Convener of Arise Women had a two-part event for her diamond jubilee celebration. First, she had guests gathered at Trinity Towers, City of David, a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for a thanksgiving service before a reception was held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
Senior pastor of the House of Freedom Tony Rapu spoke at the thanksgiving service. He said, “When you see someone who has accomplished so much, the first thing we should do is lift up our hands and thank God.”
Gospel Musicians Lilian Nneji and Adeyinka Alaseyori thanked God for Dr Siju’s life through very lively songs. Saxophonist and RCCG pastor Kunle Ajayi also gave inspiring sounds during worship.
Pastor Siju Iluyomade could not contain her joy at having her 90year-old mother celebrate her 60th birthday with her. “I’m overwhelmed with joy today celebrating 60 years with my mother, well-wishers and family witnessing today and rightly seated beside me,” she wrote on Instagram.
The celebrant’s husband and Senior Pastor at Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG City of David Idowu Iluyomade, who stood by her wife throughout also rendered some special number for her delectable wife of over 30years.
Businesswoman Folorunsho Alakija and the Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Olaoye, also a pastor of the RCCG before his coronation, were among those who witnessed the thanksgiving service.
At the Church, no fewer than 5000 members and non members who throng the Special Service to celebrate with the great Amazon benefited from the numerous Arise Food Basket of rice, groundnut Oil and other items.
Iluyomade was dressed in a beautiful and flowery attire made of different colours. Many of her guests, male and female, showed up in their aso ebi in solidarity with the celebrant
At the reception, pop highlife singer Flavour serenaded the celebrant with some of his latest hit songs such as ‘Game Changer’ and ‘Big Baller’. He also brought back old tunes such as ‘Ada Ada’ and his 2015 featured song with Omawumi titled ‘Belle’.
Some of the guests who graced the reception were Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, First Ladies of Lagos and Ogun Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun. Also, Toke Makinwa, Chief Rasaq Okoya and wife Shade, Veteran Broadcaster Chief Olatilo, Chief Samuel Adedoyin and wife, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, , Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Chief Nike Akande, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Iualode of Lagos, Chief Bintu Tinubu Former Deputy Governor of Lagos. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire , Sarah Sosan among others.
Dr Siju who is a Lawyer of over 30years experience, has used her Arise Women platform as source of intervention for the less privileged across the country in the last 15years, building Schools, Hospitals, Boreholes, Provisions of fertilisers for farmers, Skills Acquisitions, empowerment initiatives and many more.