Chief among the greatest human desires is to live up to a ripe, old age, and a fulfilled life in virtually all facets of human endeavours. A part of such a fulfillment can be found in living a healthy life, surrounded by morally-upright, fruitful and successful children.
None of the above heart-desires was neither the exception, nor found missing when the red carpet was recently rolled out for Mama Chief (Mrs) Folasade Ayinke Akinpelu (Nee Balogun) in celebration of her 80th birthday anniversary.
The venue was the expansive and beautifully-decorated Felicia Hall of Jogor Centre, the popular event centre situated along Liberty Stadium Road in the heartbeat of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Celebrating A Fulfilled Life @80
Expectedly, and, indeed, the event lived up to its billing. The 1000-capacity hall was filled to the brim as people from all walks of life, cutting across ages and religious affiliations, gathered to celebrate the woman of the moment.
The beautiful birthday celebrant, whose physical look was a sharp contrast to her old age, was ushered into the big hall, dancing like a woman who was just approaching her middle age, and to the delight of the invited guests who were standing in her honour.
Assorted local and exotic food, drinks and exquisite gift items were made available to the guests who continuously vibed to the melodious tunes coming out from the bandstand.
Chief Mrs Folasade Ayinke Akinpelu: A Biography (By Mrs Olamide Adefunke Olawale, Beere Idile Bolanle & Folasade Akinpelu)
Chief (Mrs) Folasade Ayinke Akinpelu (nee Balogun) was born on Wednesday, 26th June, 1946 in Ibadan, Oyo State, to Papa Folorunsho Balogun of Ijebu Ode and Mama Adijat Balogun (nee Ashiru) of Idi Arere, Ibadan.
Her father was a renowned gold jeweller and her mother, a draper and textile artist who specialised in adire-alaro fabrics.
The only female child of the Folorunsho Balogun Family, she grew up in Ibadan and attended Methodist Primary School, Alago, Oke-Ado, Ibadan from 1954 to 1960.
After her primary education, she moved to Ijebu Ode for her secondary education at Muslim Girls’ High School, Ijebu Ode from 1961 to 1966.
Her Work History
After her secondary education, she returned to Ibadan and started her career at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, Ibadan in 1966 as a stenographer until 1968.
She proceeded to join Oyo State Housing Corporation, Bodija, Ibadan (then known as Property Development Corporation of Oyo State/Western Nigeria Housing Corporation), Independence Square, Awolowo Avenue, Bodija Estate on 23rd September, 1968 to 1984.
She started as a Grade III Typist/Stenographer and moved up the career ladder to become Assistant Executive Officer (Accounts Department).
Chief (Mrs) Akinpelu took an early retirement from public service on 30th April, 1984 due to family commitments.
She can be described as a serial entrepreneur; when in public service. After retirement, she was involved in event rental business. She was a distributor with the 7up Bottling Company, Ibadan and traded in wholesale food, stationery and retail fabric merchandise.
Family Life
Chief (Mrs) F. A. Akinpelu got married to Chief Moses Bolanle Akinpelu in 1969 and the union is blessed with seven children, their spouses and grandchildren.
She is a lover of God and family. She is loving, industrious, selfless, diligent, forbearing and a family anchor, a matriarch in the true sense of the word. She loves fashion, photographs, entertainment and gardening.
“All glory to God, the giver and keeper of life, who sustained her from cradle till now and gave the grace to celebrate 80 years of His faithfulness.
“Happy Birthday Maami – Abiyamọ Tòótọ́. Ẹ má pẹ́ fún wa. Ọjọ́ yín á tún bọ̀ d’alẹ́. Ọjọ́ ogbó yín á rọ̀ yín lọ́rùn.
“Ọjọ́ alẹ́ yín á tù yín lára.
“Congratulations from all your children, their spouses and grandchildren,” Mrs Olamide Adefunke Olawale, wrote.
Tribute To My Beloved Mother @80 (By Mrs Ola, Olabisi Jumoke, Ph.D, last born and Proprietress, Glorious Heritage Schools)
“Today, we gather with grateful hearts to celebrate a truly remarkable woman as she marks her 80th birthday. 80 years of love, wisdom, strength, and kindness is a wonderful blessing.
“She has been a caring mother, a loving grandmother, and an inspiration to everyone who knows her.
“Through the years, she has shown courage in difficult times, shared joy in happy moments, and always put family first and consideration for people in general.
“Her words of wisdom, gentle heart, and unwavering faith have touched many lives and passing values to all.
“I am proud to celebrate, not only her long life, but also the beautiful legacy she continues to build through her children and grandchildren.
“Mama, today we honour you and thank God for your life. May He continue to bless you with good health, peace, happiness, and many more beautiful years surrounded by those who love you.
“Happy 80th Birthday! I love you dearly, and pray that your best days are still ahead.”
A Heartfelt Tribute To My Beloved Mother-In-Law @ 80 (Mr Ola, John Olusegun, FCA, Director, Glorious Heritage Schools)
“Today is more than just a birthday—it is a celebration of a life that has been a blessing to so many people. I, Ola, John Olusegun, am with a heart full of gratitude to honour my amiable In law and my mother, an extraordinary woman on her 80th birthday.
“Mama, words can hardly express how much you mean to us. You have been a pillar of strength, a source of wisdom, and a shining example of love and selflessness.
“Through every season of life, you have given your best to me and the rest of the family, often putting the needs of others before your own.
“Your sacrifices, prayers, patience, and unconditional love have shaped generations, and I am forever grateful.
“Your home has always been a place of warmth, comfort, and hope.
“Your smile has brought peace. Your words have encouraged the discouraged, and your faith has inspired everyone around you.
“Because of you, I understand the true meaning of family, kindness, forgiveness, and perseverance.
“Today, I do not only celebrate the number of years you have lived: I celebrate the countless lives you have touched.
“I celebrate every lesson you have taught, every prayer you have offered, every tear you have wiped away, and every act of love you have shown.
“Your legacy is not measured in wealth or possessions but in the love you have planted in the hearts of your children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
“As your child and son-in-law, I am honoured to be part of your life. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms and loving us as your own. Your kindness has made me feel accepted, cherished, and truly blessed.
“Mama, on this special day, my greatest prayer is that God will continue to surround you with His love, grant you good health, fill your heart with peace, and bless you with many more joyful years.
“May you continue to enjoy the fruits of the seeds of love, faith, and kindness that you have sown throughout your life.
“Happy 80th Birthday, Mama. Thank you for being our guide, our inspiration, and the heart of our family.
“We love you more than words can ever express, and today we celebrate not just your birthday, but the incredible woman you are.
“May God bless you always.”
