Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun paid tribute to his wife, Bamidele Abiodun, as she marked her 60th birthday, describing her as a woman of virtue, compassion and unwavering faith whose support has been central to his life and public service.

Speaking at a thanksgiving service held in her honor at the Government House Chapel in Abeokuta, Abiodun thanked God for preserving their family through nearly four decades together and commended his wife for holding the home together while he continues serving the state. He recalled that their paths first crossed about 39 years ago when he was studying in Ife and she was at the University of Ibadan, saying neither of them imagined then that they would one day become Ogun State’s first family.

In her response, Mrs Abiodun described the milestone as more than personal, calling it a renewed call to deepen her commitment to service through her humanitarian work across the state, while crediting her faith as a source of strength over the decades.

Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly Oludaisi Elemide described the first lady as a devoted and dependable partner to the governor, while the state’s House of Representatives candidate for Remo Federal Constituency, Funmi Afuwape, praised her as a humble mentor who has inspired many. Officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and others close to the family also spoke warmly of her compassion and consistency.

Delivering the sermon, Rev Oyewale Oyeniyi of the Ogun Baptist Conference reminded attendees that life’s essence lies in worshipping God and serving others, urging the first lady to continue her work beyond her husband’s tenure as governor.