The three most exclusive and most prestigious life clubs are the octogenarian, the nonagenarian and the centenarian age clubs for those in their 80’s, 90’s and 100’s respectively. On July 12, 2017, the matriarch of Dawodu-Olowosago family, Wing Commander Mistura Adebunkola Dawodu joined the octogerians’ club in a grand style, celebrating it big at the prestigious Ikorodu musical village.
The retired Air Force Officer of the Missile Corps is the head of the influential Olowosago family. When her father, the late Baba Adinni of Ikorodu Central Mosque, Alhaji (Chief) Lamidi Osho Olowosago, was about to die at the Lagos state Teaching Hospital in 1983, he specifically instructed this lady to look after the rest of her siblings (15 others) and to ensure that they received the best in education that could be provided for them.
The Air Force Officer didn’t disappoint her late father nor the family of 16 children. She mobilized and administered the family with uprightness, discipline and love. Outsiders labelled her the iron lady and likened her to the former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
A professional nurse by training, she showered extreme love and care on her brothers and sisters. This was evident in her support for Oriwu Sun Newspaper, which was established in 1985 by an illustrious son of the Dawodu Olowosago family – Alhaji (Chief) Monzor Olowosago, when she became its founding Board Chairman. This and many of such supports for her siblings earned her tremendous respect among them.
In appreciation of her outstanding contributions and achievements, the Publisher, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago organized a fabulous 70th Birthday party in her honor at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja on July 12, 2007. So, when this noble woman, who shuttles between England and Nigeria on a regular basis, clocked 80 in sound health, mental balance and graceful aging, her former husband’s family (Shitta) and the Olowosago family teamed up to organize a fantastic birthday celebration for her at the Musical Village in Ikorodu. She is blessed with two children, one of whom is in England while two are in Nigeria.
This contented Wing Commander, not given to an ostentatious style of living but rather opting for a reclusive lifestyle, told the world not to bother sending material gifts to her except their prayers and well wishes. This request wasn’t borne out of pride or arrogance or claims to stupendous wealth but spiritually driven to portray her satisfaction with the little or much God had given her.
At the Atlantic wing of the Musical Village, where the entire birthday celebration took place, the venue wore an angelic look. The dress code was white. Men and women arrived the venue from 9am in white lace or silk materials. Amidst Quranic songs, prayers and verses, guests, who were admitted strictly on invitation, went straight to breakfast at the northern session of the massive and beautifully decorated hall. The round table breakfast lasted over one hour as more guest poured in.
The southern end of the Atlantic hall was specially arranged. A back drop with Arabic and Islamic insignias formed a mini altar while a veiled portion in the western flank, with special studio lighting effect, was reserved for the celebrant (Wing Commander Dawodu). Two of the celebrant’s grand male children (twins), a male and a female, manned the eastern part of the hall, where a piano (Keyboard) and musical instrument were being played by them.
The main event of the day was a prayer session, which was flagged off at about 11am by the Unilag Muslim Community and their counterparts from Bariga. These communities and others represent the places this vibrant Air force Officer played her roles and impacted lives. The prayers complimented the ones from the Alfas and the Imams from Ikorodu Central Mosque, present at the occasion. Groups upon groups poured prayers, reciting verses in the Quran and lacing them with Islamic songs while exhorting the virtues of this matriarch, including her contributions to Islam. She has always played a vital role in promoting Islam and in serving humanity and society.
For more than two hours, it was prayer galore until the Guest Speaker, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, mounted the stage to kick-off the avalanche of tributes to the Octogenarian. He recalled the seven years he worked with Wing Commander Dawodu in the Muslim Welfare Committee in the past and how principled and dedicated she was. Every other person who spoke about her didn’t omit the fact that she is a disciplined lady, who isn’t only steadfast but highly principled. Among the other speakers at the event were, Mr. Adams.
When it came to the turn of the Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Chief Monzor Olowosago, the younger brother of the celebrant, the hall unfolded in laughter as the humorous journalist thrilled the crowd with his appraisal of his sister in fluent Yoruba language. Monzor described the numerous encounters with the Olowosago matriarch by the other 15 children and how this leader successfully bonded the family in love and unity.
Other highlights of the event were the Islamic quiz and Piano demonstrations by the twins grand children of the celebrant and the eloquent testimonies of many of the guests, who paid glowing tributes to this great and noble woman.
When it came to financial appreciation of the prayer session, the response was massive and bountiful. The moderator of the event, Mr Damilola Dawodu, did an excellent Job with his salatary and pleasant handling of the programme, which motivated positive responses from the guests and the Olowosago extended family, more than five hundred thousand naira was realized while the other guests raised the bar to nearly one million in offerings/donations to the course of Islam.
The beautiful birthday cake was later cut by the celebrant, who was surrounded by different dignitaries, family members and associates. Her grandchildren sang a moving birthday song, which was chorused by the guests inside the hall.
Amidst a superfluous lunch, which began at about 3pm, the event gradually rolled to a glorious climax when Prof. Gbadamosi gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the octogenarian, who naturally acts more than she talks. Prof. Gbadamosi thanked all who graced the event to honor a distinguished lady, who has left footprints on the sands of her profession, her faith, her family and her society.
The social reception went on in earnest till late in the evening as guests wined and dined in appreciation of the glorious life of this former Air Force Officer.
