At 60, Gov. Abiodun Hails Wife’s Compassion, Selfless Service, Unwavering Support
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has paid glowing tribute to his wife, the First Lady, MRS. BAMIDELE ABIODUN, as she marked her 60th birthday, describing her as a woman of compassion, unwavering faith, selfless service and an indispensable partner whose steadfast support has remained a source of strength throughout his personal life and public service.
The Governor spoke on Sunday during a special thanksgiving service held in honour of the First Lady at the Government House Chapel, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta, where family members, government officials, religious leaders and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.
Governor Abiodun expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving their family and sustaining their marriage for nearly four decades, noting that God’s grace had continued to guide and uphold them through every stage of their journey together.
He commended his wife for her unwavering commitment to their family, saying she has remained a dependable pillar of support who has faithfully kept the home front together while he devotes himself to serving the people of Ogun State.
The Governor also thanked God for blessing them with children and for His enduring faithfulness, describing the celebration as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and accountability to God.
“I believe that when we think about our lives in terms of the number of days we have lived, and then consider the number of minutes and seconds our hearts have beaten, we are reminded that we must remain accountable to Almighty God.
“When I remember that our paths crossed about 39 years ago, I cannot but thank God for how He has preserved us. At the time, I was in Ife while she was at the University of Ibadan. I used to drive to Ibadan to see her. Neither of us knew that one day God would grant us the privilege of becoming the First Family of Ogun State,” the governor said.
Responding, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun described her Diamond Jubilee as more than a personal milestone, saying it represents a renewed divine call to deepen her commitment to humanitarian service and the wellbeing of the people of Ogun State.
The First Lady said the occasion had strengthened her resolve to continue impacting lives positively through her various humanitarian initiatives, while acknowledging God as her rock and source of strength over the past six decades.
She reaffirmed her commitment to championing programmes that uplift women, children, the vulnerable and other residents of the state, adding that service to humanity would remain her life’s mission.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, described Mrs. Abiodun as a devoted wife and dependable pillar of support to the governor, observing that every successful leader draws strength from the unwavering support of a committed spouse.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Remo Federal Constituency and former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Funmi Afuwape, also paid glowing tribute to the First Lady, describing her as a humble mentor whose passion for empowering others has inspired many people to achieve greater heights.
On behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, applauded Mrs. Abiodun’s compassion for women, children, vulnerable persons and other residents of the state, describing her as an exemplary role model whose life reflects selfless service and dedication to humanity.
Mrs. Peace Taiwo, wife of the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, also extolled the First Lady’s virtues, describing her as kind-hearted, calm, gracious and compassionate in all circumstances.
Delivering the sermon, the President of the Ogun Baptist Conference and Chairman of the Management Committee of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Oyewale Oyeniyi, reminded the congregation that the essence of life is to worship God and serve humanity.
He urged Mrs. Abiodun to remain steadfast in her faith and continue her humanitarian service beyond the tenure of her husband’s administration, stressing that a life devoted to God and dedicated to serving others remains the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind.
The thanksgiving service featured prayers, hymns and heartfelt tributes celebrating the First Lady’s enduring impact through her humanitarian interventions, compassion for the less privileged and unwavering support for the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
