Family members, close friends, and prominent figures in the media and religious circles gathered on Monday to honour veteran journalist, Sir Ademola Osinubi, as he marked his 70th birthday.

The Thanksgiving and Eucharist Service, held at the Methodist Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, drew a large congregation that filled the church from noon until the end of the ceremony around 3 p.m.

Delivering a heartfelt sermon titled “Product of God’s Mercy,” the Bishop of the Ijebu Diocese, Rev. Dr. Solomon Adegbite, extolled Osinubi’s generosity, humility, and steadfast faith in God. He noted that the celebrant’s achievements and longevity were clear testimonies of divine grace.

The bishop recalled that he also ministered at Osinubi’s 50th birthday thanksgiving two decades ago, describing the moment as a divine privilege.
He said, “Twenty years ago, when he turned 50, I led his thanksgiving service, and one of those present that day, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, is here again today. For God to allow both of us to stand here once more 20 years later is an act of grace.”

Rev. Adegbite reiterated his previous message to the celebrant, reminding him of the importance of abiding in Christ.
He said, “What I told you then remains the same today. The essence of life is living in God—anything outside that is vanity. You have continued to abide in Him; do not let anything discourage you.”

He prayed that Osinubi would continue to flourish in good health and divine strength, adding, “Many who were born after him are no more, yet God has preserved him with purpose.” Turning to Osinubi’s wife, he said, “Mummy, I congratulate you as the co-celebrant. Thank you for standing by him faithfully.”

Praising Osinubi’s distinguished career and character, the bishop said his professional success was the product of divine empowerment, vision, and perseverance. “He rose to the peak of his profession not by luck, but by grace,” he said. “He left his position honourably and was celebrated, not forced out—a true testimony of integrity.”

Speaking of the celebrant’s generosity, the bishop described him as a quiet giver who prefers anonymity. “He does not make noise about his acts of kindness. He believes that since God has blessed him, giving back should be between him and God,” he added.

A touching moment came when Osinubi’s five children surprised their father with a special song in his honour. Dressed in matching attires, they joined their parents—Osinubi in a sky-blue agbada and his wife, Wemimo—on the dance floor in a joyful display of family unity.

One of his sons, Demilade, described his father as “almost a perfectionist” and a constant source of inspiration. “It means a lot to us to celebrate him at 70. We’ve seen him grow stronger with age, and it brings us great joy to see him happy,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also paid tribute to Osinubi, commending his exemplary leadership and contribution to journalism. “He is a gentle, principled man and a model of professionalism. What we see today is the reward of years of hard work and integrity,” he remarked.

Publisher and media executive, Dr. Yemi Kolapo, described Osinubi as her “pathfinder” in journalism. “Without his mentorship, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He deserves every bit of this celebration,” she said.

The thanksgiving attracted many prominent media practitioners and academics, including veteran publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba; former newspaper executive and ambassador, Debo Adesina; CEO of Diamond Publications, Lanre Idowu; investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyomb; and Professor Adewumi Falode, Director of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Lagos State University.

The service featured hymns, praise and worship, and prayers for the celebrant and his family.

In a message issued on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Sir Ademola Osinubi on his 70th birthday, describing him as a symbol of integrity, excellence, and resilience in Nigerian journalism.

The President noted that Osinubi’s career reflected “a lifetime of hard work, discipline, and commitment to democratic values,” praising his leadership in shaping the Nigerian media landscape.

“From humble beginnings to professional greatness, you have demonstrated that success is built on purpose, vision, and perseverance,” the President wrote. “Your journey through decades of journalistic excellence remains an inspiration to many.”