The Family Chapel at Ikenne-Remo was filled with quiet reflection and warm tributes on Friday as Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu marked her 78th birthday with a thanksgiving service that blended faith, family and public memory.
The gathering, held at the Awolowo family residence in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, was themed “Celebrating 78 Years of the Awesome Power of God.” It brought together relatives, traditional rulers, clerics, professionals and longtime associates—many of whom have walked alongside her through decades of public and private service.
Dr Awolowo Dosumu is the only surviving child of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Mrs H.I.D. Awolowo. That lineage, speakers noted, has come with both privilege and responsibility—an inheritance she has carried with measured dignity across medicine, diplomacy, governance and media leadership.
Currently Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Nigerian Tribune, and Executive Director of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, she has remained central to preserving her parents’ ideals while shaping institutions in her own right.
That balance was underscored by Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, who described her life as a gift not only to the Awolowo family but to the state and nation.
“As a government and a people, we are blessed to have Ambassador (Dr) Awolowo Dosumu around us. She radiates warmth and is such a lovely personality to be with,” Abiodun said.
“At 78, she is our great treasure in Ogun State, being the only surviving direct link to our Papa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory.”
The governor traced her professional journey from occupational health medicine to international diplomacy, recalling her service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands between 2000 and 2003, and her leadership roles at institutions such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the 2014 National Constitutional Conference and African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc.
“At 78, Dr Awolowo Dosumu continues to rally distinguished intellectuals and leaders from around the world to engage issues around sustainable development, gender equity, and the liberation of the African continent from poverty and underdevelopment,” Abiodun added.
The spiritual tone of the celebration was set by the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne, Venerable Oluranti Oladejo, who urged the celebrant to see the milestone as a call to deeper reflection and gratitude.
“We are gathered here to rejoice with Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu on her 78th birthday. This is a celebration to appreciate God for his loving kindness over her life. It is a time of reflection over the care and love provided by Papa and Mama Awolowo.
“You must be thankful of where you are today. Some of the people who were born on this same date are no more. It is by His special grace that you are alive to give gratitude to God for the journey thus far,” he said.
Personal moments added warmth to the service. The only Bible reading was taken by her grandchild, Master Iyanuoluwa Anifowose, while her daughter, Mrs Oluwemimo Anifowose, rendered a special song that drew quiet applause and reflection from the congregation.
Among those present were the Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade; Chief Mrs Idowu Owolana; Mr Oriade O’Balogun-Wellington and Yeye Tayo O’Balogun-Wellington; Muyiwa Oremuyiwa; Aare Olusola Olabiran; Rev Sina Adeniyi; Hon Oresanya Ayokunle; Otunba Sola Odumosu; Olotu Omooba Sunday Awobajo; Bola Okeowo; Mariam Okusanya; Otunba Adeola Odunaike; and Chief Mrs Moji Okunnuga.
Also in attendance were members of the YWCA and Our Saviour’s Church, alongside the management of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, led by the Managing Director, Mr Edward Dickson. Other members of the management team present included consultant Dr Segun Olatunji; Chief Accountant, Mrs Oluremi Olufisayo; Chief Internal Auditor, Mr Peculiar Adegbite; and Senior Manager, Human Resources, Mrs Toyin Ibitunde, among others.
As prayers closed the service, the prevailing sentiment was one of gratitude and continuity. At 78, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu remains a living bridge between Nigeria’s political heritage and its present aspirations—anchored in faith, defined by service, and still deeply engaged with the causes that shaped her life and name.
