Turning 80 is a milestone that comes with reflections, gratitude, and celebration, and for Princess Adebanke Ademola, it was a moment filled with honour, music, and tributes from family, friends, and dignitaries.
The retired Executive Director of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan, marked her 80th birthday in Lagos with a colourful celebration at the Muson Centre.
The occasion brought together colleagues, protégés, and top personalities who came to celebrate a woman whose influence has spanned decades in broadcasting and music.
The celebration began with a thanksgiving service conducted by Very Reverend Olusola Makindipe of the Methodist Church Nigeria, who expressed gratitude to God for Princess Ademola’s life and prayed for her continued strength and good health.
Widely regarded as a perfectionist and revered music director of the prestigious Muson School of Music, Princess Ademola’s legacy in radio broadcasting remains remarkable.
Over her 43-year career with Radio Nigeria in Lagos and Ibadan, she distinguished herself as a veteran programmer and later contributed to revamping Gateway Radio during the tenure of former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
She narrates her experience while in Radio Nigeria and turning 80
”Radio Nigeria set a wonderful teaching for me, we had some lovely time together.
To some people the DG’s birthday is a wonderful time.
”Do you know what we used to call DG’s birthday? Payday, it was a wonderful time”.
”The DGs would have taken down to our level, they are not up there and you don’t have to be convoyed to meet them and you and your immediate boss too, you work together, it was a wonderful place”
”Not that I feel different or that kind of thing. But I thank God that made me, some people did not live, even my mother did not live up to 80, my father lived above the age”
The event attracted eminent guests, including former military Head of State and two-time democratically elected President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Princess Ademola as “a woman deeply devoted to her creator.”
”The celebrant is a child of God, you have heard me say that. But she’s a child of God, quietly influential. There’s nobody who is close to Banke, who Banke has not influenced for good. No matter the circumstances of her life at anytime.”
Colleagues such as Mrs. Bolanle Owoyemi, Director of FRCN Lagos Operations, also paid glowing tributes to the celebrant’s professionalism and impact.
”Princess Banke Adebola is a professional to the core. A stickler for excellence, she won’t take no for an answer. There is not impossible in her diary or dictionary and above all she’s good at what she does. she gave her best to FRCN during her time and what she did, stands on even till date.” Owoyemi said .
The highlight of the day featured the cutting of the birthday cake, a rousing rendition of Oriki (traditional praise poetry), lively dance steps shared by Princess Ademola and Obasanjo, as well as musical performances by students of Muson School of Music, paying tribute to their mentor.
The octogenarian, beaming with joy, expressed gratitude for the love shown to her, saying turning 80 was both humbling and elating.
Princess Adebanke Ademola remains a symbol of excellence in broadcasting and music, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Reporting By Ngozi Kanebi
