By Oyeyinka Fabowale
“Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” (Psalm 128: 3).
“Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
He will not be put to shame
when he confronts the enemies at the gate.” (Psalm 127: 3-5).
These words rang true for Alhaja Afusat Apinke Madamilola (Nee Adubi) as she celebrated her attaining age 97 recently surrounded and serenaded by loved ones notably her children, grand children, relations, friends and well-wishers.
Among the ‘ambush party’ are Mr. Wasiu Ayodele Madamidola, Mrs. Muslimat Lamilisa, Mrs. Wusamotu Olawunmi Ogbedobor, who flew in from the UK for the occasion, Mr. Musibau Olanrewaju Madamidola, Mrs. Nofisat Oyetunji, Mrs. Basirat Adebar and Mrs. Moriam Olawoyin.
The ceremony, held at the family residence on Ebun Olojede Street, Amuwo, Lagos, was a surprise birthday package from the children to express appreciation for her love, support and sacrifice in raising them up.
It was also an Ode to her resilience and fortitude in forging ahead, despite daunting challenges after she lost her husband, Atanda, in 1992
And these tributes reflected in the views, songs and prayers showered on the grand old lady by the guests who came to rejoice with her on the momentous occasion.
The celebrant woke to greeting of a musical band dishing out a medley of Islamic and praise and worship tunes enthusiastically chorussed and danced to by ecstatic family members, friends and neighbours.
The face of the otherwise genial, but reserved nonagenarian brightened and sparkled as the well-wishers surged, hugged, kissed and and danced with her.
The mood switched from one of revelry to that of sobriety shortly after as Islamic clerics gathered shortly after to offer thanks and pray for her health, longevity the life and more blessings for the old woman, a devout Muslim and community leader everyone in the neighbourhood fondly call ‘Alhaja’ an ‘Pele Pele Adini’.
Her granddaughter, Ms. Rahman Adebari, recited the Koranic verse from which the birthday sermon was preached. The session was framed by a sermon by the Chief officiating minister and, Mallam Abdul Razaq and supplications for Allah to grant her more years, sound health, peace and blessings.
The well-attended and colourful session also featured reflections, recollections and testimonies by the children, grand children and others about Alhaja Madamidola’s character and virtues in their years of relating with her.
They extolled her as God-fearing, loving, kind, generous and full of motherly advice.
Mr. Olanrewaju Madamidola, one of her two sons, in an emotionally laden remark, said: “It is said that we should give people their flowers while they’re still alive and giving flowers, to me, means we should cherish and celebrate our loved ones. I cannot thank you (Mother) enough for all the many things you have done for me from birth till date. You’re the best mum and I thank Allah SWT for your life. May your days be long, may Allah SWT take your soul when He is pleased with you and most importantly, may the last words on your mouth be the Kalimot Shahadah.”
Mrs. Tawakalitu Ibilola Fabowale, a former neighbour, described the celebrant as a loving and accommodating mother and whose counsel she benefitted from while growing up as a child in the area.
‘Alhaja’, she said, treated her as one of her own children, adding that it was ironic and a pleasant surprise to discover that the old lady was related to her family’s husband when she wedded.
Alhaja Madamidola said she was overwhelmed by the show of love and affection. She thanked and prayed for the children and everyone who came to celebrate and honour her on the anniversary that the Lord would grant them similar grace.
Guests were later treated to a grand reception of sumptuous feasting and musical entertainment.
