On the 5th of April, 2019, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was agog. It was the 60th birthday party of the First Lady, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi. The creme de la creme in the society from all walks of life across the states and beyond the shores of Nigeria attended the glamorous party, which took place at the prestigious Agodi Gardens, along Parliamentary Road, Ibadan.
It was the mother of all parties and a party to be talked about for a long time to come in the social circle. After a Special prayer and thanksgiving service inside Agodi government House, the train moved to Agodi Gardens for the colourful reception. The wife of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Mrs Nkechi Okorocha, the wife of Imo State Governor; Mrs Bisi Fayemi, wife of Ekiti State Governor; Mrs BAMIDELE Abiodun, the wife of Ogun Governor-elect; Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, the wife of former Governor of Osun; Pastor Agu Irukwu, the pastor in charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus House, London; the state’s Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo; the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Joshua Ojo; state functionaries, family, friends and well-wishers, were all gathered there to celebrate the goodness of God in the life of Mrs Ajimobi at 60.
The birthday party was colourful and elaborate. The high point of the celebration was the highly romantic accolades showered on the First Lady by her husband.
He didn’t not only talk about his lovely wife’s generosity, philanthropic gestures and cheerful disposition, which he said has endeared her to many people, but also made some shocking revelation about their love life and marriage, which has produced five children; Abisola, Ajijola, Ajibola, Abolaji and Abimbola as well as grandchildren. He revealed how they met in a Lagos bank some 40 years ago. For Governor Ajimobi, it was love at first sight, as revealed by him. He also said that he had the inkling that she would be his wife on their first date.
“The reason I love my wife is that she is an epitome of pure love; she’s always giving without expecting anything in return; she’s very loving, accommodating, caring, generous, and she has the rare gift of keeping old and new friends, including school mates of over 40 years.
“Flori, you are an embodiment of Godliness; you are the snow in my winter; you are the USP (unique selling point) of my brand; you are my masterpiece of nature. Ever since we met, you have been making high deposits of love, care and Godliness in my life’s bank account; you have been making huge deposits in my emotional bank account. I love you today and I will always love you.
“Today is unique; it’s unique because you have achieved a milestone in the journey of life. Celebrating 60 years in good health and basking in the love of family is no mean feat especially in our country where life expectancy has been pegged at 54.l
But that is not the only reason why today is unique for me, I look at the children and the grandchildren that the Almighty God has graciously given to us and I am even more grateful. Today is unique for all of us because of your uniqueness as a wife, mother, a grandmother and the pillar of support for me, the children, grandchildren and our extended families.
The first time I set my eyes on you at the bank, I knew you were a banker for life. In the past 40 years, you have made everlasting deposits in my emotional bank account, enough to make me the richest man in happiness. You have made me rich in love and affection but most importantly, wealthy in caring and understanding. Flori, you are indeed the best thing that ever happened to me. My journey through life has progressively improved since I met you and my successes could not have been achieved without your active involvement.
“The second time we met was in the rain not far from the bank where we first met. I now know that that rain signified God’s abundance sent to water our seeds of life; which have blossomed even more beautiful because of the rain of love that you have been showering our relationship with.
“The 2 seeds that God planted have now multiplied into 17 radiant flowers and still counting. Flori, you are one of a kind, you were a wonderful girlfriend, who agreed to be my life’s partner, then blossomed into a great wife and grew to be a wonderful mother and grandmother.
“Of all life’s seasons, snow makes winter the most unique, Flori you are the snow in my winter. I cannot imagine me, without you. I cannot imagine an Abiola Ajimobi without a Florence Ajimobi. I give God the glory for all He has done in our lives and for all, He continues to do in our lives.
“Waking up with you by my side everyday fortifies me and gives me encouragement that can only come from your encouraging presence. I do not take it for granted. Your presence in my life daily reminds me of your motherly care and concern to those who do not have. You are a philanthropist par excellence who gives of yourself without expecting anything in return.
“Little wonder why I call you my Masterpiece of Nature, the snow in my winter and that is why I hold you in such high esteem. Flori, Your selflessness, care, love and dedication for me, our children and grandchildren inspire me. Your vision and purpose motivate me. Your doggedness and relentless spirit are worthy of emulation. Your care for others and belief in the greater good for the less privileged and downtrodden are the greatest thing I admire in you. You go to any length to achieve the best; nothing but the best is good for you. Your exquisite taste, elegance, poise, humanity and entrepreneurial spirit are virtues that have endeared you to me, the children and all those who come in contact with you.
“Dearest Flori, every success and achievements I’ve ever recorded; be it in my professional career and as a politician, were because you’ve always been by my side. You are an exemplary who has continued to shatter glass ceilings; you have unrelentingly continued to change and impact lives; you continue to make life worth living while you turn roadblocks into opportunities.
“I am grateful to God for allowing us to see this day, I celebrate you, my rare and exquisite diamond. My prayer for you is that you continue to shine. That God in His infinite mercies continues to grant you your heart’s desires. As you mark this milestone, I pray the Almighty grants you long life, grace, wisdom and the ability to continue the purpose He has destined for you. You shall stand out and be outstanding. Wherever you go, favour will always be your portion.
“As you turn 60, know that your greatest days are ahead of you and just like a fine wine; you can only get better with age.” the full letter reads.
-Dare Adeniran
