Kunle Adelabu with Mariam Akinloye & Usman Aroyewun (Trainee)
Associates, friends and family members of Mr Sanni Yusuf Abidemi, a community leader, popularly known as “SAY”, threw a surprise golden jubilee birthday celebration party in his honour on Monday.
At the colourful and well-attended party held at the Shokis Hotel, Igbogbo, were relatives, childhood friends, colleagues, religious associates and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate his life and achievements in the last 50 years.
SAY, who is a chieftain of The Achievers’ Crew, arrived at the venue with the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Crew and the Financial Secretary, Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA), Mr Olugbenga Oduniyi who who is also celebrating his 51st birthday on the same day.
The gathering featured tributes from people who have known SAY in different capacities, with speakers describing him as a loyal friend, humble leader, dedicated community figure, commited religious leader and a source of inspiration.
Speaking, Mr Olugbenga Oduniyi, a childhood friend of the celebrant who spearheaded the surprise birthday bash, said that their friendship dated back to their primary school days and had continued through secondary school and adulthood.
He explained that the surprise party was inspired by SAY’s role in organising a similar birthday surprise for him the previous year.
“We started together from our cradle, from primary school to secondary school, and up to now we are still together,” he said.
Another close friend, Lion Habib Abass, described SAY as a loyal and dependable person who would go to great lengths to support those close to him.
He said their friendship had lasted almost 30 years, adding that he had no regrets about knowing him.
“Yusuf is a true friend. He’s that friend that once you have in your corner, you can go to sleep. He can go to any length, any mile for you,” Abass said.
He also praised SAY’s administrative abilities, hard work and commitment, praying for God’s continued guidance and protection over him.
Comrade Kazeem Ogunmuyiwa, the Chief Advisor to the Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, who said he had known SAY since their days in the Igbogbo/Baiyeku Students’ Union, described him as a mentor and role model.
He said being part of the party was a privilege and described SAY’s 50th birthday as a milestone worth celebrating.
However, he urged him to make more time for his friends and remain available whenever they needed him.
“You know you are our role model, so I want you to be more available whenever we need you and to make time for us,” he said.
Also speaking, his colleague at work, Mr Taiwo Martins described the celebrant as someone who respects established procedures but remains open to alternative ideas and suggestions.
According to him, SAY is always willing to listen, even when colleagues present opinions that challenge existing arrangements.
“One thing I have noticed about Mr Yusuf is that he is always willing to listen. Even when you go to his office with a different suggestion or an idea that challenges the existing arrangement, he will listen. Together, we will find a solution to the problem,” Martins said.
In a message conveyed by his boss, who was represented by Mrs Adebunmi DaSilva, SAY was described as a compassionate person who cares deeply about others and is always willing to share their burdens.
She prayed for God’s continued guidance and support in his endeavours.
SAY’s daughter, Lateefat Sanni, expressed appreciation to the guests for showing love to her father, describing him as an inspiration who constantly encourages her to pursue her goals.
“He puts passion into everything he does. He is always encouraging me in everything I’m doing. I’m using this medium to tell my father that I love him so much,” she said.
Imam Sheikh Al-Mubarak Rasak, Chief Missioner, Ansar -ud -Deen Society of Nigeria Igbogbo branch, who spoke at the gathering also praised SAY’s upbringing, religious commitment, humility and contributions to the community. He described him as a dependable individual whose dedication to the Islamic community and society was worthy of emulation.
“It is not common to find young people who demonstrate the level of sacrifice and selfless service that Yusuf has shown towards society, the Islamic community and the entire kingdom,” the Imam said.
Similarly, a representative of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Igbogbo Branch, described SAY as more than an executive of the organisation, saying he had become like a son to many members.
“He’s not just an executive; he’s been like a son to so many of us,” the representative said while praying for his continued good health and success.
SAY’s father, Mr Wasiu Sanni, thanked Allah for allowing his son to attain the milestone and prayed for his continuous progress.
He also appreciated guests for honouring his son.
“May all the good things people have been saying about him continue to stand. May his progress never be interrupted, and may he never experience a setback,” he said.
The tributes reflected the different relationships SAY has built over the years, with family members, friends, colleagues and associates, that gathered to celebrate his 50 years of life and prayed for many more years of good health, progress and fulfilment.
Prominent groups in attendance were The Achievers’ Crew, Inner Most Club, Ijoko Agba, Igbogbo Youth Forum, Ansar ud Deen Society of Nigeria, among others.
