By Prosper Mene
Iperu-Remo, Ogun State – October 15, 2025
The town of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State’s Ikenne Local Government Area transformed into a hub of national prominence today, as political heavyweights, governors, and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to honor the remarkable milestone of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun, mother of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
The nonagenarian’s 90th birthday celebration, marked by a thanksgiving service at St. James Anglican Church, drew an impressive array of leaders, underscoring the deep respect and admiration for the celebrant’s enduring legacy of faith, resilience, and service.
Leading the tributes was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, lauded Mrs. Abiodun as a “pathfinder” whose life has profoundly shaped generations. “As an educator, she spent a large part of her life moulding and mentoring the younger generations, who have contributed immensely to nation-building,” Tinubu’s message emphasized, highlighting her positive impacts on children in Ogun State, the Southwest, and the nation at large.
Describing her as a devout Christian, the President noted that her life of resilience and love for humanity was evident in the massive turnout, adding, “Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to promote the name of the family in the country through his support for the enthronement of good governance.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima joined the President in extending warm felicitations, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were among the early arrivals, their presence symbolizing the unity of the legislative arm in celebrating this matriarchal icon.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, also graced the occasion, lending voices to the chorus of admiration for Mrs. Abiodun’s virtuous journey.
The event was a veritable who’s who of Nigerian politics and society. Governors in attendance included Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Hope Uzodinma of Imo.
Other notables were wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, and former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori. The gathering not only celebrated a personal milestone but also reinforced bonds of camaraderie among the nation’s elite.
In his emotional address, Governor Dapo Abiodun portrayed his mother as “an embodiment of success” whose unwavering faith, hard work, and selflessness have been the bedrock of her children’s achievements. “She played an important role in the life of her children, supporting my late father and inspiring us all,” the governor said, thanking God for her sound health at 90.
He pledged continued commitment to her values of service and community upliftment, crediting her influence for his administration’s strides in infrastructure, including the transformative Gateway International Airport at Iperu-Remo.
The thanksgiving service, presided over by local clergy, featured soul-stirring hymns and prayers, with the officiating minister urging attendees to emulate Mrs. Abiodun’s life of grace and devotion. “Ninety years is not a small journey,” the celebrant herself reflected in a pre-event statement, expressing profound gratitude to God and her loved ones.
Born on October 15, 1935, to Mr. Raji Alli Balogun and Mrs. Adijatu Kubura Alli Sobowale, Mrs. Abiodun’s educational journey from Bishop Oluwole Memorial Primary School in Agege, Lagos, to St. James Anglican Primary School in Iperu laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to mentoring and empowerment.
A widow and pillar of the Anglican community, she has been a quiet force in family and societal spheres.
At sun set, the celebrations spilled into a reception brimming with cultural displays, tributes, and reflections on legacy.
For many, the event was more than a birthday, it was a stark reminder of the women whose unseen labors propel nations forward. Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun’s 90th year stands as a beacon, inspiring all who witnessed it to embrace lives of purpose, faith, and boundless generosity.
