Madam Esther Modesola Ojerinde Celebrates 84th Birthday Surrounded by Family, Friends, Loved Ones
By Moyinoluwa Ojerinde
Madam Esther Modesola Ojerinde (née Oyenekan), a respected woman of virtue and community service, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, celebrated her 84th birthday in an atmosphere of joy, gratitude and family togetherness.
The celebration, held at her residence in Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, brought together her children and grandchildren, both at home and abroad, alongside friends, relatives and well-wishers who gathered to honour a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by love, sacrifice, faith and service.
The intimate birthday gathering provided an opportunity for family members to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the celebrant while expressing appreciation to God for preserving her life and granting her the privilege of witnessing another milestone.
A Life of Grace, Family and Service
Born in 1942, Madam Esther Modesola Ojerinde is the last child and only surviving child of the late Joseph Oyenekan and his wife, the late Madam Taiwo Oyenekan, both of Kemta Okebode, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
She hails from the Kemta heritage in Egbaland, with her family roots traced to Anipupo Village in the present Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Madam Esther was married to the late Chief Johnson Afolabi Ojerinde, a respected correctional officer who served with the Nigerian Prisons Service. Beyond his career in the correctional service, Chief Ojerinde was also recognised as one of the pioneers of the cooperative movement in Western Nigeria.
He was associated with the Ifedola Cooperative Society and Egbejoda Cooperative Union in Ibara, Abeokuta, and played an active role in advancing cooperative initiatives within Abeokuta and neighbouring communities.
As a supportive wife, Madam Esther stood firmly by her husband throughout his lifetime, particularly during the development of the Ifedola, IfeOluwa and Ifelodun cooperative societies, which later evolved into the Egbejoda Cooperative Union, an umbrella body for cooperative societies and initiatives across Abeokuta and surrounding communities.
Her own contribution to the cooperative movement was significant. She was a founding member and treasurer of the Ifelodun Cooperative Society, an organisation established by the wives of members of the Ifedola Cooperative Society.
She served alongside notable women including Mrs. Opaogun, Mrs. Ogundiran, Mrs. Ayedun and Mrs. Omololu, among others.
Madam Esther was also a member of the Local Egbe Iyaniwura society in Ibara, an ayssociation of responsible women committed to the development and progress of their homes and community.
Her commitment to faith and service remains evident as she currently serves as the Matron of the Lady Christian Association at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ibara, Abeokuta.
Family, Friends Celebrate an Exceptional Matriarch
The birthday celebration commenced with the arrival of some of the celebrant’s children, grandchildren, friends and well-wishers.
An opening prayer was subsequently offered by her niece, Deaconess Olufunke Ige-Adesina, who prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the celebrant, including long life, sound health, sound mind, peace and abundant joy.
The prayer session was followed by the presentation of birthday gifts.
As more family members and guests arrived, the celebrant’s first grandchild, Boluwatife Ojerinde, led the presentation of gifts on behalf of her children, grandchildren, friends and other loved ones.
The gathering was marked by warm embraces, prayers, laughter, photographs and expressions of appreciation for a woman whose influence has extended beyond her immediate family.
Family members described Madam Esther as a supportive woman of virtue whose unwavering love, encouragement and guidance have contributed immensely to the growth and success of her children, grandchildren and others around her.
One of the greatest blessings of her later years, the family noted, has been the opportunity to witness the birth of her great-grandchild, adding another generation to the family legacy she has helped nurture.
For the family, the 84th birthday celebration was therefore more than a birthday ceremony. It was a heartfelt thanksgiving for her life, sacrifices, wisdom, motherhood and enduring presence.
“I Feel Blessed and Happy”
At the conclusion of the celebration, an elated Madam Esther expressed profound gratitude to her family, friends and loved ones for celebrating her.
She particularly thanked Almighty God for His faithfulness, preservation and grace throughout her 84 years.
The celebrant said she felt blessed and happy to have her family around her and to witness such a memorable occasion.
Her children, grandchildren and other loved ones, in turn, prayed that God in His infinite mercy would continue to preserve her, granting her many more years filled with joy, happiness, good health, sound mind, peace and greater fulfilment.
As Madam Esther Modesola Ojerinde begins another chapter of her remarkable life, the celebration stood as a testimony to the enduring bonds of family, faith and service.
Happy 84th Birthday, Mama Wa! E pe fun wa!
Global Mirror News celebrates with Madam Esther Modesola Ojerinde and her entire family on this remarkable milestone.
