By Henry Obetta

Eminent Nigerians on Saturday gathered at TFK Event Centre, Bala Mohammed Way, Guzape, Abuja, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olori of Kuta, Queen Jumai Amoke, alongside the launch of her humanitarian initiative, Amoke Children and Mother in Need Foundation.

Among dignitaries present at the event were former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd); Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; and renowned businesswoman, Chief Mrs. Bola Shagaya.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Host and Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, commended his wife for her humanitarian efforts, describing her as a woman with “slender arms full of kindness” for establishing the foundation at a time many Nigerians are facing economic challenges.

He praised her commitment to the less privileged and prayed for long life and greater achievements.
“I celebrate you, Olori Amoke Jumai. You will celebrate 70, 80 and 90 years in good health as you continue to put smiles on people’s faces. I love you,” the monarch said.

In his remarks, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Buratai (retd), who also holds the title of Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, congratulated the celebrant on attaining 60 years in good health, noting that the large turnout of dignitaries was a reflection of her generosity and hospitality.

He described her humanitarian initiative as commendable and prayed that God would reward her good deeds and accept her acts of service.

Similarly, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Fagbemi, praised Queen Jumai for her compassion and commitment to supporting the needy in society.

He urged guests and well-wishers to support the foundation generously to enable it continue alleviating poverty and improving the lives of vulnerable citizens.

“I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and foundation launch. I wish you many more fruitful years of service to humanity and the country,” he said.

In her response, Queen Jumai Amoke expressed gratitude to guests and dignitaries for their overwhelming support and presence at the event.

She pledged to continue using her resources and donations received through the foundation to support the needy and less privileged in society.

“I appreciate Kabiyesi Olofa of Offa and all traditional rulers present. I thank the Minister of Justice, Mrs Bola Shagaya, Lt.-Gen. Buratai, DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and all dignitaries. To my husband, Kabiyesi Olowu of Kuta, I am grateful for your unwavering support. To my family and friends, I say thank you all. E se pupo,” she said.

Others dignitaries in attendance included the newly promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police and former AIG Zone 2, Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade; Major-General Abdumalik; Major-General Samuel Adebayo (retd), former Chief of Defence Intelligence; Major-General Anthony Omozoje (rtd), former Commander of the Presidential Communication Unit; Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi, Asiwaju of Offa and CEO of Radisson Hotel Nigeria; Dr Waheed Olagunju, former Managing Director of Bank of Industry; Oniba of Iba, Lagos State, Oba Dr Suleiman Raji; Justice Falola; and Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Adetoyese, among several traditional rulers and captains of industry.