Femi Gbajabiamila's 96-Year-Old Mother Alhaja Lateefat Goes Viral as Nigerians Celebrate Her
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Legit.ng as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
- Social media users flooded timelines with tributes to Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila after she marked her 96th birthday
- President Tinubu recognised her as the first female elected local government chairperson in Lagos State and a UK-trained nurse
- Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila had sparked early attention with a Valentine's Day video embracing his mother and gifting her red roses
Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, the 96-year-old mother of President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has become a viral sensation on Nigerian social media following her 96th birthday, with thousands of users celebrating her life as a model of grace and longevity.
The tributes gained momentum after Femi Gbajabiamila shared a video on his X account around Valentine's Day, roughly two weeks before his mother's birthday, showing him presenting her with a bouquet of red roses and saying: "Happy Valentine's Day, Mama. These flowers are only a tiny thank you for a lifetime of love and sacrifice."
**Nigerians Celebrate a 'Generational Treasure'**
The video drew widespread admiration across platforms. @elli_loves_food wrote: "This is what longevity looks like when it comes with grace, wisdom and excellence. Alhajia Lateefat-Gbajabiamila is truly a blessing to generations." @milola_threads_twists added: "96 years and still glowing with wisdom and confidence."
Many users described her as a "generational treasure," praising not just her age but her apparent sharpness and vitality.
**Official Recognition From President Tinubu**
The birthday also drew a formal response from the presidency. President Tinubu congratulated Alhaja Gbajabiamila, describing her as a community leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist, and commending her resilience and dedication to public service.
The President highlighted two significant chapters of her life: her record as the first female elected local government chairperson in Lagos State, a milestone he described as pioneering in grassroots leadership, and her career as a United Kingdom-trained nurse who mentored many within the healthcare profession.
The National Forum of Former Legislators also paid tribute, describing her as a "remarkable matriarch whose life has been defined by strength, discipline, resilience, and boundless love."
Those close to the family say she remains in good health and sound mind at 96.
Commentators pointed to her influence on her son's public career. One user reflected: "Through her guidance and example, she has instilled in her children the principles of service, humility, and excellence."
Femi Gbajabiamila previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives before being appointed Chief of Staff by President Tinubu.
Source: Legit.ng
