Encomiums as Alhaja Hon. F.I Gidado retires, releases album, awards outstanding individuals
It was a moment of joy and excitement as various personalities throng the Akure City hall, venue of the celebration at the weekend, to honour Alhaja Hon. F.I Gidado, a distinguished pious woman of substance, worthy of emulation on her retirement Thanksgiving/30 Years of Inspirational Songs .
The Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheik Dr. Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede who congratulated the celebrant, described her as a great woman of impact and a model to others.
Husband of the celebrant, Alhaji Lai Gidado, the publisher of Ebony Herald International Magazine Abuja, who also spoke with newsmen, appreciated Allah for the successful retirement of his wife from government work.
He thanked all dignitaries and guests for attending the occasion wishing that his wife remains relevant in the affairs of Akure and the Politics of Ondo State.
The celebrant, Alhaja Gidado thanked Allah for keeping and sustaining her through her years in public service, and as well extended gratitude to those who made tremendous contributions towards the successes she attained over the years.
She expressed excitement on the love showered on her by family members and particularly to the Muslim community.
Alhaja Gidado thanked all those who took time out to grace the occasion, praying that Allah grant all their heart desires.
Alhaja Gidado, who is the iya Adinni of Akure Kingdom, affirmed to be more committed on Allah’s work and to participate more in politics, saying her passion is to attract dividends of democracy to Akure land.
The event which was Chaired by a Frontline politician, Prof. Olu Aderounmu was well attended by monarchs from within and outside Ondo State which included; Deji of Akureland, HRM, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Odundun II, HRM Oba Michael Kehinde Adebowale Taiwo (JOWELE LORI-OKO ORILOBAMISE II) the Onifiye Adimula of idado-ijesa kingdom, Oba Luyi Rotimi the Olujigba of Ijigba, the Akapinsha of Ipinsha, Oba Dr. Funmiilayo Omoniyi, the Olurese of Irese, Oba Destiny Saka, Oba Dr. Adebayo Sunday Ademehinti, Asakin of Abo, Muslim clerics from Ondo and Ekiti State.
Also included are Political leaders and religious groups; like Ans aru Deen society of Nigeria, Muslim ladies circle of Nigeria, MULCON, Federation of Muslim Women’s Society of Nigeria FOMWAN, Egbe Alalajas to mention just few
Other dignitaries include, Dr. Bankole Akerele, Dr. Bunmi Ademosu Williams, Sheikh Najeemdeen Gidado from Lagos, Alhaji Mojeed Ajijola from Ado Ekiti, Engr. Kosmo, Erelu Iyaloja of Akure, Mrs. Adefunmilayo Adekanye, Alhaja Akamson and the wife of Ondo State SSG.
One major highlight of the event is the official release of a two-in-one album by the celebrant.
The event also witnessed the recognition of some distinguished Nigerians over their contributions towards the development of humanity, while some late clerics including her father in-law, late Sheikh GB Gidado the first Baba Adinni of Ekiti land, her late Uncle Sheik Ajijola the late Naibi of Ado Ekiti Muslim community, her Islamic teacher, late Sheikh Jolaiya Asisoloriiro, the Balogun Oniwaasi of Ondo State, late Oba Alhaji Saka Akewusola, the Olurese of Irese received post humus awards for the good legacies they left behind.
Others who were honoured were; active individuals like Pastor Mrs. Monisola Faseyi, Alhaja Medinat Ademola the director of Adebimpe Hotel and farms Osogbo, Alhaji Kehinde Alatise, Alhaja Ramat Ooye (iya Ewe) and many others.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving the honour, some of the awardees thanked the celebrant for deeming it fit to honour them noting that it will spur them to do more.
