President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have congratulated Lady Christine Doja Otedola, mother of billionaire philanthropist, Mr Femi Otedola, who just clocked 90 years.
Also, the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, as well as the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, also paid glowing tributes to the former First Lady of Lagos.
These eminent Nigerians felicitated with the nonagenarian in different letters written to her on her 90th birthday celebration.
Buhari, in a congratulatory letter he personally signed, joined all Nigerians and the people of Lagos State in congratulating Mama Otedola on her 90th birthday.
“I note your selfless service and charitable works to the people of Lagos State when you served as First Lady between 1992 and 1993 and years after this period.
“In celebrating this milestone, I also recognise the many contributions you have made to the people of Epe, most recently the building and dedication of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
“I wish you many more years in good health. Happy birthday,” Buhari added.
On his part, Osinbajo in a letter he also signed personally, wrote: “Dolapo and I are honoured to wish our dear mother a happy 90th birthday. “
The vice president praised the Almighty God for the privilege and grace granted Mama Otedola that led to her fulfilling her long-expressed heart’s desire and vow to build a benefiting edifice, the St. Peter’s Catholic Church auditorium in Odoragunshin, Epe, for the worship of God and continued propagation of the gospel.
The vice president also prayed for strength and wisdom for her.
Similarly, Obasanjo conveyed the heartiest congratulations on behalf of his family, as well as the people of Lagos State.
The former president pointed out that the life of the nonagenarian “has been a source of blessing and tremendous inspiration to many generations of Nigerians who came in contact with you, especially the womenfolk.
“You are an exemplary patriot and the record of your steady, constant and beneficial influence as a dependable and worthy role model to the entire womenfolk and younger generations has been astonishingly remarkable.
“We, therefore, join you in thanking God for such a life spent in touching so many other lives positively.”
Also, Gbajabiamila in a letter he personally signed wished Mama Otedola a happy birthday and continued good health, joy and peace, just as he prayed that God’s grace upon her life would never wane.
To Sanwo-Olu, the attainment of the milestone age by mama was a testament to the great grace of God upon her life, adding that it also provides an opportunity for the state government and good people of Lagos to restate how appreciative they are of her selfless service and contribution to the development of the state.
“The fruits of ageing and greying with grace are characteristics of your being and signpost to a fulfilled life. It is, therefore, a great honour for me to convey this sincere wish for continued good health and prosperity to a great matriarch whose successes as a wife and mother are evidenced in personal achievements of her illustrious children and grandchildren,” Sanwo-Olu added in a letter he signed personally.
The Lagos State governor also noted that the dividends of humanity of the former Lagos First Lady bore a perfect testimonial in her children’s lives, “more especially Femi Otedola, one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his generation.
“It is, therefore, not out of place to be celebrated by your children by birth and your children by adoption.”
In the same vein, Governor Abiodun stated that Mama Otedola’s life remains an uncommon bouquet of divine benevolence and grace, as well as a testimony to the awesomeness of the Almighty God.
“Your graceful attainment of an advanced age of 90, in good health and sound mind, is a rare favour that is desired by many.
“But the significance of this occasion is beyond the number, the landscape is dotted with many impacts you have brought to bear on the society,” he said.
Gambari also congratulated the former First Lady of Lagos on her attainment of the blessed age of four scores and 10.
“I join your friends, family and many admirers all across the length and breadth of our dear country and around the world in celebrating this auspicious moment. Yours has truly been a life steeped in strong faith, a strong devotion to humanity and service to your community.
“It is my prayer that the Almighty keeps you in good health so our society continues to benefit from your vast experience and deep compassion, especially in these trying times when voices like yours are needed to serve as a soothing and calming influence,” Gambari wrote in a letter.
Alhaji Dangote, in a congratulatory letter he also signed, quoting Mark Twain, a renowned American writer and publisher, said, “kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
According to the Africa’s richest man, “for those of us who have been privileged to ever have contact with Lady Christine Doja Otedola, these words are in sinking tandem with her uncommon empathy and unique care for others.”
“For Lady Doja who is celebrating the grand landmark age of 90, her remarkable qualities stood her in good stead during her years as First Lady of Lagos State, where she held court with refined assurance principled dignity in service to the admiration of all.
