{"id":4821,"date":"2024-06-11T15:06:18","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T15:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journalistsforchrist.org\/?p=4821"},"modified":"2024-06-11T15:06:18","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T15:06:18","slug":"family-friends-mentees-honour-jfc-president-otufodunrin-at-60","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalistsforchrist.org\/index.php\/2024\/06\/11\/family-friends-mentees-honour-jfc-president-otufodunrin-at-60\/","title":{"rendered":"Family, Friends, Mentees, Honour JFC President, Otufodunrin at 60"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

On Saturday, May 11th, mentees of esteemed media trainer and journalist, Lekan Otufodunrin braved heavy rain to celebrate him at a reception held in his honor at the International Press Centre in Lagos.<\/span><\/h1>\n
\n

The event, organised by his mentees, under the umbrella of a newly created group, Lekan Otufodunrin Mentees Network (LOMNET), saw a significant turnout. Attendees took the opportunity to reflect on and openly commend Otufodunrin for his profound impact on their media careers.<\/p>\n

Otufodunrin, who turned 60 on May 9th, had earlier attended a thanksgiving service on the same day at his zonal Winners Chapel, Area Zone 3, near his residence via The Bells University, Ota, Ogun State. Many joined in the thanksgiving session.<\/p>\n

The service, organised by his family and church members, was well attended and featured a session of testimonies about the celebrant.<\/p>\n

His wife, Mrs. Ronke Otufodunrin, expressed her gratitude to God at the service. \u201cI married my friend, I didn\u2019t marry someone that will be pushing me around. God chose for me, I didn\u2019t choose myself. I asked God for a man that has the fear of God. He\u2019s a godly man, he is God-fearing. He doesn\u2019t know how to say NO. He loves me and his children, he loves everyone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Otufodunrin\u2019s daughter, Yemisi<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Otufodunrin\u2019s close associate and Publisher of NewDawn, a news website, Mr. Tunde Abatan, testified about their longstanding friendship.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank God for today, I thank God for the wife God has given him. We met in 1987 at Abeokuta. We have been friends and brothers. All of us shall be raptured in the name of Jesus. God will satisfy you with good health, you will see your children\u2019s children in the name of Jesus,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

Otufodunrin\u2019s first child, D\u00e1mil\u1ecd\u0301l\u00e1, said at the service, \u201cI always remember how my dad relates with my mum and that has influenced my relationship with my wife. I thank God for his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yemisi, the second child and only daughter, shared her experience of her father\u2019s love. \u201cAs the only girl, I enjoy the daddy\u2019s care and I never wanted to disappoint that love he has for my siblings and I,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In his comment, Femi Otufodunrin, the third child, testified to his father\u2019s generosity. \u201cHe supported my business at the inception with \u20a6100,000 when it looked like it wouldn\u2019t work,\u201d he said. The University of Lagos-trained surveyor, now a businessman, added, \u201cHe is a dad that won\u2019t disrupt your career choice. I thank God for his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
Otufodunrin, wife, children, their spouses and granddaughter at the church service<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adeola Ogunlade, a protegee who writes for The Nation newspaper, also congratulated Otufodunrin. \u201cHappy birthday to Uncle Lekan as he clocks 60 today. What the Lord has done for us, we cannot tell it all. Sir, I am very grateful to God for sparing the life of my mentor, coach, leader, supporter, and someone I often referred to as a \u2018Father.\u2019 He is dependable and a strong believer that tomorrow will be alright. A frank professional who will guide his mentees on the path to greatness. More importantly, I celebrate the grace of God upon your life. We celebrate you because you found Christ and that changed everything about you. You will continue to blossom and flourish on every side in Jesus name,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

Publisher of PTL News, Julius Adegunna, also sent his congratulatory message. \u201cHappy birthday, sir. Your joy will continue to multiply. You will neither be tired nor weary. All your heart desires shall be fulfilled with no stress,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

In his sermon at the thanksgiving service, Pastor Isaac Babatunde, appreciated God for sparing the celebrant\u2019s life. \u201cHe is a very godly man, a family man who loves everybody,\u201d he said. \u201cWe can count how many students have gained admission to higher institutions through him and we can count people he has helped to get jobs. He doesn\u2019t discriminate and we pray for more fulfillment for him,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

Mr. Jide Orintunsin, a family friend of the Otufodunrins, sent his message. \u201cYours have been years of positive impact on all those that met with you. You are a blessing to our noble profession of Journalism and to the body of Christ in Nigeria and the whole world. I pray that the good LORD will continue to uphold, guide, guard, and sustain you for decades ahead of you. I celebrate you, my dear brother. I declare many more fruitful and productive years ahead in the service of the Master,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

