he Rector of  of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, has admonished ex-CPS to Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, to remain humble as he marks his 50th birthday anniversary,  saying that life should be seen as a “divine test of gratitude and impact. “

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday,  as a Guest Speaker at the 50th birthday celebration of Omipidan, Deputy Editor (Politics) of The Sun Newspaper, Ismail Omipidan.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu

Prominent among family, friends, and colleagues that gathered to celebrate Omipidan’s remarkable journey in life and career are: the celebrant’s elder brother, Dr. Omipidan AbdulGaniu Adebayo, Director, Corporate Services Lumos Global, Ambassador Issah Niniola, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Protocol to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  Mr. Segun Dada,  Special Assistant on Digital Media to President Tinubu,  Hon. Taiwo Oluga, former member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal and a member of National Assembly Commission,

Hon. Faruk Abbas a Lagos-based lawyer, Brig. Gen. Umar Mohammed Ibrahim (rtd ), Commander, Kaduna State Vigilance Service, and Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed

Rector,  Federal Polytechnic,  Ayede, who served as the Guest Speaker on the occasion.

Others are: Deputy National President of Ansar-ud-deen,  Alhaji Adebayo Ibrahim Yusuf,  former  Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) chairman,  Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, Mr. Ayodele Ozugbakum,  Head of Abuja Office of TVC , Mr. Abiola Jimoh, Co-founder, Payrep Microfinance Bank, Abdullahi Yunusa Ochimane,  Associate Professor Imam Musa Olaofe, Chief Imam of Ansar-ud-Deen,  Abuja branch, and Abdullahi .O. Haruna, a PR Consultant and Public Communications Strategist, who served as the compere on the occasion among others.

In his thought-provoking lecture, titled: “The Essence of Living,” Dr. Abdul-Hameed, who urged the celebrant to remain humble and recognize that life is a divine test of gratitude and impact, further said “God brought you into existence through the copulation of your parents; you are nothing before God made you exist. Many others turn 50 today, but not all are recognized. You are known because God wants to test you. If people see you as something, see yourself as nothing, for the day you assume to be someone, you prepare for downfall,” he admonished.

He emphasized the importance of gratitude and selflessness, stating, “Life is about making a positive impact. You will not always have your way, but the true purpose of living is to uplift others.”

The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer led by the Chief Imam of Ansar-ud-Deen Mosque, Abuja, Associate Professor Musa Olaofe. In his supplication, the Imam urged Omipidan to continually prioritize God and be grateful for the gift of life and good health. He also prayed for Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.

Special prayers were offered for the celebrant and his family, and a series of goodwill messages from family members, friends, colleagues, and former classmates.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and admiration as guests showered encomiums on Omipidan, acknowledging his contributions to journalism and society.

The celebration reached its peak with the cutting of the birthday cake, a toast and a heartfelt vote of thanks.

Expressing his gratitude, Omipidan thanked everyone who took the time to celebrate with him, particularly those who traveled long distances.

“I am grateful to God for granting me another year. Some of my colleagues are no longer here, but God has spared my life. He has blessed me with a wonderful family, a supportive wife, and amazing friends and colleagues who made today special. Their love and presence made this celebration truly fulfilling,” he said.

The event was not just a birthday celebration but a memorable occasion filled with reflection, laughter, and heartfelt moments. It was a true testament to a life well-lived and the deep bonds Omipidan has built over the years. Indeed, the celebration was a perfect blend of spirituality, camaraderie, and unfiltered joy, making it an unforgettable experience for all who attended.