Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Obaseki, Emefiele, Saraki, Dangote, Others Fete Lady Doja Otedola at 90

 Vanessa Obioha

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Nigerian renowned businessman and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, were among the dignitaries, who stormed the quiet town of Odoragunshin, Epe, Lagos, yesterday, for the 90th birthday celebration of Lady Christine Doja Otedola, mother of the affluent businessman, Femi Otedola.


A former First Lady of Lagos State, Lady Doja, as she was fondly called, was celebrated for her values, which included Christianity, charity and community.


Her personality was generally described in glowing terms by many with a resonating trait: simplicity.
Born on April 3, 1932, Doja is from Ijebu in Ogun State and was known as an efficient caterer. She is blessed with six children and lauded for bringing up her children in the spirit of philanthropy.


The birthday celebration doubled as the commissioning of a new church building developed by the celebrant.
In a documentary reel, Doja said she received a prophecy that she would live to see her 90th birthday, and on hearing that prophecy, the dedicated catholic vowed to build a church for the community, and laid the foundation on May 29, 2020.


The church, St Peters Catholic Church, replaces the old one which was already in dire need of more space. The new church is spacious and decorated to depict the tradition of the Catholic church with murals of the Son of Man and disciples on the walls.


Surrounded by her six children, Doja was honoured by well-heeled Nigerians from different sectors of the economy. They included Lagos, Ogun and Edo State Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Godwin Obaseki; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Godwin Emefiele; Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu; former governor of Anambra State and presidential aspirant, Peter Obi; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his wife, Toyin, among others.


Hosted by Dare Art Alade as the musician of the day, the younger brother of Femi, Rotimi and his Afrinero band, kicked off the event on a musical note. DJ Cuppy and her sister, Tolani also provided musical entertainment with King Sunday Ade crowning the event with a riveting performance.

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