60TH BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES, SKINDUDU THANKS KITH AND KIN, SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGES

Chief (Mrs.) Aarinola Olatokunbo Aduke Babs-Olurinde

60TH BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES, SKINDUDU THANKS KITH AND KIN, SENDS GOODWILL MESSAGES

December 2024 would be one to remember with fond memories for so long, for Chief (Mrs.) Aarinola Olatokunbo Aduke Babs-Olurinde, nee Aderinokun, famous as Skindudu, following her month-long sixtieth birthday celebrations.

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, well-wishers, all and sundry at a farewell treat a couple of friends gave her in Lagos, to wrap up her visit to Nigeria before returning to her base; she went philosophical thanking God for life, good health, and peace of mind; including her special blessings of loving family and loyal friends; as manifested at her diamond jubilee merriments.

Born December 1, the month-long celebrations kicked off in the US with a birthday eve fête on November 30, where friends and colleagues hosted her before flying to Lagos, even as plans were already in top gear at the Lagos end for a welcome treat on December 4.

The festivity went on airwaves on Miliki 101.3FM and Facebook Live, on Friday December 6, where celebrated radio anchor Yomi Opakunle, hosted her on *_Omiiye_*, a radio show dedicated to entertaining the *Kegites club*, as Skindudu is a matron; 81/82 keg year of *_Ilya LACOST_* (later LASPOTECH and now LASUSTECH), Nigeria and America.

It was the turn of a surprise party hosted by her longtime friend, Mrs. Kehinde Adebisi Sanni who was in Lagos all the way from Dublin for the birthday. As a decoy, she was asked by Mrs. Sanni to accompany her to an event where she was going to receive an award, only for Skindudu to discover it was a surprise party for her when they arrived and found everyone welcoming her with a birthday song at the well-attended party.

Next was a two-in-one event on December 18 where her charity organisation directed at the elderly, Skindudu Aged Foundation, hosted senior citizens to a get-together and charity outreach in the morning hours, before the Kegites Club Ilya LACOST took over in the evening hours for a gyration in her honour.

The highpoint was the classy birthday party held on December 20 at the prestigious Lagos Country Club, with various respectable personalities in attendance, including Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, popularly called GOS, HRM Oba Lateef Oladimeji Egbeyemi, Madarikan I, Ologba of Ogba, Borokinni Laide Akano, Iba Gani Adams, Aare-ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, High Chiefs from Oworonshoki where Skindudu herself holds a title, Rotarians from Rotary Omole Golden, where she is a member, among other notable individuals.

Following the big day were series of dinners and hangouts, hosted by one family member, friend, colleague or what have you; all of whom had one reason or the other to pay her back for being a jolly good fellow, culminating at the farewell treat a couple of friends gave her, where she thanked people for celebrating and standing firm by her.

While expressing thanks to all who contributed one way or the other to making her sixtieth birthday memorable, she said she was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as she reflected on the amazing birthday celebrations family and friends shared with her, emphasizing that every individual’s contribution and their presence at her party meant the world to her, and she will forever beam with happiness over it.

She specially thanked the planning committee and events think-tank led by the duo of Mrs. Olayemi Ajide-Olayinka and Ms. Modinat Bimpe-Adebimpe who have made all arrangements ready to the letter before her arrival. In her words, “Thank you everyone for your efforts, energy, time and resources, and the unforgettable memories we created together. Your generosity and thoughtfulness really left me feeling grateful and honoured”.

Concluding, she wished everyone a happy, healthy, blessed and peaceful New Year, filled with love, laughter, and the best of their heart’s desires. Even as she prayed that the year will bring new opportunities, fresh beginnings, and unforgettable moments; while asking people to continue uplifting and supporting one another, where collective efforts of all will create a brighter, more loving world.