It was my grandmother’s 80th birthday celebration — and what a beautiful day it was.
As Mama clocked 80, it became more than just a birthday; it was a full celebration of love. All her children came from far and near just to be with her. Korede came in from Niger State, Gold flew down from Abuja, Nora made her way from Osun, Nife drove in from Ilorin, Felix arrived from Ibadan, Bukky came with her full crew from Kainji, and Tobi, the lastborn, also came from Ilorin. No one wanted to miss it.
We showed her love in the best way we knew how — through thoughtful gifts. Mama received beautiful attires in rich, vibrant colors. Ankara from Korede, lace from Gold, guinea brocade from Nora, aso-oke from Nife, a designer bubu from Felix, sequined lace from Bukky… and Tobi? Tobi completed the magic with matching shoes and a gele 😊
Mama had to change outfits three times because everyone wanted to see her shine in their own fabric.
The grandchildren had something special planned too. All 19 of us came together to create a large picture frame — a masterpiece filled with our photos, from the oldest to the youngest, all surrounding one big, radiant picture of Mama. As the first grandson, I had the honor of presenting it. The moment she received it, her eyes filled with tears. She gently touched every face in the frame, as though blessing each of us all over again.
We danced. We laughed. We played games — and yes, Mama joined the “pass the balloon” game… and she won!
The food? Oh, it was a feast of love. Jollof rice from Nora, pounded yam from Felix, ofada stew from Bukky, pepper soup from Korede, fried rice from Gold, amala from Nife, and small chops from Tobi… the table overflowed with goodness and joy.
There are seven children — Korede, Gold, Nora, Nife, Felix, Bukky, and Tobi — each carrying a piece of Mama’s love wherever they go.
Though our grandfather is no longer with us, Mama felt deeply loved. Still, in quiet moments between the laughter, you could see she missed him — especially when the old-school highlife songs played, the ones they used to dance to together. We held her close.
“Daddy is smiling down from heaven,” Tobi whispered softly.
In blessed memory.
What a day… truly, what a day filled with love and beautiful memories.
Mama @ 80 wasn’t just a celebration — it was living proof that the love she poured into her children for 80 years has returned to her, multiplied through 19 grandchildren.
And as we said our goodbyes, she kept repeating with a full heart,
“My cup is full. My cup is full.”
As we celebrate this beautiful milestone, we pray that the love she raised us with will never fade, but continue to grow stronger among us, now and always 🙏