It was an elegant gathering of family, friends, professional associates and well-wishers as Mrs. Elizabeth Olujoke Asake Ojo (ACA) celebrated her 60th birthday in grand style in Ibadan.

The glamorous celebration held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Good Fruits Garden, along General Gas, Iyana Church Road, opposite Valencia College, Akobo, Ibadan, and it was everything expected of a woman whose six-decade journey has touched many lives.

From the moment guests arrived, the ambience announced that it was a special celebration. Green was the dominant colour of the day, with exquisite decorations, a lush green carpet and large, striking portrait photographs of the celebrant adorning the walkway. The entire venue wore a colourful, sophisticated and celebratory look, setting the tone for an afternoon of fun, music, tributes and family bonding.

City People’s Dare Adeniran (08057639079) and photojournalist, Wale Osanyintola (08033946403), were at the party and bring you interesting gists from the celebration. Enjoy!

60 Years Of Grace, Excellence And Service

Born on July 27, 1966, in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Elizabeth Olujoke Asake Ojo was raised by Aare John Bamidele Lawson and the late Mrs Felicia Adedunni Lawson in a Christian home where faith, discipline, integrity and compassion were deeply valued.

A finance professional of more than three decades, Mrs Ojo built an impressive career spanning financial management, programme administration and organisational governance, rising through various positions at the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), where she became a Senior Finance Manager. Her expertise supported major donor-funded health programmes involving organisations such as USAID, the Global Fund and UNFPA.

She later served as Finance and Administration Manager at Management Sciences for Health before joining PATH International in 2026. A graduate of Banking and Finance, she holds an MBA and another master’s degree, and became a Chartered Accountant with ICAN in 2016.

Beyond her impressive professional credentials, Mrs. Ojo is celebrated as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and woman of faith whose warmth, discipline, generosity and positive spirit have endeared her to many.

Her Morning Of Gratitude

For Mrs Ojo, turning 60 was first and foremost a moment of thanksgiving.

Reflecting on the morning of her birthday, she said she was “very happy and grateful to God for sparing my life till 60 years,” describing the milestone as an opportunity to appreciate six decades of life and look forward to an even better chapter.

Her wishes were simple but profound: good health, peace of mind, long life, deep joy and wonderful memories, with a prayer that the years ahead would be her best yet.

Thanksgiving Before The Grand Celebration

The birthday festivities actually began before the lavish August 1 celebration, as Mrs. Ojo hosted a thanksgiving at her residence on July 27, her actual birthday.

It was a deeply personal moment of gratitude before the bigger social gathering, giving the celebrant and her family an opportunity to thank God for six decades of grace, preservation and achievement.

Prof. O.A. Ladipo Chairs The Occasion

Adding considerable prestige to the celebration was Professor O.A. Ladipo, co-founder of ARFH, who served as Chairman of the Occasion.

His presence was particularly significant given Mrs. Ojo’s remarkable professional journey with ARFH, where she spent more than three decades contributing to the organisation’s financial management and the successful implementation of major health programmes.

Dr. Kehinde Osinowo Leads Cake Cutting

One of the colourful moments of the celebration was the cutting of the birthday cake, which was coordinated by Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Osinowo, CEO of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH).

It was a fitting moment, bringing together the celebrant’s professional world and personal milestone, while highlighting the strong relationships she has maintained throughout her career.

Husband’s Emotional Tribute

Mrs. Ojo’s husband, Mr. Ebenezer Kolapo Ojo, delivered one of the most touching tributes of the celebration, describing his wife as a rare gift from God and a woman of “inestimable value.”

He recalled meeting her when she was just 21 during her industrial attachment at United Bank for Africa’s Amunigun Branch in Ibadan, where he worked, and how their friendship eventually blossomed into marriage. After 33 years of marriage and three children — Doyin, Dapo and Damilola — he described her as diligent, faithful, honest, compassionate and his greatest source of encouragement.

He also prayed that God would continue to surround her with love, favour, grace, good health and many more fulfilling years.

Daddy’s Heartfelt Tribute

Aare John Bamidele Aremu Lawson, father of the celebrant and head of the Lawson family, offered a deeply emotional tribute to his first child.

