My 63rd Birthday Reflection | Balogun Gaphar Ojetola GAIC
Today, October 2nd, 2025, I give thanks to Almighty Allah as I celebrate my 63rd birthday. Looking back through the journey of life, I am deeply grateful to God for His kindness, generosity, and mercy through seasons of adversity, turbulence, grace, and affection.
I count my blessings in abundance — a God-gifted jewel of inestimable value in my wife, Chief Mrs. Ramat Kikelomo Ojetola, our wonderful children, and adorable grandchildren. Surrounded by a closely knitted family, associates, and friends, I am reminded daily of the immeasurable grace that continues to uplift me. Above all, I look forward with hope to a more prosperous, rewarding, and fulfilling future.
This month is especially memorable, as my first son, Ridwanllah OpeOluwa Ojetola, will be joining in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Layla Jailani. I pray that Allah blesses their union abundantly with peace, joy, and beautiful children, just as He has blessed their younger siblings.
I continue to pray for Allah’s blessings and mercy upon all my children and their families:
Sekinah Tella and her family
Aminah Mutiullah and her family
AbdulGaphar and his wife, Khadijah, with their family
Ramat Sanusi and her family and to the rest of my family.
To my beloved mother, Chief Mrs. F. Apeke Olayiwola-Ojetola, may Allah grant her long life in health and gentle ease. To my father of blessed memory, Alhaji Chief Yusuf Adisa Olayiwola-Ojetola, I pray that Allah continues to bless his soul for guiding me on the right path during his lifetime.
My heartfelt appreciation extends to my wider family — the Olayiwola-Ojetola Family, both home and abroad, and to all my friends, colleagues, and associates, I am especially thankful to:
The Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA), where I had the honour to serve as Immediate Past President General.
The Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria, where I currently serve as Chairman.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), for the privilege of serving two terms as Chairman of the Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, for honouring me with a Distinguished Merit Award in 2013, and recently, with the title of Grand Ambassador of Ibadan Culture (GAIC) in 2025.
My dear friends and families at the Oluyole Progressive Union UK, Elite Klub UK, and all other associates worldwide.
As I celebrate this milestone, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I pray that Almighty Allah continues to grant me strength, health, wisdom, and a heart of gratitude for the journey ahead.
Happy 63rd Birthday to me and myself.
GAPHAR BABATUNDE OJETOLA GAIC,
Osupa Adinni of Alakia, Ibadan,
Aare Musulumi of Isebolan,
Akogun Olounde Ige,
Jagunmolu Adinni AIMOT RAWATIB and
Balogun of Ojeniranland, Ibadan.
Leigh, Manchester
02 October, 2025.
