By Our Correspondent
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Deputy National Chairman (North), Yemi Akinbode rolled out the drums in celebration of the 50th birthday ceremony of his beautiful wife, Mrs Oluwakorede Akinbode in Lagos.
The ceremony which was attended by family, friends and associates of the celebrant and her husband, encomiums were poured on Mrs Akinbode for her simple lifestyle, kindness and humility which some of her friends of over 40 years described as the fulcrum of her uniqueness and greatness.
Speaking during the event, Mrs Mercy Imoh, who has known Mrs Akinbode since childhood, said both of them were born at Queen Street, Yaba, Lagos. She described the celebrant as an epitome of kindness, tolerance and simplicity. “I have known ‘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.”
In her own remark about the celebrant, Mrs Derayo Alabi, a former course mate at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, said “I knew Korede when we gained admission into Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, 30 years ago. She is resilient, gentle, kind and easy-going. She would always look out for her friends. You can never stop loving her. If she does not 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 still looking amazing, may God continue to nurture and keep her”.
Emmanuel Akinbode, her oldest child, described his mother 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 capped the evening with sweet memories of their marriage. He described her 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 and energy that made our marriage unique to the point that my friends use my wife as a point of reflection about their own union. “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 at Akinbode’s Baruwa Ipaja residence, was graced by important groups like Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye Old Students Association, Community High School, Abesan, Old Students Association.
Others include associates and friends of the Akinbodes, including Akin Adeoya, Chairman, Hotel 1960 and Managing Director of MarketingMix, Ikeja Lagos PR Agency; Engr Olusesan Obe, Executive Chairman, Centre Base Consult Limited; Chief Peter Aiyenibiowo (Jawesola), 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.
