By Abubakar Shuaibu A.
It was a celebration of impact and compassion in Lokoja as the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D., marked her 60th birthday with charity, a book launch, and the commissioning of an ultra-modern orphanage home for widows and orphans under her NGO, Folashade Ayoade Initiative for Widows & Orphans (FAIWO).
The event, which began at Rehoboth Orphanage Home, Lokongoma, Lokoja, attracted an array of dignitaries including representatives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Ooni of Ife, royal fathers, top government officials, and other well-wishers.
A Journey of Compassion
In an emotional testimony, Dr. Stella Willoughby — who was raised at the Ijamudo Children’s Home, Ota, Ogun State — recalled how Mrs. Ayoade’s charitable journey began two decades ago. She narrated that on one of her birthdays, the SGS visited the orphanage with a bag of rice at a time when the children had no food for breakfast. That simple act of kindness, she said, blossomed into a lifelong mission of service and love for the less privileged.
Since then, Mrs. Ayoade has made it a tradition to celebrate her birthdays with orphans and widows, with each year’s charity outreach growing bigger.
Diamond Jubilee with Purpose
Unlike many who mark such milestones with pomp alone, the SGS celebrated her diamond jubilee with meaningful acts of service — visiting children at Rehoboth Orphanage, launching her book “The girl Bamitale”, and commissioning the newly built FAIWO Orphanage Home at DSS/Hilltop Community, Lokoja.
Governor Usman Ododo, represented by the Kogi State Head of Civil Service, Dr. Elijah Evinemi commended Mrs. Ayoade’s vision and passion for humanity, urging other leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate her commitment to the underprivileged.
Words of Gratitude and Commitment
In her remarks, Mrs. Ayoade gave thanks to God Almighty for life, mercy, and strength to pursue her mission. She pledged to continue serving God and humanity, declaring:
“For the rest of my life, I will serve God, serve humanity, and ensure widows and orphans under my care live a royal life and attain their full potentials.”
Goodwill and Royal Blessings
Goodwill messages came from His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, the Ooni of Ife, represented by Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, the Asoya of Ile Isoya; the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi; Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, SGS of Ogun State; Ambassador Olushola Enikanolaye, SSA to President Tinubu on Foreign Affairs; and Commander Jerry Omodara, Kogi State Security Adviser among others.
They all attested to the celebrant’s remarkable energy — both administratively and humanitarianly — and encouraged her not to relent in her mission of service to mankind.
