Birthday are a new start, a fresh beginning and a time to pursue new endeavors with new goals. Move forward with confidence and courage. You are a very special person. May today and all of your days be amazing.
CHIEF Mrs Christianah Omotayo Ogundare, a retired Permanent Secretary in Oyo State Civil Service is a versatile Economist whose rose to the pinnacle of her Civil Service career when she was appointed a Director General in 1992 by the erstwhile Governor of Oyo state, Chief Kolapo Ishola.
Earlier she worked with the Lagos State Government for 13 consecutive year before her glorious appointment which afforded her the ample opportunity to impact the life of many young graduates who have acknowledged her generosity and kindness in their various exalted positions, most especially when she was posted to the Oyo State Civil Service Commission. She influenced the appointment of many young graduates of which I am one of the beneficiaries of her benevolence.
The birthday ceremony was conceptualized to thank God for her good health, abundant strength, exceptional wisdom and other endowments bestowed upon her for the past seventy two years
The birthday of our mother, the matriarch of the famous Ogundare lineage of Ado-Awaye was celebrated in grand style at La Madison Place located at the high brow area of Lekki Pennisula in Lagos.
Typical of a devoted and God fearing Christian, the celebrator kick-started with special prayer sessions, high praises and Christian hymns and choruses in appreciation of God’s unquantifiable blessings and uncountable favors.
The celebration was a huge success. The event was well managed and organized. It attracted the crème-da-la-crème of the society, which included captains of industries, religious leaders of diverse denominations and doctrines, eminent personalities from all spheres of life, scholars of reputable tertiary institutions, renowned administrators, opinion and community leaders, friends and associates.
It was an assemblage of eminent personalities like, Lady Boyin Peller, the wife of the Late world acclaimed popular magician, Professor ‘Tunji Akinyemi, a retired university Don; Mr Wale Oyedele , a retired insurance mogul, Rev, Dr Ezekiel Adegoke Akintayo of Everlasting Chapel, Sango Ota, Ogun State; Apostle Bukola Jegede of the Destiny Ministry, Lagos, Mrs Olorunisola Adesanya - Director legal, Lagos State and her husband, Pastor Adesanya, Mr and Mrs Kayode Adegbulugbe , C.O.O of Green Energy International, Mr Francais Oganya – the Country Director of Baker Hughes, Mr and Mrs Greg Akpeokhai, Mr Bisi Oduba – head of Energy, Sterling bank, Professor Aderonke Samuel, Mr and Mrs Chigbu (I R E D E Foundation), Mr and Mrs Wale Oyedele, Mr and Mrs Tonne Enemor, Ms Queen Nwaya, Mrs Eyitola Adeola – Adu, Mr Samson Oloko, Mrs Bolanle Opensanwo, Mr and Mrs Abimbola Peters, Ms Nunu Ojong, Mr Amos Akinyemi, the retired principal of Federal Government Science and Technical College Abuja
WHO IS CHIEF MRS CHRISTIANAH OMOTAYO OGUNDARE?
1)Mama Ogundare was born on 29th April, 1950
2)The second daughter of Chief, Isaac Adegoke Akinyemi, a retired Superintendent of police and Former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, the mother Mrs Monilola Akinyemi a successful business woman from the lineage of Adelodun family of Maye Compound, okeho in Kajola Local Government of Oyo State .
3)Wife of Barrister Joseph Oladiran Ogunniyi Ogundare. The Asiwaju of Ado Awaye Land and the Retired Director of Personnel of the Thomas Wyatt Nigeria, Limited Iganmu Lagos.
4)The Iyalaje of Ado Awaye land, a traditional chieftaincy title bestowed on her for her numerous unquantifiable contributions toward the development of her home town.
5)A former Director General and Permanent Secretary in the Oyo State Civil Service
6)One of the first set of Iseyin District Grammar School Iseyin, Oyo State, She was made a school prefect for the leadership role she exhibited as a young lady.
7)A graduate of Economics from the prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria
8)She later graduated with a Master degree in Development finance from university of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
9)She worked as an Administrative Officer in Lagos Civil Service for 13 Consecutive years
10)She was the Proprietress of Grand ma’s Creche, a day care center in Lagos
11)She was a distributor and a retailer of daily need products.
An opinion poll conducted during and after the humongous party organized to honor “Iya”. Some personalities that were interview gave hilarious and thought provoking comments which aptly described her traits and characteristics.
“As I have grown from being a child to an adult, my memories of your impact in my life are good and too numerous to recount here. Beyond anything else, you and Baba taught us the importance of building a life of a faith, love, tolerance and service” – Engineer Akinola Ogundare the first son of the celebrant.
Pastor Rolake Adedara, in her own contribution remarked that “She taught my 5 siblings and I what genuine love strength, commitment, sacrifice and determination mean…. Nurtured us to her best ability….encourage us to never relent in accomplishing our dreams.
Bola Musiwa stated that “Mama is a woman who is graced in all areas of life. A friend and daughter of the most high. An epitome of humility, love and care. A prayer warrior who never ceases to pray for us. A great support and pillar of strength. A giver and enduring soul. We your children arise and call you blessed”.
Mrs Lamide Adeleye in her own poetic eulogy described Mama this way: “Then a dutiful political appointee, firm, diligent loving and incorruptible of faith that is indestructible”.
Tomiwa Ogundare, “MR ROBOSCANDAL”in his characteristic manner of being casual and brief said, “Iya!!! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for your prayers and for teaching me the way to discover happiness inside the saddest of times. I am really grateful to you for all sacrifices you had to make for me.
Monilola Ogundare Osho fondly addressed as “Amoks baby” succinctly summarized Mama’s attributes with ten cogent points:
*Living her best life in colors.
*The lawyer that didn’t study law
*Current
*Wise
*Sounding board
*Prayerful
*Giver
*Best jollof maker
Professor Tunji Akinyemi, the elder brother of the celebrator in his own remark acknowledge that “You have always paid attention to the welfare of all of us. Your roles and responsibilities in the extended family are well appreciated. You have contributed to strengthening relationships among all of us especially after the death of our father about 18 years ago.
Tunde Ajibike in his own response affirmed that Mrs Ogundare is “A woman held in high regard by colleagues, friends and associates. A very resourceful and progressive pragmatist who made most of her opportunities. She is the immediate younger sister of my mother. She has been playing the role of a surrogate mother to me and my siblings since the demise of her sister in 2016. Without mincing words, she has been of immense help and profoundly supportive in all ramifications.
Dr Moyosore Adegbite Abake Williams, a childhood friend and Chief bridesmaid of the celebrant made this awesome and impressive comment about her; “Her home usually witnessed a high traffic of visiting extended family members, friends and even visitors from out of the country. Omotayo is big hearted and compassionate. She opens her home, her kitchen and gives her time cheerfully. My friend has always been very hardworking and was amply rewarded in her diligence”.
The elated and exhilarated celebrant was full of gratitude to all the eminent personalities that graced the occasion.
“My prayer for all of you is that the Lord will continue to guide and guard you in all your endeavors in your time of needs, you will not lack helpers. To my grandchildren my prayer for you is that you will make good and godly choices in life. To all my family members and friends who have come to rejoice with us, sounds of rejoicing will never depart from your habitations in Jesus name. SHALOM”
Mummy, thank you for being such an awesome role model for all of us, you will always be our biggest inspiration.
May this special day bring you joy, happiness and precious memories.
CONGRATULATION MA!!!
CREDIT SOURCE
‘TUNDE AJIBIKE