VC of LASU, Prof Olatunji-Bello marks diamond jubilee with thanksgiving

 

By Gideon Adonai 

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, on Sunday, 28th April 2024, in the company of her husband, Mr. Olatunji Bello, her son, family members, siblings, friends, associates, knelt before God to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee (60th) birthday with a thanksgiving ceremony.

The event tagged "Celebrating God's Faithfulness and Mercies" was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Testimony Chapel, Ilasan New Road, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.

The well attended event, had the creme de la creme of the society in attendance, with the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, his wife, wife of the Governor of the state, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwoolu as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and others to show love to the celebrant.

The high octane event started some minutes after mid-day with prayers and hymns from the Holy Bible taken by the Church Choir. This was followed by praise and worship and also, ministration by the children.

Aside the thanksgiving, there were outpouring of tributes, accolades, encomium, good will messages by selected few and they all talked glowingly about a woman they described as friendly, compassionate, accommodating, a philanthropist, successful academic and a seasoned administrator.

The son, Ayodeji Olatunji-Bello, led the outpouring of accolades. 

In his emotional tone, he voiced his tribute this way "My mother is an amazing woman and raised us, myself and siblings very well. She is loving and charismatic. She is nice and very generous, but, strict. On behalf of myself and my siblings, we thank all for coming. Mum, I wish you, well. Happy birthday".

In her tribute, the celebrant's younger sister, Mrs Ibijoke Daodu says "My sister is a virtuous woman, generous, an accomplished academic, though growing up, she wanted to be a Police Officer. She is loving and caring. I wish you a happy birthday".

The President, Lagos State University Students' Union (LASUSU), Dolapo Tobun, about the Vice Chancellor, stated that she treats everybody like her own. He added that Professor Olatunji-Bello is exceptional and the University is proud to have her as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor. He wished her happy birthday and was joined by his executives to sing a birthday song for her.

With the tributes over, the atmosphere of the venue changed with some presentations by the MOMLASS/MOWLASS, children presentation, the ewi chant as well as the Ondo dialect rendition by Mrs Mabel Oyeniji to the delight of the joyous Professor of Physiology, Professor Olatunji-Bello, hubby and guests, who applauded the presentations.

Thereafter, it was time for admonition by the officiating clergy, who asked all to have a relationship with God.

He questioned the rationale of man in pursue of worldly things, such as power, wealth, material things, without God.

"Life is a phenomenon. Life is a endless pursuit. Everyone must have a relationship with God. Life is ephemeral, never hold on to it too much. Everything you have, is God's investment in your hands", he posited. He ended his sermon by praying for the celebrant, family and the guests in attendance.

With the admonition concluded, it was time for the thanksgiving, with Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and husband leading the pack, dancing and beaming with smile, appreciating God, thanking those in attendance, who had come to celebrate her six decades on mother earth with her, thanking God for good life, achievements and good health.

The event ended on a appreciation note as the woman of the moment, Professor Olatunji-Bello, thanked God for the benevolence on her life, seeing her through the journey of life till date. She thanked all who came from different walks of life; government, academia, politics, commerce and more for sharing in her joy.

The event was not about thanksgiving alone as guests went home with souvenirs, food, gift items, from the celebrant and well wishers, who showed her love.

Other guests at the event include the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Lagos, Mr. Tolani Sule, Chancellor, LASU, Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, the Pro-Chancellor, Sir David Sunmoni, FKJ, Special Adviser (Central Business District) to Governor, Lagos State, Hon. Bola Olumegbon, VC, LASUED, Prof. Balkiss Lafiaji-Okuneye, the Provost, Redeemers Polytechnic, Prof. Mufunaya, former VC, UNILAG, Prof. Rahman Bello, Former VC, UI, Prof. Bamiro, Columnist/Journalist, Mr. Sam Omatseye, former Bursar, LASU, Mrs Adepeju Awoliyi and others.

The University Management: the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Funsho Omobitan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Boyo, the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel. A. Fanu, the Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka and the University Librarian, Dr. Omawumi Makinde were also at the event.

Deans, Directors, Deputy Registrars, Senior Non-Teaching and Teaching staff, Union Executives, SSANU, NASU, NAAT, Students' Union and others were equally in attendance.