ALHAJA OLORUNTOYIN DOHERTY BALOGUN CELEBRATES 60TH BIRTHDAY, RETIREMENT FROM LAGOS STATE SERVICE IN GRAND STYLE

It was a celebration of joy, gratitude and appreciation at Imokun Town Hall, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division of Lagos State, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as Alhaja Oloruntoyin Doherty Balogun marked her 60th birthday anniversary alongside her successful retirement from active service in the Lagos State Public Service.

The colourful ceremony brought together her colleagues, Committee of Friends, children, grandchildren, family members, neighbours and distinguished guests, who came out in large numbers to honour and celebrate the retired civil servant.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Member representing Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Oladele Ajayi; Chief Adeolu Ogunkelu, elder brother to the Member representing Epe Constituency II, Hon. Sylvester Oluwadahunsi Ogunkelu; APC State Welfare Secretary, Hon. Kehinde Adeniyi; the Prince of Okegun; Eketa of Epe Central Mosque, Ita-Opo, Alhaji Balogun; the Chief Imam of Agbomeji Central Mosque, Aiyetoro Market, Epe, Al-Imam Ibrahim Balogun; Mr. and Mrs. Uthman, among other prominent personalities.

The grand entry of the celebrant formally signalled the commencement of the programme, which was anchored by Mr. Kaka Babatunde, Special Legislative Assistant to Rep. Wale Raji on Media and Youth.

The event featured an opening prayer, goodwill messages and heartfelt testimonies from the celebrant’s friends, colleagues and associates, who took turns to recount her admirable qualities and positive impact on those around her.

Other highlights of the ceremony included the cutting of the birthday cake, a celebratory toast and a vote of thanks delivered by the celebrant’s granddaughter. The occasion climaxed with a lively celebration dance that continued into the evening.

The impressive turnout, despite the heavy rainfall recorded that day, was widely seen as a testament to the strong relationships Alhaja Oloruntoyin has built over the years, as friends, associates, colleagues and family members came together to share in her joy and celebrate her achievements.

Celebrant: ‘I Return All Glory to God’

Speaking on her life journey and years of service, Alhaja Oloruntoyin Doherty Balogun expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting her the opportunity to attain the milestone of 60 years and retire successfully from active service.

She said:

«“Alhamdulillah, I return all glory to Almighty God for sparing my life to celebrate this 60th birthday anniversary and retirement from active service in Lagos State. I sincerely appreciate everyone who is here to celebrate with me. I pray that celebration will not cease in our lives.»

«“I started my working career at Epe Local Government on September 1, 2000. I spent a large part of my service years there before I was transferred to Eredo LCDA, where I eventually retired, to the glory of God.»

«“My advice to those who are still in service is that they should be diligent, remain focused and maintain a good relationship with God. Being diligent, committed, dedicated to duty and prayerful will guarantee success in service.”»

Guests Celebrate Her Virtues

In their congratulatory messages, Hon. Oladele Ajayi, the HOD, WAPA, Eredo LCDA, Al-Imam Ibrahim Balogun, the celebrant’s daughter and other speakers described Alhaja Oloruntoyin as a diligent, amiable, amicable, resourceful, loving and caring woman.

They commended her dedication to duty and her positive relationship with colleagues, friends, family members and members of her community.

The guests prayed for the celebrant to enjoy many more years in good health, peace, happiness and prosperity, while wishing her continued success and fulfilment in retirement.

They also prayed for greater accomplishments for her children and grandchildren and expressed the hope that she would enjoy the fruits of her labour after many years of dedicated service.

The 60th birthday and retirement celebration therefore provided a fitting opportunity for family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to honour Alhaja Oloruntoyin Doherty Balogun for her years of service, dedication and contributions to her community and the Lagos State Public Service.

See pictures below