By Lukman Olabiyi
In a vibrant celebration filled with music, emotions and reflections, family, friends, and admirers gathered in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to honour a woman whose life has become synonymous with education, compassion, and faith.
Evangelist Pupolola Atoyebi turned 70, and the milestone was not only a celebration of age but a celebration of legacy.
The grand event, hosted in an elegantly decorated hall echoing with laughter and heartfelt tributes, drew a cross section of society, from former students and educators to religious leaders and family members. What they shared was a common sentiment: Evangelist Pupoola Atoyebi is not just a teacher or a mentor, she is a transformative force.
Born into the Betiku Family of Ondo State and married into royalty, Evangelist Atoyebi is the wife of Evangelist Aderemi Atoyebi, a prince of the Matanmi Ruling House in Osogbo and a legal practitioner turned cleric.
The celebrant has spent over four decades in the service of education and community development.
Her journey began humbly in the classroom, where her passion for teaching and genuine care for her students quickly distinguished her.
Described by many as a disciplinarian with a mother’s heart, Evangelist Atoyebi built a reputation for nurturing excellence and instilling values of diligence, integrity, and empathy.
Her former students, now successful professionals scattered across various fields, returned in droves to pay tribute, sharing moving stories of how her words and actions shaped their lives.
“She is not just a teacher; she is a beacon of hope. She saw our potential even when we didn’t see it ourselves. She believed in us, pushed us, and prayed for us,” said one former student.
Fellow educators spoke of her unwavering commitment to quality and accessible education, often volunteering in rural communities and advocating the girl-child’s right to learn.
Community leaders praised her tireless efforts in social and spiritual development, recounting numerous initiatives she spearheaded to uplift others.
Her husband, Evangelist Aderemi Atoyebi, spoke affectionately of her strength, resilience, and spiritual devotion. Together, they have built not only a home but a shared mission of faith-based service.
Their children, visibly emotional during their speeches, described their mother as “the bedrock of our family” and “a living example of grace in action.”
The celebration featured musical performances, traditional dances, and a pictorial documentary chronicling her life’s journey from her early years in Ondo to her rise as an educator and evangelist in Osogbo.
It culminated in a symbolic moment: Evangelist Atoyebi, surrounded by loved ones, blew out the candles on her birthday cake amid a resounding chorus of cheers and prayers.
Though the event was held in her honour, Evangelist Atoyebi used the opportunity to reaffirm her life’s purpose.
In her brief, humble address, she thanked God for the gift of life and urged everyone present to “live a life that uplifts others,” echoing the very philosophy that has defined her own journey.
As the evening closed, one could still hear the reverberations of admiration in the air not just for the years she has lived, but for the countless lives she has touched.
Evangelist Pupolola Atoyebi’s 70th birthday was more than a personal milestone; it was a public affirmation of a life lived in service, love, and unwavering faith.