Gov. Sanwo-Olu Celebrates 60th Birthday with Global Music Ministers • Kunle Ajayi, Ajoke Ogunsan, Laolu Gbenjo, Mercy Chinwo lead praises at ‘Rhythms of Worship with Adura’
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
Unlike many politicians who will throw the big bash or what is in local parlance, ‘feferity’ of an event to mark their milestone birthday, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Aduragbemi Sanwo-Olu chose to go a different path with high praises and intense worship to the Lord Almighty who protected and promoted him to witness his diamond jubilee on God’s beautiful planet.
In his riveting ‘Rhythms of Worship with Adura’ to celebrate his 60th birthday, Gov. Sanwo-Olu was joined by friends, family, politicians, corporate business leaders, associates, school classmates, and other well-wishers. The dignitaries include President, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Aare Chief Rasaq Okoya and his beautiful Wife, Chief Dr. Shade Okoya; Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia and his wife/Chairman, Cyberspace Ltd, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhude; Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State; Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State; Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola; Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan with his beautiful wife, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan; Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro with his wife; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; Chief of Staff to Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and his wife, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhude; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori; Chairman/CEO, Brittania-U Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika; Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese of Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson; Bishop Diocese of Lagos, Anglican Communion, Rt Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, his wife, Mrs Modupe; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje; Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji; Former Commissioner of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Teju Phillips; former Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Dr (Mrs) Ajoritsedere Awosika; Wife of late First Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sikirat Abimbola Jakande; MD/CEO, Nova Bank, Chinwe Iloghalu; Prince Ike Iloghalu; Chairman & Group CEO of Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen; National Youth Leader, All Progressive Congress, APC, Hon. Dayo Israel; Legendary Fuji Artist, Alh. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal; AIG Hakeem Odumosu rtd; AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh; Federal and State Lawmakers; Traditional Rulers; Local Government Chairmen; Mayor Dele Osinowo of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Olamilekan Ibrahim of Coker Aguda LCDA; Mayoress Samiat Bada of Ikosi-Ketu LCDA among others; party faithful; and members of the governor’s extended family and cabinet among other dignitaries.
Leading the pack of International gospel music ministers who took turns to praise God at the event was veteran saxophonist and RCCG global worship leader, Pastor Kunle Ajayi who leads the large audiences at the prestigious Eko hotel conventional center in worship and praises to Thank God Almighty for the life of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Also, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan, a popular woman of grace, a songstress with over three decades of stage music ministering experience led the ‘Rhythms of Worship with Adura’s dignitaries in intense worship which got some people in the hall on their knees, standing lifting up their hands in humble adoration to the King of the universe, Lord Jesus Christ. The atmosphere was so soulful and inspiring as Mrs. Ogunsan delivered the melodic hymns and worship songs to the glory of God.
She has rendered the soul-inspiring songs as the Governor and his wife, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke and other dignitaries were seen lifting up their hands to humbling worship the King of Kings for His faithfulness.
Ministers Laolu Gbenjo, Mercy Chinwo, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Moses Bliss, Arugbo Ojo, Emma Oh My God, the MFM Guitar Choir, Bidemi Olaoba, Gaise, Dare Justified, guitarists Sunmisola, Explicit Dance and the Dream Catchers Academy, together, they led the audience in hours of praises that transcended performance, bringing spiritual depth to the celebratory mood, made the people put on their dancing shoes in glorious praise.
Meanwhile, never missing in action on his remarkable day, the stylish dressed Gov. Babajide Olusola Aduragbemi Sanwo-Olu raised his voice in worship and delighted with his masterful dance moves to thank the Lamb Who sits on the throne. Fondly called Aduragbemi by his loving wife, Gov. Sanwo-Olu also used the opportunity to raise intense prayers for the many more years ahead of him.
The Lagos First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu also dazzled in the presence of the Almighty God, alongside all their children who were present on the colorful day. Top government functionaries in Lagos State, Lagos GAC members, Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa did not miss the opportunity to celebrate their leader on his diamond jubilee celebration.
The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke put on his characteristic dance steps to move in thanksgiving on behalf of the Nigerian technocratic Governor, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. Other members of the Nigeria Governors Forum in attendance did not mince their words in thanking God for giving Nigeria a brilliant gift in the person of Gov. Sanwo-Olu.
Earlier, In an emotional speech, Gov. Sanwo-Olu reflected on his six-decade journey, describing the day not merely as a personal milestone, but a spiritual moment of gratitude and renewed dedication to serving God and the people of Lagos.
“Today is all about God. About His goodness, His faithfulness and the rhythm of His love that continues to echo in my life and the life of our beloved Lagos State,” he said.
“Adura,” he explained, was drawn from his Yoruba name Aduragbemi (meaning prayer has lifted me) and was carefully chosen to highlight the central role of prayer in both his private and public life.
“This gathering is not about spectacle; it is about substance. It is about creating a sacred space for life, for health, for peace and hope,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu expressed deep appreciation to his wife, Claidiana Ibikoke family, friends, and members of his administration for their unwavering support and encouragement through the years.
“To my team, my colleagues, and my friends who have stood by me, challenged and shaped me. Thank you. This celebration belongs to all of us,” he said.
The governor also paid glowing tribute to the people of Lagos, describing the state as more than a city, “an idea, a pulse, a promise.
“Even at 60, I rededicate myself to the cause of building a Lagos that works for all,” he pledged.
The ‘Rhythms of Worship with Adura’ is a masterpiece celebration that the Governor of Lagos has commenced. It is sending the right signal to various quarters on how people can celebrate their anniversaries, be it birthdays, weddings, and others.