He described Elizabeth as a woman of dignity, resilience, purpose and compassion, while praising her as a pillar of unity and a source of encouragement to generations within the Lawson family. He thanked God for her life and prayed for good health, peace, happiness and the fulfilment of her heart’s desires.

Doyinsola’s Five Things She Loves About Mummy

A Loving And Passionate Mother: Doyinsola Odekunbi described her mother as a woman who loves her family deeply and would go to extraordinary lengths to see her children settled and thriving.

A Devoted Wife: She celebrated her parents’ enduring marriage and described her mother as her father’s best friend, whose loyalty and quiet devotion have remained a beautiful example to the family.

A Natural Leader: Doyinsola noted that her mother leads with wisdom and care, whether within the family, in her professional life or among her siblings, making her someone many naturally turn to for guidance.

Diligent, Resilient And Entrepreneurial: She recalled watching her mother work, study and overcome setbacks, including the determination she displayed while preparing for her professional examinations and building businesses along the way.

Beautiful Inside And Out: Doyinsola rounded off her tribute by celebrating her mother’s grace, warmth and beauty, saying those qualities are felt by everyone privileged to know her.

Dapo And Shade Celebrate Their Mum

Dapo and Shade Ojo described Mrs Ojo as a remarkable mother, role model, greatest supporter and one of God’s most precious gifts to their family.

They praised her sacrifices, prayers, wisdom, integrity, humility and hard work, noting that she consistently put her family first and remained a source of strength through both triumphs and difficult seasons. They prayed for renewed joy, excellent health, peace and many more beautiful memories.

Damilola’s Special Tribute

For Damilola Ojo, 60 represents far more than a number; it represents a lifetime of grace, strength, purpose and legacy.

He thanked his mother for running after his dreams, holding his hand through life’s ups and downs and always believing in him, describing her as a force of love and light whose sacrifices helped lay the foundation for his life. His prayer was that her new chapter would bring rest, reward, good health, joy and overflowing happiness.

Funke Ogundimu Celebrates Her Sister

From the United Kingdom, Funke Ogundimu joined the celebration of her sister, Joko Ojo, with a warm tribute that described the celebrant as a teacher, cheerleader and built-in best friend.

She praised her kindness, resilience, laughter and ability to make things better whenever life gets messy, while praying that the new decade would bring good health, wealth, happiness and zero stress.

Dr. Ponnle Lawson’s Special Salute

Dr. Ponnle Lawson celebrated Elizabeth as a woman whose love, generosity and positive impact have touched countless lives.

He praised her as a sister who embodies loyalty, honesty, compassion and trustworthiness, offering wise counsel, heartfelt prayers and unwavering encouragement to those around her. His prayer was for long life, good health, peace, joy, divine favour and continued prosperity.

Mrs. Mojisola Lawson’s Tribute

Mrs. Mojisola Lawson described Mrs. Ojo as a wonderful sister-in-law whose kindness, humility and warmth have made her a blessing to the family.

She celebrated her caring heart, gracious spirit and unwavering love, noting that Mrs. Ojo is more than a sister-in-law because she has become a guide, inspiration and treasured member of the family.

Dr. Joseph Majiyagbe Celebrates A Remarkable Colleague

Dr. Joseph Majiyagbe, Ph.D., FCA, paid tribute to Mrs Ojo as both a remarkable colleague and treasured friend, recalling their professional relationship at ARFH.

He highlighted her exceptional commitment to financial ethics, honesty, transparency and accountability, while noting her progression through various roles to become Senior Finance Manager. Beyond the workplace, he celebrated her as a woman of purpose, dignity and grace whose friendship remains a cherished blessing.

Granddaughter’s Sweet Birthday Message

One of the cutest moments came from her granddaughter, Lana Odekunbi, whose simple birthday message carried the innocence and warmth of childhood.

She thanked Grandma for giving her a necklace during her visit to Canada and, more importantly, for giving her a wonderful mummy, describing Mrs Ojo as the best grandmother in the world because she had raised such a fantastic mother.

Family Came In Strong

Mrs. Ojo’s family members turned out in impressive numbers to celebrate the milestone, with Funke Ogundimu from the United Kingdom, Abiola Lawson who also came from UK, Mr. and Mrs. Ibrahim Ogunbiyi, Mr. and Mrs. Gani Lawal, Jibola Lawson and Mrs. Funmilayo Lawson among those present.