Mr. Babatunde Olugboji, a longtime friend of the celebrant, shared his thoughts. \u201cAs Lekan marks 60, I rejoice with my friend of many decades. Your humility and consistency are remarkable traits, and from many years ago, it was clear that you would impact your generation. May your joy be full, may God\u2019s grace continue to speak for you, may you enjoy divine health all the days of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Otufodunrin\u2019s best man and childhood friend, Pastor Timilehin Ajayi, also expressed his gratitude to God. \u201cMy dear age-long friend and \u2018twin\u2019 brother, Lekan, I join the hosts of heaven to celebrate God\u2019s faithfulness in your life. You\u2019ll be blessed above all people and all that concerns you in Jesus Christ\u2019s name. No evil shall come around your dwellings. Our God, the Almighty, shall multiply you on every side and you\u2019ll remain blessed,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

Pastor Benjamin Seun Sani of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, said, \u201cThis man is not just a leader but an institution in the media industry. Knowing Uncle Lekan Otufodunrin when I was a Mass Communication student at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Eruwa Campus has been a tremendous blessing. Anytime he comes in contact with anybody, he gives an opportunity for engagement. The life of the Executive Director of Media Career Services is so simple that he finds it difficult to turn down invitations whether free, volunteer, or paid event. Deacon Otufodunrin looks for opportunities to learn or share something with people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Publisher of Providence Magazine, Gracious Akintayo, described Otufodunrin as a boss and pastor to him. \u201cMy Oga, Egbon, Ore, Asiwaju, Mentor, Adviser, Pastor, Inspiration, Trainer, Model, etc. A highly respected, cerebral, honored, influential, and celebrated Nigerian journalist and a true example of practical and responsible Christianity, as he celebrates 60 blessed and fruitful years of life today. Please, join me to celebrate God\u2019s goodness, grace, and glory in the life of this quintessential Man of God with many parts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another longtime associate, Mrs. Jumoke Orintunsin, said, \u201cDiamonds are forever. As you celebrate your 60th year on earth, every blessing that God has given you shall be forever. Your peace, health, joy, marriage, wealth, and children shall be forever in Jesus\u2019 name. Enter into your season of ceaseless fortune. Happy Diamond birthday, ore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Justina Asishana, Otufodunrin\u2019s mentee and The Nation newspaper\u2019s Correspondent in Niger State, also wished him well on his birthday. \u201cHappy Birthday, Uncle Lekan. May the grace of God continue to be with you. I wish you more blissful years, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another mentee, Oluwatobi Oyetunde, described Otufodunrin as an exceptional leader. \u201cHappy birthday to an exceptional leader and mentor who embodies professionalism, dedication, and kindness. May this new year and the coming years bring you continued success and happiness. Cheers to many more years,\u201d he prayed.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Appolonia Adeyemi, a senior journalist at the New Telegraph newspaper in Lagos, also wished the celebrant well. \u201cBro Lekan, I wish you many happy returns of the day. Congratulations, too. May God sustain your blessings. Best wishes always!\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In his response at the church service, Otufodunrin, full of appreciation to God and the participants, said, \u201cI want to thank God for today, it is the Lord\u2019s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. I thank God I\u2019m marking 60, and my mother is right here sitting down.\u201d He then burst into thanksgiving in a Yoruba song, \u201cAra e dide e ba mi j\u1ecd.\u201d<\/p>\n

Appreciating God for his victory over sickness, he said, \u201cI thank God for all the people that have stayed with me. Two years ago I was sick and it felt like it was over, but God brought me back. I thank God for all He has done for me. I thank God for everybody, my wife and family, friends. I thank God for you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Later in the evening of 9th May, a Zoom meeting was held in his honor to enable friends, associates, and mentees in Lagos and in the diaspora to participate. The well-attended event featured testimonies about the life and career of Otufodunrin, who to many is a synonym for help, guidance, and goodwill.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
\n

Source: nationalwire.com.ng<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On Saturday, May 11th, mentees of esteemed media trainer and journalist, Lekan Otufodunrin braved heavy rain to celebrate him at a reception held in his honor at the International Press Centre in Lagos. The event, organised by his mentees, under the umbrella of a newly created group, Lekan Otufodunrin Mentees Network (LOMNET), saw a significant…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4822,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[210,6,10],"tags":[264,240,263,262],"class_list":["post-4821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-news","category-testimonies","tag-birthday-celebration","tag-journalists-for-christ","tag-mentees","tag-otufodunrinat60"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t