A former Flying Eagle coach, who retired in 1993, Pa Israel Olufemi Siwoku, on Saturday, August 4, 2018, celebrated eighty years (80) with his children, grandchildren and other people at the Igbo-Oluwo Estate Hall, Ikorodu.
While speaking with Oriwu Sun during the birthday celebration and social party, the celebrant, who was very agile and good looking, gave God all the glory for sparing his life to witness the day. In his words, “I am very happy and joyous because today is a very exciting and joyful day for me. Hence, I thank God for everything and give all the praises to Him because I believe in Him. Whatever happens to any human being, once you believe in God, you would be victorious at last. That is why God had been keeping me right from the time I was born till this present day,” he noted. He advised anyone aiming to achieve long life to be a loving person, who does not engage in having grudges against anyone but living peacefully with everyone. Above all, he urged such person to cherish the will of God and make sure he\she follows His commandments accordingly.
His first daughter, a hospital Matron, Mrs. Adesanya Olusola, described her Dad as a disciplinarian and a man of honour and dignity. According to her, he is very kind and principled to the core and does not break his rules. She wished him long life above hundred years in good health and more prosperity. She, however, advised children who want their parents to attain good old age to take care of them and let those parents enjoy their company. She said that she learnt from her father that you do not spare the rod but must discipline your children when they err.
According to her younger sister, Mrs. Kemi Siwoku-Adetoro, their dad is their hero and that’s why all her children, grandchildren and others all gathered at the venue to celebrate him and offer thanks to God for sparing his life in spite of worldly challenges. She wished her dad long life, prosperity and sound health. Her advice to other people was to take good care of their parents. She said. “I would just say that we should all celebrate our parents while they are still living and we should always make them feel the impact of our cares. We should always provide both their needs and their wants, and God would always provide for us in return,” she stated.
After encomiums and the history of his early life had been rendered by h
is best friend, Pa Lawrence Kehinde Williams, the birthday cake was cut amidst joy and excitement. There was a photo session, after which a live Gospel Music Band, Da Peace Makers Voices, entertained the guests. His children supplied more than enough delicious foods and assorted drinks.
