Tinubu Describes Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun As a Pathfinder Who Impacted Lives of Children

…As Shettima, Akpabio, Abbas, SGF, Governors and Other Dignitaries Celebrate Abiodun’s Mother at 90

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

IPERU-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – October 15, 2025: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, mother of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as a pathfinder and compassionate matriarch whose life and service have left a lasting impact on the lives of children and families across Ogun State, the Southwest, and Nigeria as a whole.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu made this known during the Thanksgiving Service held at St. James Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun.

In his goodwill message, the President praised the nonagenarian for her selfless devotion to humanity, describing her as a “mother of virtue, discipline, and compassion.”

“Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun is a pathfinder who dedicated her life to nurturing, teaching, and uplifting children. Her legacy is one of service, kindness, and spiritual devotion. She represents the best of motherhood and leadership in our society”, President Tinubu stated through the SGF.

He noted that the celebrant as an educator spent a large part of her life moulding and mentoring the younger generations that had contributed immensely to nation building.

Describing her as a good Christian, President Tinubu said her life would continue to inspire her family and other families in the State, adding that the large number of people that turned out to celebrate her at the gathering was a testament to her resilience and love for mankind.

He said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to promote the name of the family in the country through his support for the enthronement of good governance in the country.”

The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend Olusina Fape, admonished the celebrant to re-dedicate her life to the service of God as she celebrates her 90 years birthday.

Delivering a sermon with the theme; “The Grateful Heart Receives More Blessings from God,” Most Reverend Fape said the celebrant should thank God for being alive to witness the celebration of her 90th birthday, urging her to forgive those that had wronged her and show love to people around her.

The clergyman, reading from Luke chapter 1 verse 46 to 49, said the life of the woman could be likened to that of Holy Mary who gave birth to Jesus as Chief Mrs. Abiodun gave birth to Prince Dapo Abiodun, who raised the name of the family as the number one citizen of the Gateway state.

He described the celebrant as a devoted and committed Christian who had done a lot in the vineyard of God, noting that her generosity has made her to be chosen as the Iya Egbe Bishop of the church

While urging people to emulate the life of the celebrant, the clergyman commended Governor Abiodun for the massive infrastructural development in the state, adding that the construction of the Gateway International Airport at Iperu-Remo, is a big relief to the people of the state and the neighbouring states, as it would save them the stress of going to Lagos to board flights to their various destinations.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described his mother as an embodiment of success who played an important role in the life of her children.

The governor noted that her hard work, faith in God, resilience, and a life of selflessness, had helped her children to be successful in life.

Thanking God for sparing his mother’s life to clock 90 years in sound health, the governor said she was greatly supportive of his late father, noting that the celebrant would continue to serve as an inspiration to her children.

The Governor described his mother as “a disciplinarian with a heart of gold”, whose contributions to education and community service have touched countless lives within and beyond Ogun State.

The event was graced by dignitaries from far and wide. Among the attendees were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Oyo State counterpart, Mr. Seyi Makinde; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State and  Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

Others were former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, former Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, members of federal and states assemblies, and traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.

The event was also attended by captains of industry, including Group Managing Director, First Bank PLC, Mr. Segun Alebiosun, Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, former Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, among others.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event extolled Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun’s virtues of hard work, discipline, and generosity, noting that her legacy continues to reflect in the lives of her children and the many people she mentored.

The celebratory Thanksgiving Service, held under a serene atmosphere of praise and gratitude, was officiated by senior clerics of the Anglican Communion, who lauded the celebrant’s lifelong devotion to Christian service and community development.

It also featured special renditions by the church choir, presentations from family members, and moments of reflection on Mama Abiodun’s lifelong commitment to education, faith, and service to humanity.