A Golden Gift to Nature and Humanity as ‘Alhaja’ Bola Oso Clocks 50

In a heartwarming celebration that fuses love, legacy, and environmental stewardship, Alhaji Olaoluwa Abdul Razaq Oso, Deputy Director at the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry and proud alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has marked the 50th birthday of his beloved wife, Alhaja Abibat Bolanle OSO, with an extraordinary gift to nature and humanity.

To commemorate this golden milestone, Alhaji Oso donated 500 Khaya senegalensis (African Mahogany), 30 Milicia excelsa (Iroko), 200 Teak, and 10 Terminalia superba seedlings to his alma mater through the University’s Global Alumni Association. The symbolic tree planting ceremony was held today Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and was graced by esteemed dignitaries.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the event was officially flagged off by the Pro-Chancellor of FUNAAB, HRM, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde and other principal officers of the University. Also present were senior officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, led by the Honourable Commissioner, Engr Taiwo Oludotun. The Chairman of Odeda Local Government Dr. Waliat Folasade Adeyemo was also in attendance.

Speaking at the event marking the monumental donation, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, who was represented at the occasion thanked the donor and prayed for long life for the celebrant.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, who was elated with the contributions of the Alumni Association to the University, thanked Alhaji Oso for the kind gesture and asserted that the trees will be nurtured, protected and properly managed while charging other members of the Alumni Association to emulate the kind gesture of Alhaji Oso.

Beyond tree planting and celebration, the gathering expanded the frontier of collaboration between the University and the Ogun State Government as the representative of the Commissioner of Forestry promised that the ministry would be willing to provide all necessary support to the University and individuals who may be interested in planting trees and establishing plantations.

This noble gesture by Alhaji Oso not only honors his wife but also demonstrates a remarkable commitment to environmental sustainability, ValidViewNetwork reports.

Alhaji Oso, who orchestrated this surprise in celebration of his wife, described her as “a truly exceptional rib, a great and courageous mother, a woman of impeccable character, and a lovely wife.”

Alhaja Bola Oso’s Life and Legacy

Born on Friday, June 27, 1975, at the General Hospital in Imeko, Ogun State, Mrs. Abibat Bolanle Oso hails from the distinguished family of the late Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Ogundairo of Idofoi, Ayetoro. She is the fourth child and second daughter in a family of seven. Her educational journey began at Apostolic Primary School, Oke-Ola Ayetoro (1981–1987), and continued at Community Grammar School, Saala Ayetoro (1987–1993).

A dedicated educator, she earned her NCE in Agricultural Science Education from the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta (1995–1998), and later a B.Ed. in Agricultural Science Education from the University of Ilorin (1999–2004). Since joining the Ogun State Primary Education Board in 1999, she has served in multiple schools across Odeda Local Government, rising through the ranks to her current position as Head Teacher at Odeda Local Government Nursery and Primary School, Araromi Obe.

She got married to Comrade Oso on August 7, 2004 and they are blessed with wonderful children.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the donated tree species, especially the African Mahogany and Iroko are critical for climate resilience, erosion control, biodiversity enhancement, and campus beautification, offering long-term ecological and educational benefits.

The University expressed profound appreciation for this meaningful donation, recognising it as a legacy that aligns with FUNAAB’s mission of promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. The FUNAAB management also urged other alumni to emulate the donor’s inspiring gesture, saying such actions transform campuses and communities alike.

Speaking, the Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Ambassador Bolaji Gbadamosi, who led the Alumni executives and members to the program, eulogised Alhaji Oso and gave an hint that more Alumni members would soon donate to the University as part of the intentional efforts of members to contribute to the development of their alma mater.

Representatives of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Odeda Local Government, also graced the occasion, echoing that there is no controversy on the importance of teachers.

The birthday tributes poured in with deep affection. One of her daughters, Mubaraqah Kanyinsola, called her “the cornerstone of our family, the source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration,” while Yusrah Oyinwonuola wrote, “You gave us love when there wasn’t much else to give, and your sacrifices have shaped our lives in ways we’ll forever be grateful for.

Her sister, Dr. Bushrah Ayorinde, celebrated her with the words, “Half a century of you is truly something to celebrate.”

Dr Kayode Ogunjobi FFAN, CEO of ValidViewNetwork also a graduate of FUNAAB and close friend of the donor-husband, described Alhaja Bola Oso as a woman of purpose, poise and impact.

His congratulatory message stated further: “You are an embodiment of resilience. Through life’s highs and lows, you have stood tall, unwavering in your commitments and steadfast in your values. Your journey has not only been one of personal triumph but of spiritual depth and emotional intelligence. For those of us who know your husband closely, we can confirm that it takes an extraordinary woman to manage him successfully, and you have done this not just admirably, but excellently.”

Your successful management of his many complexities and commitments is a testament to your patience, your wisdom, and most importantly, your enduring love, Ogunjobi concluded.

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Let this celebration serve as a reminder that birthdays can become milestones of deeper impact when tied to acts that sustain our planet. May other alumni and individuals draw inspiration from this beautiful intersection of love, legacy, and ecology.