Glossy skin, radiant appearance and impeccable energy; all of these gave no hint Mrs Adeola Yesufu has clocked 70 years – the biblical yardstick for old age. Beaming with an infectious smile as she stood sprightly in the midst of family members and well wishers, Mrs Yesufu, the Chairman of the Governing Council, College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, cut a picture of a woman in her 50s.
But for her, life has just begun at 70.
It was a splurge of festivities, last weekend at Rosetree Event Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos, where Mrs Yesufu celebrated her birthday. The roll call of guests included family members, friends, top government functionaries and professional colleagues.
The Ekiti State Governor’s wife, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose and former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, led high-profile dignitaries to the event.
The presence of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi, added a royal touch to the occasion, which began with prayers and thanksgiving at All Souls Anglican Church in Lekki Phase 1.
Mrs Yesufu, who retired from Air France, is an active member of Aviation Roundtable, the industry’s watchdog.
In his 13-minute homily during the thanksgiving, the guest minister, Venerable Olusegun Kuti, described Mrs Yesufu as a “special child of covenant”. The clergyman urged the celebrant not to stop appreciating God’s “special grace” in her life, noting that she looked younger than her age and had achieved all the goals she wished to.
Reading from Isaiah 66:8, Ven. Kuti said God’s covenant was divinely placed on anyone born in 1948 – the year which the nation of Israel was created by the United Nations (UN) resolution. He said Israel was created out of God’s covenant to the Israelis to give them a “holy nation”, adding that the birth of the celebrant in the year was an indication of a God’s covenant.
He said: “It was by covenant of God that Mrs Yesufu was born in a chosen generation when a holy nation was created. This is to show, first, the power of God, who has brought her out of her darkness into the most unique and marvelous life. This is why we all must join her today in singing Hallelujah and praises to our King.”
The cleric said Mrs Yesufu’s achievements on the home front and in her professional career was an indication of God’s seal on her personality to attain greatness in life, adding that she led a life worthy of emulation.
Taking the second reading from Jeremiah 29:10, Ven. Kuti urged the celebrant to express God’s power of restoration and visitation in her life. The clergyman said God was speaking to the Mrs Yesufu in Psalm 70:4 to always express divine salvation.
Ven. Kuti said: “It is God, who has given Mrs Yesufu a divine salvation to overcome many difficulties in life. Despite the ups and downs she has gone through in life, God has not given her wrinkles of regrets. She must expect more of God’s visitation and manifestation as He promised the Israelites in Babylon.”
The sermon was followed by hymns of praise rendered by the church’s choristers.
After the service, guests were hosted to an elaborate reception where they were entertained by a live band.
Mrs Yesufu stood in awe as family members and professional colleagues paid glowing tributes to her.
A former Minister of Health and ex-president of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, opened the floodgate of accolades, describing Mrs Yesufu as “one of the prettiest Nigerians”.
He said: “I always call Mrs Yesufu the ‘Ekiti young girl’ because she is unarguably one of the prettiest Nigerian women of this generation. She is a woman of substance who has made us proud on all fronts with her feats that traverse diverse areas. She is very active in many areas, especially in aviation where she left far-reaching legacies. Because of her unique feats in aviation sector, the French government gave her a special medal of honour.”
Mrs. Adelabu said her friend Mrs Yesufu remains every woman’s pride, adding that she is a prayer warrior who believes in the power of prayers.
Chairman of Aviation Roundtable Mr Gbenga Olowo, who chaired the occasion, said there was no area in the industry in which Mrs. Yesufu did not have her footprints. He described her as a “thorough-bred professional”.
Frontline lawyer and Chairman of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said Mrs Yesufu was a good homemaker despite her professional achievements.
Full of joy, Mrs Yesufu acknowledged the tributes, thanking the guests and family members for celebrating with her.
The event was organized by August XXIV Events, owned by the celebrant’s daughter, Bolanle Yesufu.
Via: The Nation