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Today, Monday, 28th April, 2026, thousands of friends and well-wishers, including me roll out the drums to celebrate a rare Amazon, a woman of uncommon intellect, courage, passion and grace – Senator Professor Iyabo Obasanjo.
At 59, you stand tall as a perfect blend of brilliance and service to humanity. From the veterinary clinics of Ibadan to the lecture halls of Cornell and UC Davis in the United States of America, from the health policy corridors of Oke-Mosan to the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate, your life tells a story of excellence without compromise.
As Ogun State Commissioner for Health (2003-2007), during the administration of the former Governor of Ogun State, Distinguished Senator Gbenga Daniel, you brought science and compassion to governance. As Senator for Ogun Central (2007–2011), you chaired the Senate Health Committee and laid part of the legislative foundation for Nigeria’s modern health reforms. The National Health Bill, tobacco control, and emergency medical access – all these bear your fingerprints.
Yet beyond titles, I celebrate your heart. While serving in Abuja, you still made time to lecture at UNAAB, teaching young Nigerians because you believe knowledge must be passed on. Through the Iyanuwura Foundation, you have quietly touched lives, proving that true leadership is service beyond the camera.
Now, at 59, you have returned home to offer yourself again – not for power, but for impact. Your vision of “governance as a relay, not a sprint” inspires hope that Ogun State can enjoy continuity, institutional memory and people-centred development.
Without doubt, you embody what it means to be “a child of destiny” – daughter of a former President of the Federal of Nigeria, yet you carved your own path as a veterinarian, epidemiologist, professor and stateswoman. You have shown every Nigerian girl that there is no ceiling too high for competence and character.
Before the recent emergence of Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the Governorship Candidate of Ogun State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), you made frantic efforts to be the flag-bearer of the party. Still, you kept your calm when the ticket went to our son from Ogun West, Aremo of Yewa Land, Distinguished Senator Yayi. You were even the first aspirant to congratulate him on his success as the party’s flag-bearer. This shows your true spirit of sportsmanship.
Sincerely, we (sons and daughters of Ogun West) are elated and will continue to appreciate you for your unalloyed support for Senator Yayi.
On this special day, we pray: May God crown your new year with renewed strength, deeper wisdom and boundless grace. May your passion for Ogun State and Nigeria find full expression. May your 58th year bring you joy, sound health and the fulfilment of every noble dream you hold for our people.
Happy 59th Birthday, Distinguished Senator Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo!
HRM Oba (Dr) Akintunde AKINYEMI, JP, FCIMN,
The Eselu of Iselu Kingdom,
Yewa North Local Government Area,
Ogun State
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