The ancient town of Offa received big shots from all over Nigeria and abroad on Saturday, 12th February 2022 when matriarch, Alhaja Rafat Adebola Shittu celebrated her 80th birthday, amidst the glitz and glamour at the prestigious hall in Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State. The birthday celebration was a huge and classy one, as Mama was treated to a memorable event by all her loved ones and invited guests who turned up in their hundreds, dressed glamorously in honour of the great woman whose story inspired many as a humble, kind and loving mother and grandmother. Glamorous in their resplendent outfits, the guests were in their joyous mood as they started to trickle in at exactly 12pm, the scheduled time to honour a trailblazer. The dignitaries in attendance were successful men and women from various sectors: banking to the judiciary; politics, culture, and arts.
Her story and journey are an inspiration to many. She played the role of a mother and adviser for, not only her five children but to all that knew her and consulted her for motherly guidance and advice. This was evident, as guests from all walks of life showed gratitude to her noble contribution to their education and careers, so they turned out to celebrate the astute advocate of moral ethics and belief in God. City People’s crew of SEUN JOSEPH and FEMI ADELEKE was live at the event to give you a blow-by-blow gist
ABOUT THE ANCIENT TOWN OF OFFA
Beyond the peace, tranquillity, and hospitality of the people of Offa, one thing we cannot overlook is the immense premium that Offa people place on education, the poor and rich at home and abroad contributed their mite and pretty pennies to see that every family produces a prominent figure.
Compared to other towns in the south-west, Offa metamorphosed early into a town where university graduates abound in large numbers, as parents saw it as a duty to spend their hard-earned money on educating their children and wards. Give it to them, Offa has brilliant minds who are very cosmopolitan and forward-looking people. The passion and commitment of Offa people to their community development are unrivalled. Offa is known to pioneer many things in Nigeria in terms of community effort, first community Grammar School in Northern Nigeria, first fully funded and built Mobile Police Force barrack, also first community ICT Hub. Offa Metropolitan Club which is a major frontline club for successful professionals from Offa is on the verge of completing an ultra-modern medical facility in Offa.
GBENGA ADEYINKA THRILLS GUESTS
The event anchor, Gbenga Adeyinka the First, was at his best at the event, he coordinated the stage professionally and at the same time, entertained the guests with snippets of jokes in-between the program. Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st is currently the leading event compere for A-lists events such as Alhaja Rafat Shittu’s 80th birthday, and he proved himself in all ramifications that he is the number one MC in Nigeria.
MAMA RAFAT WAS A CYNOSURE OF ALL EYES
Mama donned a glittering brown HOH pleated with gold embroidery, was visibly elated all through the event. From the moment she got out of her deep black luxury SUV into the warm embrace of her children and well-wishers, paparazzi couldn’t get enough of her. Despite the fact that she was 80, mama danced through the isle of the event unaided, and elegantly like she was just 40. Everything on her looked so beautiful. She was accompanied by her children, in-laws, and grandchildren. Overwhelmed with joy, Mama, as most people called her, was pretty much at hand to receive the personalities from far and wide as they glided through the isle onto her warm embrace.
ALH. RAZAK SHITTU LEADS THE CHILDREN
A retired banker and oil and gas consultant, Alhaji Razak Shittu who was the chief host led his siblings who all showed up in grand style to felicitate with their beautiful mother. They came in with their husbands, wives, and children who are mama’s grandchildren. They all look so elegant in their various native attires. They are Alhaji Razak Shittu, Alhaji Hakeem Shittu, Alhaja Muibat Adeoye, Alhaji Majeed Shittu and Alhaja Muinat Ogunnaike. One laudable thing about their role is the coordinating power that exists between the children as they made sure there were no lapses. They all welcomed and entertained all guests.
MRS. FOLUKE RAZAK-SHITTU
Mrs. Foluke Razak-Shittu, the amiable wife of Alh. Razak Shittu, in her gorgeous and adorable fabric, was full of smiles in a joyous and celebratory mood all through the event. Together with Mrs. Daniela Shittu, AlhajaMuibat Adeoye, and Alhaja Muinat Ogunnaike, they were all visibly active in receiving guests and ensuring everyone had the best of the event.
ABOUT ALHAJI RAZAK SHITTU’S LOVE FOR MAMA
Alhaji Razak Shittu is mama Rafat’s first son. City People reliably gathered that Alhaji’s love for his mom is boundless. No sooner than Mama Rafat entered the venue, Alhaji Razak was seen moving everywhere with Mama. He held his mother’s hand at every moment he got. As soon as mama got to her seat, Alhaji created enough space for her and mobilized photographers to beam their lights on the celebrant. He was soon joined by his siblings who also showered love on their kind-hearted mother. The unity that exists among the siblings shows that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
LUXURY HOH IN DISPLAY
Alhaja Rafat Adebola Shittu’s 80th birthday was also a carnival of HOH luxury fabrics. Mama adorned an elegant brown HOH pleated with gold embroidery, with a 24-carat gold plated purse, necklace, and earrings. Her daughters and daughters-in-law also rocked exotic orange and black HOH fabric worth over 1 million naira. The sons and sons-in-law also adorned creamy sequence fabric with a purple striped cap to fit.
