Last Sunday, friends, family and colleagues of Yeye Otunba Kikilomo Babalola extolled her life and virtues as they treated her to a grand surprise bash in one of the A-list hotels in the state.
Holisticinfos reports that the surprise birthday bash which was anchored by one of the fast rising compere in the ancient city of Ilorin was masterminded by the husband of the celebrant, Otunba David Babalola. The event, meticulously planned by her husband, brought together friends, family members, colleagues from First Bank PLC, and church members to celebrate the life and virtues of the celebrant.
Well crafted to catch the celebrant off guard, guests were already seated and well briefed of what the event was all about when the celebrant, her husband and children walked into the dimly lit hall like any other guest and sat in a corner by the door.
Ogbeni Moyo who took the mic a few seconds after the celebrant and her family came in, extolled the virtues of a good woman and helpmeet announcing that such a woman was to be celebrated. The hall erupted in riotous applause as the celebrant who was still ignorant of the happenings also joined in before it dawned on her she was the center of attraction this left her visibly stunned and overwhelmed with emotion.
Serenaded by a chanter all the way from Ibadan, the celebrant and her husband were ushered to the high table.
In his address, the chairman of the event, Prof. Abayomi Omotesho who disclosed that he also chaired the couple’s wedding ceremony thanked God for their lives and how far they have come. He advised the couple to continue to allow love and understanding to lead in their lives and relationship.
The floodgate of goodwill and testimonies was opened by colleagues of the celebrant who described her as a good team player and a great leader who is gracious to her subordinates.
Others who took the mic described Chief Mrs. Babalola as a paragon of virtue, humility, and generosity. Her family, neighbours, friends, church members and members of Synergy Impact, her husband’s staff all echoed similar sentiments, testifying to her impact on their lives.
Some of her colleagues and subordinates from her place of work displayed a game of “Mrs Babalola once said” while another of her subordinates perfectly mimicked her.
Surrounded by her loved ones, Chief Mrs. Babalola cut her birthday cake, marking a memorable milestone in her life.
In her remarks, the celebrant who expressed joy at such a gathering in her honour thanked everyone present for the honour done to her.
In an emotionally laden voice she thanked her husband for the surprise birthday party while praying to God to continue to uplift him and his work.
While giving the vote of thanks, Otunba David Babalola thanked everyone involved in the pleasant conspiracy to surprise his wife. He thanked them for keeping the secret tight and not divulging his plans to her.
He explained that the plan to surprise his wife was borne out of his desire to show his appreciation for all her support, dedication and perseverance over the years.
The surprise birthday party, no doubt, was a testament to her impact and influence on those around her, and a celebration of her life’s journey. It also points to the esteem in which she is held by her spouse and everyone around.