.jpg)
2 weeks ago
9 ARTICLE AD
An industrialist and founder of Doyin Group of Companies, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, said he was not privileged to wear shoes until age 11.
He shared this and other childhood experiences during his 89th birthday celebration on Wednesday.
The celebration, primarily a solemn Christian gathering conducted by The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Redemption Pavilion, took place at his palatial home on Victoria Island.
While recounting how he trekked 14 miles at the age of 12 to catch a lorry bound to Lagos, he expressed deep gratitude for how far God had brought him.
“I stand before you as someone who didn’t wear shoes until the age of 11. Growing up, we bathed only on Saturday evenings, and it wasn’t until the next Saturday evening that we bathed again, just to prepare for church. We wore the same clothes day and night, and drank unfiltered water, yet God kept us alive. Glory be to God Almighty!
“At the age of 12, I walked about 14 miles to catch a lorry that would take me to Lagos, traveling on a bumpy road. But 35 years ago, God blessed us with a tarred road, and to this day, there isn’t a single pothole on it. Yesterday, some of the chiefs suggested naming that road after me.
“The countless blessings God has showered upon me are truly beyond words,” he narrated.
During the tribute session, his close friend and former chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, described Adedoyin as an energetic man who still wakes up early to go to the office.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating your 90th birthday. You will surely get there by God’s grace. How many people at 89 can still say they are actively going to work? Yet, here you are!
“We speak about three times a day, and I often tease him when I call, asking if he is still in bed. Your response is always the same: ‘Of course, you know where I am—I’m not in bed!’
“I pray we all get to enjoy the benefits of your wisdom and long life. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing you, Prince. I look forward to celebrating with you again this time next year.”
Ogunshola also extoled the humility virtue of Adedoyin’s wife, Mrs Toyin Adedoyin, saying, “I also want to commend your wife; her humility is truly remarkable. On the occasions I’ve met Prince, her simple and modest demeanor always stands out. Congratulations, madam, you will enjoy even greater blessings ahead.”
Toyin Adedoyin described her husband as a complex yet deeply loving man.
“Papa is incredibly loving. He is very forgiving, not a walkover; he stands his ground when necessary, speaks up when needed, and is a principled man. I always tell him to soften up a bit. If you’re close to him, the first thing he’ll ask is whether you’ve bought land—not if you’ve been to America. He tends to over-father, but his love is unique, and he always prays for me.”
Adedoyin’s daughter, Mrs Yemisi Ogunde, expressed that she would choose her father a million times if she were to come back to the world.
Ogunde said, “He has always been a father in every sense of the word. Even now, I deeply appreciate having him as my daddy. If I were to return a million times, I would still choose him as my father.
“He is a very straightforward man who loves to ask questions about everything and enjoys having lively conversations. I pray that next year’s celebration will be even grander than this.”
Also in attendance was the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Prof. Segun Kolawole, who, in his remarks, wished the octogenarian many more years ahead.
‘Last year, we gathered here to celebrate 88, and we are confident that we will be here in the next 10 years to continue celebrating Baba.
“We have learnt so much from him and look forward to learning even more. On behalf of the Council, we wish you a very happy birthday, sir,” the VC said.
Also speaking, Pastor Rufus Eyitayo, representing the RCCG, described Adedoyin as an inspiration.
He said, “I call Prince ‘Papa’ because he has been a father figure to us at the Redemption Pavilion. He is so good to us. At my age, 79, I’ve been inspired by him. He faithfully attends the first service, and that has encouraged me to settle for the first service too.
“We thank God for the grace upon Daddy’s life. God has truly blessed Prince Adedoyin, and he has been a blessing to so many. His kindness is remarkable—he always takes an interest in what others are doing.”
In his birthday message titled, ‘Thanksgiving to the fullest, what next,’ Pastor-in-charge-of-Province, Redemption Pavillion, Pastor Bisi Olowoyo, urged attendees to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, particularly for God’s redemption and sustenance.
He also advised that Adedoyin and everyone present should draw nearer to God, serve Him wholeheartedly, and reap the rewards of a faithful life.
