By Mama OluwaBunmi Adedayo
My Beloved Aburo,
Your heart beats with the rhythm of compassion,
Your laughter softens the storms of men,
And your pen—yes, that mighty pen—has built bridges where once stood walls.
Today, I speak not only with words,
But with the rhythm of gratitude,
The poetry of love,
And the dance of legacy.
You are more than a name—
You are Dele Momodu.
A spirit of honour.
A vessel of humility.
A generous soul.
A quiet strength wrapped in dignity and thunder.
In you, kindness flows like a river,
And generosity walks hand in hand with wisdom.
You have fed minds, lifted voices,
And sewn hope into the very fabric of Africa.
You write—oh, how you write—
With fire, with elegance, with truth.
You publish, you speak, you dream aloud.
You carry the soul of a president, even when the title passed by.
But allow me this honest moment:
As I turned through the pages of Ovation Magazine,
I searched for a picture of us—
You and I,
Captured in joy, frozen in memory.
But it was not there.
*Yes, I am jealous!*
I say it with a loving smile.
It’s alright… this time.
But when the next milestone arrives,
*When seventy comes knocking—*
*By the grace of God, we shall all be alive.*
And when that time comes,
Let my picture rise with yours,
Let our laughter live in history.
Let it not be forgotten—*again.*
So, as you are honoured today,
And as voices rise in celebration,
Know this, my dear brother:
You are deeply cherished.
You are profoundly celebrated.
And I—your sister, your friend, your family—
Walk with pride in your light.
May joy crown your 65 years,
And may heaven prepare glory for your 70th.
With all my heart and prayers,
Mama OluwaBunmi Adedayo
