAME THROUGH
Popular
former Green Eagles star and winner of Nigeria’s first African Cup of Nations
(AFCON) trophy, Chief Segun Odegbami (OON) was also among the top dignitaries
that graced the party. When City People asked what the relationship between him
and the celebrant was, the mathematical Segun Odegbami revealed that the
celebrant was the wife of his cousin and that he was there to show support and
solidarity for the celebrant. He was seen around the celebrant, playing such a
hugely supportive role.
MEET
THE VENDORS
There
was plenty of food to eat and drink, all thanks to the Aunty Megg Catering brand
that handled the meal. Led by the indefatigable Omotayo Ladejoh, the waiters
and waitresses ensured that all the guests were served without bias. Famos
Small Chops also didn’t leave any table unattended. They served all the
guests with small chops and other finger foods.
Did
you know that Madam Mojisola Odegbami looked as young as ever even at 70? Her
gele was tied by Yomi Gele. A brand that is very popular in Lagos. Abayomi
Adeyemi, the CEO can be reached on his Instagram handle via @yomi_gele.
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