Abiodun, Adeboye, associates honour Adedoyin at 90th birthday thanksgiving

Chief Samuel Adedoyin

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The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption Pavilion Parish, Victoria Island, Lagos, was filled to the brim on Sunday as dignitaries gathered to celebrate industrialist and founder of the Doyin Group of Companies, Prince Samuel Adedoyin.

As early as 8 a.m., the parking area at the church located at 295 Jide Oki Street, Victoria Island, was already getting filled ahead of Adedoyin’s 90th birthday thanksgiving service scheduled for 9 a.m.

The service was ushered in with a call to worship and an opening prayer as guests settled in to worship with the celebrant, who was flanked by his wife, Mrs Toyin.

The couple complemented each other with a blend of white and blue, as Adedoyin rocked a white agbada while his wife wore a blue native attire.

Among the dignitaries at the Thanksgiving service were the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, former Chairman, Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, and  Kwara State Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi.

Other dignitaries included the Founder of Eleganza Group, Chief Rasak Okoya, and his wife, Shade; the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Oluremi Hamzat; billionaire businessman, Sir Olu Okeowo; former First Bank Chairman, Ibukun Awosika, and her husband, Abiodun; and the founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Michael Ade Ojo.

Also present were the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who was represented by the white cap chiefs; former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; broadcast journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati; Toyin Saraki; and Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), among others.

The RCCG General Overseer, who arrived to a rousing welcome in the company of his son, Leke, led a worship session and prayed for the celebrant.

Adeboye thanked God for His faithfulness in the life of Adedoyin, saying, “We thank you for your love for him, we thank you for your support. We thank you for making him special.”

The renowned cleric, who noted that he was not supposed to be outside the prayer room at the time, said he had made an exception to be at the thanksgiving service in honour of the celebrant.

Adeboye, after leading the words of exhortation, prayed for a longer life for Adedoyin and wished him and his family more prosperity in faith and all ramifications of life.

While delivering his speech, Governor Abiodun, who also arrived at the event early, described Adedoyin as a successful business icon and philanthropist.

The governor recalled how the celebrant used to patronise his business when he had just returned from abroad and was still “hustling.”

“I remember when I came back from America, and I was on the road hustling, and how you patronised me in different ventures at that time.

“Your wife was my classmate in the university, and I’ve known her for that long. She’s your companion, she’s your friend, and your wife. I pray that God blesses and keeps her.”

Abiodun said, despite all the competing events he had to attend, he resolved that “whichever way, whatever way, and anyhow, I would be here this morning at 9 a.m.”

According to him, he had written his tribute to Adedoyin and sent it on November 12, despite the fact that the celebrant’s birthday was December 4, 2025.

He said he wanted to get the celebrant’s attention before so many other tributes began to pour in, noting that Adedoyin had touched many lives.

“I extend my heartfelt felicitation to you on the remarkable occasion of your 90th birthday,” he said.

The governor said, “Attaining 90 years in good health and sound mind as you have is certainly a divine benevolence and a fervent desire of many. This milestone is not only significant because of the number, but for your eventful life, which has been a point of reference for those who aspire to live a life of excellence.

“For these and many more favours, I thank Almighty God on your behalf, for a life well lived, a life full of dedication, purpose, and service to humanity.

“Your journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneurs, industrialists, and philanthropists stands as a compelling story of vision, hard work, and enterprise.

“Your enduring commitment to philanthropy has touched countless lives. Your investments in education, healthcare, and youth development reflect a heart devoted to human progress and social upliftment. Indeed, you have not only built industries, but you have also built people.”

Families and associates of Adedoyin also paid tributes to him, with many describing him as an exemplary figure who embraced humility despite his status.

Adedoyin’s children spoke of how he pushed them to success through discipline and hard work, and they prayed for a longer life for him.

While speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of Landmark University, Dr. Yemi Oyeniyi, said he was a former worker with Adedoyin, and during that time, he was treated like a son.

Oyeniyi said, “I happen to be a former worker in his house (business). And he took me up as a son, and many people would wonder that at this level, and after decades since I left, I’m still relating with Daddy, and he’s still relating with me.

“We talk, and we chat. He taught me several things, among which is humility. Daddy is so humble. If you don’t tell anyone who he is, you will just think he’s an ordinary worker like us. He taught me integrity. He taught me how to build. He is in the habit of building people. I met somebody who said Pa Adedoyin paid his school fees from primary to secondary school and up to the university. I thank God for his life.”

The highlight of the event was when Adedoyin led other December celebrants in a dance to the altar, where they were prayed for.

The event, filled mostly with celebrations, also featured a special hymn dedicated to Adedoyin, who had earlier been joined by children, grandchildren, other family members, business icons, and friends for a thanksgiving dance as well as prayer.

Another high point was the moment Adedoyin rose to lead the Bible reading. He read from 1 Chronicles 29:11–14, which is a prayer by David acknowledging God’s greatness and emphasising that all wealth and honour come from Him.

A joyful Adedoyin thanked everyone for coming together to worship God and celebrate with him.

“I thank Almighty God for bringing all of you here to come and worship and also celebrate with me. God Almighty will celebrate you in Jesus’ name. All the blessings that the G.O. has said for me will be your portions as well,” Adedoyin prayed.

The event wrapped up in the afternoon with the cutting of cakes and general thanksgiving by the church.

Last Thursday, President Bola Tinubu joined well-wishers to celebrate Adedoyin, whom he described as “an extraordinary industrialist and philanthropist.”

According to him, Prince Adedoyin, a national icon with decades of footprints in the manufacturing sector of the national economy, is a patriarch of uncommon vision, discipline, and generosity.

Tinubu, in a statement, said, “Baba Adedoyin stands as one of Nigeria’s finest examples of industry, resilience, and patriotic commitment. Through sheer determination, entrepreneurial brilliance, and integrity, he built enterprises that have contributed significantly to our economy and created opportunities for countless Nigerians. His life’s journey remains a shining testament to what is possible through faith, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the promise of our country.”

Beyond his business accomplishments, Tinubu said Adedoyin’s kindness and philanthropy had touched many lives.

“His compassion for the vulnerable, his investment in education and community development, and his uplifting spirit have carved out a legacy for him that transcends generations.

“Baba Adedoyin is a classic example of a Lagos success story. He came to Lagos as a teenager from Agbamu, Kwara State, guided only by faith, determination, and a strong will to succeed. For over seven decades in Lagos, he has remained a respectable part of the state’s social and economic fabric. His love and affection for his native Agbamu have never waned, either.

“I have always enjoyed a close, pleasant, and warm personal relationship with Baba Adedoyin. I admire his strength of character and fortitude in the face of adversity and personal loss.”

“I welcome Baba Adedoyin to the grand club of the nonagenarians,” the President stated.

Gbenga has been covering Metro, politics and education beats for two years as a print and digital journalist

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