MY HUSBAND, BROTHER, HERO AND FATHER CLOCKS 70 YEARS!

I met and got to know you at Medilag-CFG, Idi-araba in 1977 as “brother Sola.” We sang together in the choir and acted together in the Gospel on Stage team. I listened with awe as you led bible study with an uncommon knowledge for our time and an unparalleled depth of understanding of God’s word. God surprised us both, drawing us together till we were both so sure that our future together was his perfect will and best gift to us. You have been my brother who defended me with an uncommon passion. You accepted me just the way I was, yet without words, you gently nudged me to grow and change into to all God wants me to be. There is nothing basic about us. You willingly adapted with me, creating our own unique path as found in scriptures daily, and did nothing based on tradition or man-made values.

Olusola, you’re my hero in matters of faith, selflessness, righteousness, justice, hard work, caution, wisdom and the fear of God. You’ve kept the fire of the word alive in our home day and night, regardless of the geographical distance between us at any given time. You have been my father, who taught me diligently to live by example, joining me to honour all who should be honoured, even at the expense of time, health and finance. You’re my icon of inestimable value, gently guiding and correcting me both publicly and privately with so much candour and love. You are blunt to a fault, dogged, factual and principled even to your own hurt. You have been an honourable man. Your integrity speaks volumes and you wear it so well.

My chief-reviewer, you have not only mentored me in academics, teaching me the rudiments that my teachers forgot, but your criticisms of my manuscripts have made them better each time.

You sprint and hop all at once as you walk, almost as though the wheels of purpose are stirring your feet and leading you along God’s pathways for life. Your exceptional dedication and balance between the clinical, spiritual, academic aspects of life, as well as your family is simply uncommon.

Olusola, my special friend, always around through thick and thin, a ready shoulder to lean on when weak, dependable and always available, praying with, for and about me… You are phenomenal!

The hero of all our children! My husband of more than thirty-six wonderful years, none of which I regret, not even for a day! I have been privileged to learn so much in this relationship. Thank God for making you mine. Words will always be insufficient to celebrate who you are to me or express the wealth of my love for you. I salute you and celebrate you. Happy 70th birthday my dear.

My co-laborer in the vineyard of God and co-inheritor of the crown of glory; I love you, always and forever. Your wife, Ayodeji Anike Olatunji.