BIRTHDAY: Mama Aderibigbe is a philanthropist, community leader— Makinde extols at 80

The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has congratulated mama Sidikat Bolade Aderibigbe on her 80th birthday anniversary, describing her as a philanthropist and good community leader. 

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, made this statement on Saturday at a celebration organized to honour her birthday anniversary at the Daplan Events and Conference Centre in Ibadan.

He said Mama Aderibigbe’s good character has led to numerous notable figures attending her birthday celebration, praying she have a long, healthy, and prosperous life. 

Lawal, who said he has known her for a very long time as a peacemaker in Oyo state, emphasizd that since 1999, she has been extremely supportive of all Oyo state administrations and has had a significant impact on the society. He added that no CCII president in Ibadan will not consult mama Aderibigbe on any development of Ibadan land. 

While asserting that Mama has continued to be a strong pillar of Islam and a leader in Oyo State, he noted that she is also an Iyalode Adini of Yoruba land. 

The deputy governor continued, “She has remained philanthropist and has been funding the advancement of Islam for quite some time,” noting that the Aare Musulumi Of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, has taken up the cause of promoting Islamic affairs too, in Yorubaland. 

He said: “Mama Aderibigbe also gave her quota to help the course when Aare of Musulumi organised a feat for those he funded on scholarships recently. 

“You can see that both Christian and Islamic leaders attended Mama Aderibigbe’s birthday anniversary, proving that she has no preference for one religion over another. 

“I must thank you for continuing to support Omitutun 2.0, especially during the re-election of governor Seyi Makinde. I ask that God keep watching over you. 

“Mama Aderibigbe continues to be a symbol for everyone. She continues to be the ideal role model that everyone should follow, and her good deeds and character in the state have made Oluwo of Iwo, Alabura of Oyo, Oba Saheed Olamilekan, other royal fathers in Oyo state and Ogun state, as well as the deputy governor of Ogun state, to grace the occasion.

“Everyone should model their lifestyle after yours, and given the quality of the people around you, this suggests that you are a good person. 

“I once again extend a warm welcome to all of you and the Ogun state royal fathers to this event on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde. And I pray God be with you. 

“I also pray God to keep Mama Aderibigbe strong and grant her a long life filled with prosperity so she can reap the rewards of her labour. 

Earlier in his remarks, the Aare Musulumi, Alhaji De-damak, who said he has known the celebrant for the past forty years, praised mama Aderibigbe as a good mother, stating that even though he frequently had disagreements with her, she would be the one to call and embrace him whenever he’s wrong. 

He urged people to model their behaviour after hers and added that elderly people should also learn to forgive the younger ones.