|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Amid an ambience of joyful songs and heartfelt tributes, a new sexagenarian, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olotu stepped into her 60th year, today, surrounded by family, friends, church members and colleagues on a special morning of thanksgiving, honour and legacy.
On the altar of gratitude at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Mafoluku, she opened with candour: all the twists of experience, the seasons of growth, the storms and the sunshine and how the hands of loved ones held her steady. Her husband, cheering sisters-in-law, devoted family, church brethren, the vibrant Olotu and Olaogun families at home and abroad, the Aina, Fasetire and Alamu clans, and other dear relatives from Ute and Abeokuta – each received her warm recognition.
She appreciated the maritime community, especially the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as a key part of her professional journey. From active service to retirement, her life has been marked by duty, integrity and service. The family’s tribute to “Mama J. F. Oláogún — the vessel God used to raise such a precious diamond” was met with knowing smiles, acknowledging a legacy of nurture and love.
She celebrated with retirees and alumni circles: the Ogun State University Pioneers Alumni Association, the Ikeja Grammar School 1982 Set, and the entire congregation of St Paul’s, with special mention of the venerable Venerable & Mrs Gbeke Odusanya for their enduring love and support.
A touching moment came when Mrs Olotu, in her own voice and writing, ministered a soul-lifting song of gratitude – a gift of her heart and testimony to God’s unfailing love through decades. The youth of St Paul’s, led by a representative of Barr Rotimi Odusola, stood to salute her as a role model: someone who encourages young minds to dream and achieve.
A close family member reflected on their shared journey since the Olótu wedding 33 years ago: through hardship and triumph alike, Mrs Olotu’s strength, generous spirit and devotion to family bore witness.
In an atmosphere heavy with thanksgiving, her family lifted their voices to God Almighty for the gift of six decades of life, grace and purposeful service. They acknowledged the Diocesan and Mama Lagos West, the House of Clergy & Wives and the Owutu Archdeaconry for their steadfast prayers and collaboration.
Goodwill messages flowed — tributes to her humility, her nurturing kindness, her influence across generations as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, mentor and respected senior citizen. The men of God who led the thanksgiving were; Venerable Gbeke Odusanya and Rev’d Kayode Olugoke with other senior Church Fathers and Mothers of Faith.
Venerable Tope Tapere – the Archdeacon of Oshodi Archdeaconry was represented by the wife. While the Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev’d Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, and his wife, Sr. Mrs. Olusola Odedeji sent their goodwill message to the celebrant.
Some key high-points from Mrs Olotu’s distinguished professional career:
- She served for over 30 years at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in a male-dominated maritime environment, rising through the ranks and making significant impact.
- At one point, she held the position of Port Manager at the Lagos Port Complex and Calabar Port—a testament to her leadership and trail-blazing role.
- She has been recognised for her work in tariff & billing, revenue generation and reforming port operations.
- Olotu is Hall of Famer in the prestigious MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame
- She was felicitated by platforms such as Platforms Communications for being the “Outstanding Woman in Ports Operations”.
Mrs. Olótu’s journey from humble beginnings to senior maritime professional and beloved community matriarch adds a powerful layer of meaning to this joyful milestone.
Olotu is a beautiful ‘Omoge’ at 60, she’s ever radiant and always wearing a smile or dishing out words of encouragement and upliftment.
Hearty Congratulations Madam Olotu!