Their presence reinforced the strong family bonds that have remained a defining part of the celebrant’s life.

Her Friends Turned Up In Style

The celebrant’s friends also made the occasion memorable, with Dr. (Mrs) Kehinde Osinowo, Dr. (Mrs) Stella Akinso, Dr. Yemi Atibioke, Dr. and Mrs. Osho, Mr. and Mrs. Yemi Osanyin, Mr. and Mrs. Bayo Bhadmus, Mrs. Jumoke Akin-Tella, Mrs. Bunmi Keji-Ayodeji, Mr. and Mrs. Lere Olabiran, Mrs. Kemi Oripeloye, Mrs. Tosin Olojede, Mrs. Ayo Dahunsi, Mr. and Mrs. Gboyega Odekunbi, Mrs. Funke Adewodu, Dr. (Mrs) Ayoyinka Babatunde, Engr. and Mrs. Adeola, Mrs. Bunmi Onifade, Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Akintokun, Prince and Mrs. Olusegun Ajala and Mrs. Gbemi Ayansina, among others, joining the celebration.

Their presence added colour, warmth and a strong sense of friendship to the glamorous afternoon.

Husband’s Family And Friends Were Not Left Out

Mr. Kolapo Ojo’s side of the family and circle of friends also came out to honour his wife, with Arch. and Mrs. Tunde Ojo, Real Admiral and Mrs. Jide Oguntola, Mr. Mathew Adeyemi, Mr. and Mrs. Badiru, Mr. and Mrs. Kayode Adisa, Dr. (Mrs) Christy Emuahare, Mrs. Akinriade, Mrs. Fela Steeve, Mrs. Olanrewaju, Mrs. Folasayo Ojo and Mrs. Omowumi Ojo among those present.

Their attendance further reflected the wide circle of relationships built around the Ojo family over the years.

Omo Ajorosun Club Adds Colour

The prestigious Omo Ajorosun Club of Ibadan was also well represented, with its former President, Engr. Sunday Gbenjo, and other members attending to honour the celebrant.

Their appearance added another layer of social recognition to an already star-studded gathering.

MC Wonderful Keeps The Party Alive

MC Wonderful, alongside another talented female MC, kept proceedings lively with their energetic handling of the event.

From the formal tributes to the celebratory moments, they ensured that the atmosphere remained vibrant, engaging and entertaining.

Emmy Music Electrifies The Venue

Popular band, Emmy Music brought their musical magic to the celebration, delivering an electrifying performance that got guests fully involved.
The provided the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon that was clearly designed for celebration, dancing and unforgettable memories. Their efforts were complemented with a brief performance by tbe Ibadan-based Juju/Highlife musician, Taiwo Alara, who also gave a good account of himself.

DJ Fiesta On The Wheels

Adding more excitement to the main party and the after party was Taiwo Amoo, popularly known as DJ Fiesta, who handled the wheels of steel and kept the music flowing.

His carefully selected sounds ensured that the colourful green-themed venue remained alive with music and movement.

Two Children From The Diaspora Made It Special

For Mrs. Ojo, the presence of two of her children from the diaspora, Mrs. Doyinsola Odekunbi and Mr. Dapo Ojo, made the milestone even more meaningful.

The celebrant openly expressed her gratitude to them for coming home to support and rejoice with her, describing their presence as a precious part of her 60th birthday memories.

A Special Appreciation To Her Husband

Mrs. Ojo also reserved special appreciation for her husband, Mr. Kolapo Ojo, for his unwavering love, support and commitment to her, as well as his contribution to the success of the birthday celebration.

Their 33-year marriage, blessed with three children, was one of the recurring themes in the tributes that poured in throughout the celebration.

60 Looks Good On Elizabeth Ojo

By the time the curtains began to fall, one thing was unmistakable: Elizabeth Olujoke Asake Ojo’s 60th birthday was more than a party. It was a celebration of a life well lived, a remarkable career, a cherished marriage, a beautiful family and a woman whose impact has stretched across professional circles, friendships and generations.

With the green carpet, stunning décor, emotional tributes, music, laughter and an impressive gathering of loved ones, the celebration delivered the glamour and warmth expected of such a significant milestone.

For Elizabeth Ojo, the journey may have reached 60, but judging by the love surrounding her on this special day, her most beautiful chapter may only just be beginning.