The atmosphere was warm, joyful, and deeply reflective as dignitaries, family members, and friends gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of Mrs. Omobolanle Adeleke, wife of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Yinka Adeleke, and to witness the public unveiling of her inspiring life memoir, Storms and Grace: A Daughter’s Journey of Love, Faith, and Reconciliation.
The event, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Sunday 8th February 2026, became not just a birthday celebration, but a moving testament to family bonds, resilience, faith, and the kind of values that strengthen a nation from the home outward.
The distinguished guest list underscored the celebrant’s wide-reaching influence. Present at the ceremony were the wife of the IGP, Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun; Chief Arthur Eze; Lagos Commissioner of Women and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Dada, the Managing Director/CEO of Badinson Security, Mr. Matthew Ibadin, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; among many others.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who is the father of the day set the tone with a heartwarming tribute that connected decades of friendship, shared beginnings, and the significance of family in shaping strong communities.
He appreciated the audience for paying attention to the good work that’s been done by the Nigeria Police. “Thank you for acknowledging that we have been doing well; we are not going to relent. We are committed to improving service delivery.”
The IGP then delved into the cherished memories that tied him to the celebrant and her husband. Recalling how he met Omobolanle in 1990 during their days at the Police Academy, he said: “Yinka and I have been friends since our days as singles. We played football together and bonded on the football field. We were cadets of the Police Academy, and our two girlfriends became friends too. Those two girlfriends are today our wives and the mothers of our children, and by the grace of God, preparing to be grandmothers.”
His words painted a portrait of two families whose stories had long intertwined through a friendship that has grown into kinship over decades. “Our two families have come a long way,” he added with emotion. Turning to the celebrant, he prayed, “My wish for Omobolanle is that God will continue to strengthen her and bless her with peace, joy, and happiness.”
The unveiling of ‘Storms and Grace: A Daughter’s Journey of Love, Faith, and Reconciliation’ provided one of the most heartfelt moments of the celebration. The book, described by many at the event as deeply moving and spiritually uplifting, chronicles the life journey of Mrs. Adeleke. It is not marked by flawless triumphs, but by perseverance, divine help, and transformation.
In her own words, the celebrant framed her story as a testimony of mercy: “The story of my life is not one of strength and perfection but of mercy, restoration, and divine favour. There were moments I thought I would break when trials tested every fabric of my being, but through it all, God carried me. He turned tears into testimony, pain into purpose, and obstacles into open doors. As I celebrate 60, I return all the glory to Almighty God.”Her sincerity resonated deeply with guests, several of whom paid glowing tribute to her courage, faith, and service to others.”
Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan, who wrote the foreword to the book described Storms and Grace as more than a memoir. “We don’t just celebrate this book; we celebrate your courage, your journey, and your obedience to share with the world. Mrs. Adeleke serves as a living proof of God’s faithfulness. Congratulations on this milestone.”
She highlighted the compelling nature of the narrative, saying, “It will capture your attention from the very first page and you will refuse to let go.”
She reflected on themes of love, family opposition, tough decisions, and the endurance required to navigate turbulent seasons. “The most powerful truth is that storms do not last forever,” she added.
The book reviewer and daughter of the celebrant, Tamilore Adeleke, spoke from a personal, familial perspective. “I have always known her as strong, wise, and prayerful, but reading the book unveils the quiet battles, the unseen tears, and the difficult choices she has had to make. Her story has shaped my view of womanhood. It reminds us that God is faithful.”