Adebayo Adenrele
It was a moment of thanksgiving, joy and celebration as family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the 40th birthday of Mrs Oluwabukola Alade, wife of a staff member of Progress FM, Ado-Ekiti, Niyi Alade in grand style.
The celebration, held under the theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Grace, Love and Impact,” was marked by prayers, worship and reflections on God’s faithfulness throughout the celebrant’s life.
The celebration was also attended by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council led by its Emeritus Chairman, Comrade Rotimi Ojomoyela, members of Progress FM, members of Ekiti Ministry of Health and others.
Delivering the sermon at the occasion, Pastor Segun Ilori of the Palace of Peace Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, urged the celebrant to regard her 40th birthday as a moment for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to God.
Pastor Ilori described birthdays as significant occasions for appreciating the gift of life and acknowledging God’s faithfulness, urging the celebrant to rejoice and express gratitude to God for preserving her life.
He encouraged her to approach the new phase of her life with wisdom, a grateful heart and a deeper dedication to God’s purpose.
According to him, a birthday should go beyond merriment and festivities, serving instead as an opportunity to reflect on one’s journey, recognise God’s goodness and renew one’s commitment to living a purposeful life.
Pastor Ilori drew biblical references from 1 Samuel 7:12, Psalm 118 and Psalm 90:12, emphasising the importance of acknowledging God’s goodness, appreciating His preservation and seeking wisdom to make the most of the years ahead.
He urged the celebrant to remain conscious of the lessons of the past while embracing the future with faith, humility and a determination to make meaningful contributions to society.
Several well-wishers described the celebrant as a strict but kind-hearted individual, who would go extra miles in making sure that individuals around her benefit from her dividends.
In his vote of thanks, the celebrant’s husband, Niyi Alade, expressed appreciation to everyone who honoured the family with their presence at the occasion.
He thanked the guests, friends, family members and well-wishers for their support and for joining them to celebrate his wife’s milestone birthday, describing their presence as a demonstration of love and goodwill.
Alade also appreciated those who contributed in various ways to the success of the celebration, expressing gratitude for the prayers, encouragement and solidarity shown to the family.