QUEEN SALAWA ABENI STOOD OUT
Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni was more than a guest at the event, the veteran singer and actress took charge as though she was also one of mama’s daughters, she was seen attending to guests and ensuring that things are in order. She also told City People about how she performed at Mama’s 70th birthday 10 years ago and how she has become a part of the family for over a decade. She sang a special song for mama and prayed for long life in perfect health.
DEPUTY GOVERNOR SHOWS UP
Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi was live at the event with an entourage from the State House. He is a bosom friend of Alh. Razak Shittu from their days in Offa Grammar School. He went straight to mama’s seat to exchange pleasantries with mama who was all beaming with joy and smiles. The good-looking deputy governor was gorgeously dressed in his white luxury brocade fabric with the Aso-Ebi cap.
OLOFA OF OFFA CAME TOO
The Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Gbadamosi, Okikiola Ajagungbade I Esuwoye II graced the event in style. The Olofas on arrival at the venue of the event, was received by Alh. Razak Shittu. The royal father came in his full royal regalia to show love and support to a well-deserving woman of virtue, whose life has impacted a whole lot of women, who look forward to having a great life like hers.
WHAT GUESTS SAID ABOUT MAMA
The congratulatory message to the celebrant aptly captures the sentiments that flowed from the testimonies given by family members, friends, and religious leaders in the state. She was showered with praises, prayers, and testimonies. The host was described in glowing words as iconic, kind, loving, caring, unassuming, disciplinarian, trailblazer, courageous, visionary, achiever, role model, hardworking, dogged, titan, and mentor. Among those who spoke about mama includes Queen Salawa Abeni, Sherifat Joke Bakare, Grace Olayinka Ogbaro, Bakarilu Ishiaba, Omotayo Adido, Olajide Osundun, Habib Shittu, Bola Toyinbo, Ganiyu Moshood Akorede, Shola Adedoyin a.k.a Kube.
And there was a toast to the celebrant followed by picture sessions. Thrilled and overwhelmed, Alhaja Rafat was beaming in joy, she acknowledges the grace of God that brought her this far. She thanked everyone present for her 80th birthday celebration and prayed that almighty Allah will grant everyone good health and long life. At the end, it was a time well shared together celebrating a woman who has distinguished herself over the years in raising giants.
K1 DE ULTIMATE DAZZLES GUESTS
The Mayegun of Yorubaland and King of Fuji Music, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal was ushered into the venue around 5 pm with his entourage, as he walked straight to greet Mama, he later left to meet and greet the Olofa of Offa on his seat and some other important guests. He mounted the stage and took control in a matter of minutes. No sooner had he taken the microphone, the venue became lit as Mama was ushered to the stage. K1 stepped down from the stage, to honour mama and sang for her for close to an hour with Mama, as the children and their friends showered mama with crispy notes.
SOME OF THE GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE
The event witnessed the presence of A-list guests from politics, business, entertainment, and the royal class. Worthy of mention are:Asiwaju Tajudeen Owoyemi, The Asiwaju of Offa; Dr.& Mrs. AWA Ibraheem; Dr. Tunji Olagunju; Chief Ayo Raji and all Chieftains of Club 80; Alh.& Mrs. Lanre Mustapha Olowogada; Alh. & Mrs. Demola Balogun, Chairman Dembal Generator, Aare Tayo Shittu; HRM Onipe of Ipee; HRHAfaji of Faaji, HRH Alaho of Aho; Hajia Mairo Bashir; Hajia Amina Jimita; Alh. Abdulkadri Aliu, a leading Oil & Gas Magnate; Dr. Waheed Olagunju; Dr. Tunde Lawal, Parakoyi of Offa; Pastor Depe Kuforiji & Deacon Bola Toyinbo, Mr. & Mrs. Fatai Aiyelero, Mr. & Alhaja Rauf Ilofoye, all from the United States of America; Michael Akomolafe and Nike Balogun – both from the United Kingdom; Mrs. Ronke Abiodun; Mrs. Joke Biobaku; Mrs. Oluwayemisi Ani; Mr. & Mrs. Austin Igbinovia; Mrs. Khadijat Augusto; Mrs. Remi Oni; Mrs. Seyi Onajin; Mrs. Toun Adesanya; Mrs. Elizabeth Olanrewaju Ojo; Mr.& Mrs. Olajide; Mr.& Mrs. Pedro; Mr. Dapo Segun; Mrs. Nike Kolawole; Mrs. Soala Pat-Okoye; Old Students of Offa Grammar School, Oro Grammar School, and Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School; Great Ife Economic Dept Class of 86; delegation from United Bank for Africa; Alh. Bode Oyebode; The Laditon family; Mrs. Ayodele Adeniyi; Mrs. Helen Brume; Mrs. Bunmi Ikhifa; Mrs. Dolabomi Onanuga; Mrs. Rihanot Ojo-Oba; Mrs Oluyede Usman (Oyeog Fabric Merchant); Mrs. Pauline Nsa; Mrs. Agnes Ekanem; Alh & Alhaja Abdullateef Kunle Ajeigbe; Mr. Razak Oyeleke; Hajia Shade Ogunsanya; Mr. Wasiu Ojuolape; Alh Bisi Afolabi; Hajia Shade Okesina; Mr. Funsho Popoola; Mr. Akeem Oyewale; Mr. Muse Oyeleke; Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi (Adato).
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