News
A Woman of Grace, Principle: Divine Mandate Movement Honours Afolakemi Akanbi at Birthday Celebration in Ibadan
Members of the Divine Mandate Movement on Sunday set aside fatigue, distance, and short notice to celebrate one of their own, Comrade Afolakemi Akanbi, as she marked her birthday at the Recreation Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The atmosphere around the swimming pool section of the centre became lively and emotionally charged as members of the Movement arrived in unity to honour the BCOS staff, whom they described as “a special gift to humanity and a vessel of uncommon grace.”
Drawing inspiration from the scriptures, members likened Akanbi to the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:20; “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy,” noting that her life consistently reflects selfless giving, compassion, and sacrificial love.
Speaker after speaker rose to testify to her exceptional character, describing her as a woman of unmatched generosity, empathy, and courage, who often goes out of her way to support people in need—sometimes even borrowing money to assist others when her personal resources were insufficient.
Beyond her generosity, she was praised as a woman of strong principles and integrity, whose “yes is yes, and no is no,” echoing the biblical injunction in Matthew 5:37. Members noted that neither money, position, nor pressure has ever made her compromise her convictions.
The Director of Critical and Strategic Planning of the Movement, Comrade Dupe Fehintola, described Akanbi as “a sister from another mother—loving, hardworking, humble, and genuinely down-to-earth.”
“It is no coincidence,” Fehintola said, “that she emerged as the 2023 Most Efficient Civil Servant Award recipient of the Oyo State Government. Beyond being a presenter, she is a newscaster, news editor, makeup artist, fashion designer—a woman of many talents. She is focused, principled, and no-nonsense.”
Fehintola further recalled that Akanbi’s integrity stood firm even during the last election, when petitions were written against her but failed.
“She later served on the Credentials Committee and was commended by the national body of the Union,” she added.
Another member, Folashade Akintola, emotionally described Akanbi as her “second mother,” thanking her for unwavering love, prayers, guidance, and encouragement.
“Your support, prayers, and wise counsel mean more to me than words can express. You have shown me true motherly love, and I am deeply blessed to have you,” Sade said.
Special prayers were offered for the celebrant, invoking divine promises such as Psalm 91:16; “With long life will I satisfy her and show her my salvation.”
Members prayed for long life, sound health, overflowing joy, peace at home, divine favour, and abundant grace, asking God to reward her openly for every sacrifice and act of kindness rendered in secret.
In her response, Comrade Afolakemi Akanbi said that no words were sufficient to express her gratitude for the overwhelming love and surprise celebration organised by the Divine Mandate Movement.
“Only God can truly reward you all,” she said, describing the gesture as deeply humbling and spiritually uplifting.
She specially commended the Chairman of the Movement, Comrade Raji Adebayo, whom she described as mature, kind-hearted, calm, and disciplined. Recalling their shared days at the same polytechnic, she noted that his character of neatness, humility, and easygoing disposition has remained unchanged over the years.
Akanbi also expressed profound appreciation to Comrade Dupe Fehintola, who initiated and coordinated the celebration, describing her as truthful, caring, dependable, and steadfast.
She concluded by pledging her continued loyalty to the Divine Mandate Movement, which she described as “a new vehicle of honour, designed to lift journalists to greater heights and redefine journalism as a noble, dignified, and globally respected profession.”
Quoting the philosopher Aristotle, members noted that “Excellence is not an act, but a habit,”_a statement many said perfectly captures the life and character of Afolakemi Akanbi.
The appreciation remarks by the celebrant were followed by the presentation of a large package of gift items personally purchased and presented by Comrade Dupe Fehintola.
Group photographs were taken shortly afterward, after which all those present put on their dancing shoes to celebrate joyfully with the celebrant.
The celebration ended with joy, fellowship, and renewed commitment to shared values of integrity, service, and excellence.
-
Society News5 years agoJamaican man beheads wife after finding out their 6 kids are not his
-
Society News7 years agoEXCLUSIVE: The Complete Story of Dolapo Awosika, John Fashanu and Prophet Kasali Sex Mess
-
News5 years agoPastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, His Membership Of Secret Cult, And Other Issues Touching On His Public Credentials Examined by Barr. PATRICK I. BIOSE
-
News6 years agoBREAKING: Ajimobi’s daughter-in-law blast Gov. Makinde, says gov can’t surpass ex-Oyo gov
-
Society News6 years agoThe Rise and Fall of “Jumoke The Bread Seller”
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: 2 arrested as NAF begins investigations into Tolulope’s death
-
Crime6 years agoExclusive: Female Aide Fingered In Oko Oloyun’s Murder + Banking Transactions That Nailed Husband
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: Police take over Edo House of Assembly as APC, Oshiomhole move to seize control
You must be logged in to post a comment Login