Mother of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Mama Olubisi, clocks 90 on Thursday, 16 February, 2023.
In a church service laced with singing, prayers, musical performances and biblical ministrations, Nigerians from all walks of life joined Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the family in Lagos, to celebrate the grace of God in the life of the VP’s mother, Mama Olubisi Osinbajo.
At the thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute-Meta, which featured songs ministration, an elated Mama Osinbajo, fondly nicknamed “Mumisco” by her many children, grand and great-grandchildren was full of appreciation and gratitude, praying that everyone at the event would also grow up to be 90 in good health and prosperity.
his sermon at the service, the Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Rt. Revd. Akinpelu Johnson, recalled Mama and her family’s early days at St Jude’s Cathedral and particularly her devotion to the service of God.
He emphasized the significance of thanksgiving and obedience to the will of God, noting that a birthday celebration is “an opportunity to take stock of one’s life.”
While praying for Mama, Bishop Johnson declared that even at 90, God will continue to work wonders in her because of her devotion to his work and obedience to his will.
The thanksgiving service held at the St Jude Cathedral Church in Ebute-Meta, Lagos State, and was led by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye.
President Muhammadu Buhari also extended hearty felicitations to the Osinbajo family on the landmark event.
A release by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the President eulogised the Matriarch of the Osinbajo Family in a personal letter he wrote to her.
In a letter he personally signed, the President thanked the celebrant for giving the country illustrious offspring like Vice President ‘Yemi Osinbajo, and his other siblings.
‘It is nothing but the sheer grace of God that spares a person to live up to 90, and we are thankful to the Almighty God that Mama has not only reached the milestone, she’s doing so in sound mind, and in good health, surrounded by accomplished offspring and doting family members.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and Nigerians, we rejoice with Mama, and wish her continued grace and joy in the Lord, all the days of her life. Amen.
“I am particularly pleased that the matriarch of the Osinbajo Family had thought it worthy to establish the Olubisi Osinbajo Foundation, which caters for the well-being of widows and families of clergymen. It is an initiative I recommend to other endowed people in our society, as it has lofty rewards not only here, but also in the hereafter.
On his part, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Mama is so exceptional in many respects but there are four things he has learnt from her.
According to him, “four things I learnt from Mama. First, is her personal integrity, simply telling the truth always.
“She simply did not tolerate lying, even seemingly white or innocuous lies! She also had a problem with excessive display of wealth, she felt it reflected poor breeding.
“Second is her insistence on proper behaviour, politeness and respect for elders. Third is how she had always believed I would be a lawyer. She always resisted every attempt to distract me. The fourth is her service to the gospel and her prayerfulness.”
Several Nigerians who graced the event, especially members of the church family, top government functionaries and dignitaries were also present. They include: the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and his wife, Salamatu who represented First Lady, Aisha Buhari; Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; while Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Deputy Governor of Ondo State represented the State Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu; and several former governors including Mr Rochas Okorocha of Imo; Chief Olusegun Osoba and Mr Ibikunle Amosun, both of Ogun State; Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers State and Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State.
The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; and several federal ministers were also at the event. There were also representatives of State Governments and senior government officials.
From the Business community, there were Captains of Industry including the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and businessman and philanthropist, Mr Femi Otedola.
