By Eric Elezuo
The city of Akure had it so good that glorious Sunday when royalty, political bigwigs, industrialists, seasoned administrators, colleagues, friends, family members and the general public, trooped out in their numbers to celebrate one if their own, Pa Julius Idowu Meshe as he cuts halfway out of the octogenarian age.
It was indeed a great day for the soft-spoken and care-giving patriarch of the Meshe family as he was surrounded by loved ones while celebrating his 85th Birthday in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
The events, which kickstarted with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of Saint David, Akure, had the Right Reverend Simeon Borokini, as the officiating minister.
In his sermon, the Reverend gentleman extoled the qualities that had made Pa Julius Idowu Meshe to stand out in his 85 years of existence, thanking him for his service to humanity as well as surrendering his life to used of God.
The Thanksgiving Service was spiced with various tributes paid to the octogenarian by well wishers and family members before a heartfelt was rendered for the celebrant and his family, supplication to God for a longer life in wealth, health and general fruitfulness.
With the birthday thanksgiving over, the guests relocated to the International Cultural and Event Centre (Dome), also in the Akure metropolis, where dignitaries and all attendees were lavishly pampered with the best of cuisines, music and entertainment.
Anchored by the duo of Bidemi Alaran and MC Extraordinaire, the event brightened up to exclusive fun and laughter, coupled with the mouthwatering and breathtaking decorations of the venue as planned out by Cloud9Events, who also ensured that the best of intercontinental and African delicacies were not in short supply.
To crown it all, the ageless Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, was on hand dish out one soulful sound after another to the dancing pleasure of the spotlessly dressed guests.
in his address at the event, the Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was the Special Guest of Honour, gave thanks to God for sparing the life of Pa Meshe till 85, while asking for more grace for him to live more fruitful years.
“I celebrate with you and I wish you well for reaching the age of 85 years. It is a thing of joy for your children and the family. You look like a young man, yet at 85.
“On behalf of myself, family and the good people of Ondo State, I congratulate you. I pray for more years for you in good health.
“What we are seeing today is a celebration of the life of an icon who has contributed immensely to the upliftment of his family and development of his town to a large extent,” the governor said.
The children of the celebrant; Femi Meshe, Deji Meshe and Mrs Mrs Yetunde Omorode, and a daughter-in-law, Mrs Helena Meshe, all spoke glowingly about their father, eulogising him for the role he has been to them, and their children.
Among guests, who graced the occasion with their presence, were Ondo state governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; Deji of Akure and chairman of Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Ogunlusi; Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo Adesunmbo; Secretary to Ondo State Governor, Dr. Taiwo Fosoranti; Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo; Olori Ronke Ogunwusi, Erelu Olajumoke Fadeyi, and business woman, Mrs. Joke Shogunro.
Photos: Ken Ehimen
