BIRTHDAY-LIKE-NO-OTHER AS ALHAJA RAFAT ADEBOLA SHITTU CLOCKS 80, CONFERRED IYA ADINNI OF OFFA KINGDOM

If the almost one week session of sermons and prayers were solemn, the following weekend was a no solemn affair. It was a celebration of life with the typical Nigerian Owambe party of dazzling setting illuminated by shimmering gele atop pinkish-purple aso-ebi and delectable cuisines. The children spared no bounds in satisfying their guests and stating the fact that their mum’s 80^th birthday was indeed a milestone. Gbolahan Balogun chronicles the two-week long celebration.

Ever heard of a celebration of a marathon proportion? It was what the children of Alhaja Rafat Adebola Shittu gave their lovely mum in expression of joy as she joined the octogenarian circle, plus the conferment of Amiratu-L-Islam and Iya Adinni of Offa Kingdom by the Olofa-in-Council, to the bargain.

For two weeks, Offa in Kwara State was the centre-piece of action as the children, led by the eldest, Alhaji Razak Ayodeji Shittu, a Development Finance expert and former General Manager, Energy Bank of the UBA Group and former Group Executive Director of Aiteo Group rolled out the drums in celebration, while also keeping faith with Islam to reflect the definitive stance of their mother.

As a prelude to the conferment ceremony, Muslim faithful in Offa for four days savoured and sipped in the fountains of knowledge of renowned Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Uthman Sanu Shehu, Sheihk Farouk Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, the Imam of Masjid Noor, Sheikh Ismail Mustapha and the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muhydeen Hussein Salman

The recurring theme in these great Ulamahs sermons was Islam and motherhood with emphasis that mothers should train their children, do good, and remove the rose coloured glasses that blind mothers to a child’s flaws because of affection.

The scholars emphasised how much Islam romanticises and at the same time paints a realistic picture of motherhood and acknowledges a mother’s struggles during and after childbearing. According to Sheikh Salman, “Along with the difficulties of being a mother, Islam also highlights how rewarding it is to be a mother”

He told the story of a companion of the Prophet who once saw a man carrying his mother on his back as he walked during a religious ritual. The man asked, “Do you think I’ve repaid my mom?” in reference to carrying his mom on a long journey and repaying her for all that she has done for him. The companion replied, “No, not even for a single contraction (during childbirth)”. Every act of being a mother is so valuable, that a child can never repay a mother for all the pains of giving birth, let alone all the effort it takes to raise a child. He told his listeners.

This, perhaps, was the take-home for the large audience who trooped to the ODU Secretariat the venue of the lectures daily, while it lasted.

Sheikh Farouk Onikijipa, fondly called “Almiskin” talked about human values; the virtues that guide individuals to take into account the human element when they interact with others. He listed those values to include respect, affection, openness, empathy and love towards others. He enjoined Muslim faithful to imbibe these attributes

It is not far fetched why the children devoted a greater part of the celebration to Islamic exhortations and prayers by these men of God. The mother, a great humanist, philanthropist and care-giver who traversed the length and breadth of the nursing profession, including being a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army during the country's civil war has completely dedicated her life to serving the Almighty Allah and His injunctions.

Having excelled in business as Chairman of Sholab Nigeria Limited, she founded the Masjid Noor Asalatu Society of Nigeria, which started with about 200 members and graduated to a membership strength of more than 1,500 female members. This is arguably the largest all-female Muslim organisation in that part of the country.

Of course, Alhaja Shittu has always been a strong devotee of Alasalatu communities wherever she lived, but her desire for the present society is far deeper. In an interview with an entertainment magazine, Trendy Events some days before the events, she revealed that it is not only about giving back and gifting, which she said are nevertheless fulfilling, her greatest joy she said, is the promotion of women’s sense of self-worth; the ability to determine their own choices and their right to influence social change for themselves and others. She believes that the An Noor Society has offered this platform besides making members closer to their creators. The Alasalatu

The weekend saw the family at the palace of Olofa of Offa where she was conferred with the title of Amiratul-l-Islam and Iya Adinni of Offa by Oba Mufutau Mohammed Gbadamosi Esuwoye II. Alhaja Shittu would be the first holder of the title. The ceremony was presided by the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muhydeen Husayn Salman, who described her as a shining example of womanhood with the charge to continue with her impactful projects and activities. Oba Olofa had earlier applauded her commitments and upliftment of Islam and Offa.

From the palace, guests moved to Offa Descendants Union’s Hall where they were treated to luxurious entertainment amidst sumptuous meals

If the almost one-week session of sermons and prayers were solemn, the following weekend was a no solemn affair. It was a celebration of life with the typical Nigerian Owambe party of dazzling setting illuminated by shimmering gele atop pinkish-purple aso-ebi and delectable cuisines. The children spared no bounds in satisfying their guests and stating the fact that their mum’s 80^th birthday was indeed a milestone.

The venue was the sprawling Adesoye College, which ambience created the right mood for the occasion. The reception hall, bedecked in magnificent colours was laid fitting for kings. And there were couples of them, including many men and women of means from near and far.

The Asiwaju of Offa and hospitality business giant, Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi was in company of AWA Ibrahim, Chairman Oak Pension, Demola Balogun, CEO, DEMBA Generators Ltd, Alhaji Kunle Ajeigbe, Chairman, Awrab Suites and of course, Alhaji Yekeen Fola Mustapha who had been part of the celebration since it started. The Grand Comedian of Nigeria, Gbenga Adeyinka was on hand with rib cracking jokes while King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal enlivened the day with his fuji music. Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni, was in attendance as a friend of the family.

The panache, colour, flair and success of the occasion show it took many months in the making. It will remain in the memory of the people for long.

THE EVENT IN PICTURE