No. 1 Lion, Chief Kudirat Funmilayo Bankole, Celebrates 81st Birthday, Calls for Good Governance

By Tope Bankole

The No. 1 Lion of Tigbo Land, Yeye Agba Akin, Chief Kudirat Funmilayo Bankole, has called for good governance and purposeful leadership at all levels of society, saying effective governance remains essential to strengthening humanitarian values and improving the welfare of the people.

Chief Bankole made the call while celebrating her 81st birthday at her residence in Estate, Ota, Ogun State, where family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the milestone.

The octogenarian expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of life and good health, describing her 81st birthday as another testimony to divine faithfulness and mercy. According to her, attaining the age of 81 is not merely a personal achievement but an opportunity to reflect on the values of service, compassion, family unity and the responsibility of individuals and leaders toward the development of society.

Chief Bankole stressed that good governance should go beyond political leadership, noting that every citizen has a role to play in promoting kindness, accountability, justice, peace and the welfare of others. She urged governments at all levels to strengthen policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

Reflecting on her previous birthday celebration, Chief Bankole disclosed that her 80th birthday was celebrated in Dubai last year and described the experience as memorable. She expressed gratitude to God for preserving her life to celebrate another year in good health and in the presence of loved ones in Ota. She also encouraged younger generations to value and care for their parents and elders, stressing that respect and love for the elderly remain essential values in society.

The celebrant called on privileged individuals, organisations and philanthropists to complement government efforts through humanitarian activities and community development initiatives. According to her, the true measure of a fulfilled life lies in the number of people whose lives have been positively impacted through acts of kindness, support and service to humanity.

Speaking at the event, Past District Governor, District 404B4 Nigeria, Lion Oladayo Taiwo Fatoki, commended Chief Kudirat Funmilayo Bankole for her decades of dedicated service to Lionism and humanity.

He described her as an outstanding ambassador of Lions Clubs International, adding that the organisation’s motto, “We Serve,” has remained the guiding principle for promoting unity, compassion and community development.

Also speaking, Lion Taiwo Kayode Oloyede commended the gathering of family members, friends and Lions to honour the octogenarian, describing the celebration as a worthy recognition of a life dedicated to service. He noted that such occasions promote unity, strengthen bonds among members and provide an opportunity to appreciate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society.

The birthday celebration featured prayers, goodwill messages and moments of thanksgiving as family members, friends, associates and members of the Lions Club joined Chief Kudirat Funmilayo Bankole in celebrating 81 years of life, service and accomplishments. The celebrant expressed appreciation to everyone who joined her in marking the occasion and prayed for continued peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.