By Nkechi Eze
Eminent personalities from across Nigeria gathered in Abuja on Saturday, March 28, 2026, to celebrate the 60th birthday of Olori of Kuta Kingdom, Queen Jumai Amoke, and the launch of her humanitarian initiative, the Amoke Children and Mother in Need Foundation.
The colourful event, held at the TFK Event Centre along Bala Mohammed Way in Guzape, attracted an array of distinguished guests including the former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Olofa of Offa, Mufutau Gbadamosi; and prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, Bola Shagaya.
Other notable personalities in attendance includes senior military officers such as Major General Abdumalik, Major General Samuel Adebayo (rtd), former Chief of Defence Intelligence, and Major General Anthony Omozoje (rtd), former Corps of Police Personnel.
Traditional rulers and business leaders also graced the occasion, among them the Oniba of Iba in Lagos State, Suleiman Raji, the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Adetoyese, and Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi, the Asiwaju of Offa and Chief Executive Officer of Radisson Hotel Group Nigeria. Former Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr Waheed Olagunju, and Justice Falola were also among the dignitaries present.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Host and husband of the celebrant, the Olowu of Kuta, Adekunle Oyelude Makama, commended Queen Jumai for her compassion and dedication to humanitarian service.
He described her as a woman whose “slender arms are full of kindness,” noting that the establishment of the Amoke Children and Mother in Need Foundation comes at a critical time when many Nigerians are facing economic challenges resulting from the global economic downturn.
The monarch praised her steadfastness and deep love for the less privileged and vulnerable in society, expressing confidence that her humanitarian work would continue to expand and touch more lives.
“Olori Amoke Jumai, I celebrate you. You will celebrate 70, 80, 90 and continue to shine as you keep putting smiles on people’s faces. I love you,” the Olowu of Kuta said.
Also speaking, former army chief Buratai, who holds the traditional title of Balogun Agba of Owu Kuta, congratulated the celebrant for attaining the milestone age of 60 in good health.
According to him, the remarkable turnout of eminent personalities from across the country was a reflection of the goodwill and hospitality the Olori has extended to people over the years.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would reward her humanitarian efforts and accept her acts of service and charity.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Fagbemi, praised Queen Jumai for demonstrating compassion toward the needy and vulnerable in society through the establishment of the foundation.
He urged guests and well-wishers to support the initiative generously so it could continue to alleviate poverty and bring relief to disadvantaged members of society.
“I congratulate you on your 60th birthday and foundation launch. I wish you many happy returns and many more fruitful years of service to the country and humanity,” he said.
In an emotional response, the celebrant, Queen Jumai Amoke, expressed profound gratitude to guests for honouring her invitation and supporting the launch of the foundation.
Clearly delighted by the overwhelming turnout, she pledged to deploy both her personal resources and donations received through the foundation to support the needy and less privileged in society.
She specially acknowledged the presence of the Olofa of Offa, whom she described as her Kabiyesi, while also appreciating the Minister of Justice, Mrs Bola Shagaya, Lt Gen Buratai, DIG Fayoade, Justice Falola and other dignitaries for their support.
She reserved special appreciation for her husband, the Olowu of Kuta, thanking him for his unwavering encouragement and support.
The celebration, which combined royal pageantry with philanthropy, underscored Queen Jumai Amoke’s commitment to humanitarian service and marked the beginning of a new chapter in her efforts to support vulnerable children and mothers across the country.
