The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the All Progressives Congress’ Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Hon.Yemi Akinbode rolled out the drums in celebration of the 50th birthday ceremony of his beautiful wife, Mrs. Oluwakorede Akinbode in Lagos over the weekend.
In a ceremony which was attended by family, friends and associates of the celebrant and her husband, encomium were poured on Mrs. Akinbode for her simple life style, kindness and humility which some of her friends of over 40 years described as the fulcrum of her uniqueness and greatness.
Mrs. Mercy Imoh, who has known Mrs. Akinbode since childhood, who said both of them were born at Queen Atreet, Yaba, Lagos, described the celebrator as an epitome of kindness, tolerance and simplicity. ‘I know ‘Korede for 50 years because we were born at the same time on the same street in Lagos. Korede was born in January while I was born in April 1975 on Queen Street, Onike-Yaba, Lagos, where our parents both lived. I know her as a forthright, kind, and loving character, you will never see her getting angry or condemning anyone. She is always full of smiles. She has remained true to her character over the years. I am not surprised that she has a very successful home. She is truly a stable and kind woman, and all I can wish for her is that God will keep her for her family, friends and humanity’.
Mrs Derayo Alabi, a former course mate at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, said: ‘I have known Korede when we gained admission into at Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, 30 years ago. I have known the celebrator to be resilient, gentle, kind and easy-going. She would always look out for her friends. You can never stop loving her. If she doesn’t see you, she will look for you. She represents the best the world can offer humanity.
‘I am happy for her and her family today as she turns 50 years and looking amazing, may God continue to nurture and keep her’.
Mr. Emmanuel Akinbode, her oldest child described the celebrator as a shining example of a kind, loving and gentle personality. ‘She is always calm and composed even in times of adversaries. She has been a strong supporter of our father, always ready to lend a helping hand to people without hassles. I am glad that she is my mother. All i can wish for her is long life in good health, riches and happiness. You will celebrate 60, 70 and 100 in sound health’.
Her husband of 25 years, Hon. Yemi Akinbode capped the evening with sweet memories of their marriage. He described the celebrator as the best wife and friend a man can wish for. According to him, ‘my wife is not only resilient, she is hard-working, loving and caring. Her kindness mixed with her humility and simplicity can be best described as not only humane but a reflection of her family values and doctrine. She radiates positivity, nerves and unburning energy that made our marriage unique to the points my friends uses my wife as a point of reflection about their own unions. She is my solid rock of support and motivation. When she is on my side, I can move mountains. i want to use this opportunity to rededicate myself to the love and care of my wife and entire family. If there is any opportunity for reincarnation, I promise I will marry Oluwakorede over, and over and over again.
‘I thank all our family and friends for finding time to honour my wife at 50′.
The event, which took place in the Akinbode’s Baruwa Ipaja residence, was graced by important society groups like the Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye Old Students’ Association, Community High School, Abesan, Old Student’s Association. Others include associates and friends of the Akinbodes, which include Akin Adeoya, Chairnan, Hotel 1960 and Managing Director of MarketingMix, the Ikeja Lagos PR Agency; Engr. Olusesan Obe, Executive Chairman, Centre Base Consult Limited; Chief Peter Aiyenibiowo (Jawesola), the Oloriawo of Are Ekiti, Ekiti State; Chief D. A. Alonge, his wife, Mama Dorcas Alonge; Mrs. Mercy Imoh, Mrs. Derayo Alabi, Mrs. Yinka Ogunwale, and Mr. Niyi Ojo, amongst others.
