It was a monumental display of love, affection and grace of God as family, friends and associates gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of Chief (Mrs) Margaret Ereola Akinrinlola on Thursday, 13th February, 2025.
A communion and thanksgiving service took place at the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Alade, Idanre, Ondo State. The reception took place at the church premises thereafter.
Chief (Mrs) Ereola Akinrinlola, a retired Principal Education Officer from the Osun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), is the Iya Egbe Aya Bishop of St. Andrew’s Church, Alade, Idanre.
The celebrant is married to Chief Festus Oyewole Akinrinlola, the Balogun Ijo of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Alade, Idanre.
In his sermon, The Venerable Dr. Osho, Vicar and Archdeacon of Igbara Oke Archdeaconry, Akure Diocese, (Anglican Communion), eulogised Chief (Mrs) Akinrinlola, describing her as a woman after God’s Heart.
Venerable Osho acknowledged the virtues of the celebrant as exemplified in her service to God and humanity. “For someone who had served in various capacities in the Anglican Church for almost 60 years, with an unblemished record is just by the Grace of God alone,” he said.
The cleric therefore urged women to emulate the life of Chief (Mrs) Akinrinlola, noting that it has imparted positively on anyone that had come in contact with her.
The Vicar of the church, who is also the Archdeacon of Idanre North Archdeaconry, Venerable Lawrence Komolafe spoke glowingly about the celebrant and agreed that the church has been blessed with the enormous moral and financial support of Chief (Mrs) Akinrinlola and her family.
“Our Mummy, Iya Egbe Aya Bishop, remains one of the pillars of this church. She is a team player and a mother whose Christian and social life is worthy of emulation,” he said.
Present at service were The Venerable Blessing Aregbesola, the Vicar, St Paul Anglican Church, Odode Idanre who is also the Archdeacon of Idanre Archdeaconry; and Venerable Dr Kumuyi, Chief Medical Consultant, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State.
The children of the celebrant were all resplendent in the outing, alongside their spouses in celebrating their mother.
Leading his siblings- Taiwo, Idowu, Mubo and Apeke- was Toye Akinrinlola, the immediate past Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan. Their spouses were equally in great outing to celebrate their mother-in-law.
The occasion was also witnessed by array of friends and family who came from far and near.
The celebrant, Chief (Mrs) Ereola Akinrinlola and her husband appreciated the glory of God in their life sojourn. They equally thanked the Vicar and congregation of St Andrews Church and other guests for their love and support.