June 28, 2028
In a heartwarming atmosphere filled with praise, memories, and joy, family, friends, and associates gathered at the Ogunlana Hall of the University of Ibadan Conference Centre on Saturday, June 28, 2025, to celebrate the golden jubilee of Olayinka Olufisayo Amao, a man many described as “supportive, a cheerful giver, a bridge-builder, and a man with a heart of gold.”
It was a day that sparkled with golden memories and future dreams. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the Ogunlana Hall of the University of Ibadan Conference Centre radiated joy, laughter, and heartfelt celebration as family, friends, and admirers gathered to honour Olayinka Olufisayo Amao, who turned 50 years of age, a man many described as both a visionary and a loyal friend, on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this was more than a birthday bash, it was a life story unfolding in colour and music. The event blended jubilation with reflection, celebration with gratitude, and most of all, a reunion that sparked deep emotion among those whose lives intersected with Amao’s in different seasons.
Born on June 28, 1975, Olayinka Olufisayo Amao hails from Iwo, in Osun State, and has walked a remarkable academic and professional journey marked by resilience and vision. An alumnus of Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan, he furthered his education at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), before proceeding to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Never one to stop reaching higher, he crowned his academic pursuit with further studies at the University of Ghana Business School. A certified project manager with a heart for the land, Amao is also a dedicated farmer and the founder of Ola Olaniyi Agro-Allied Farm, established in his hometown of Iwo, where he continues to contribute to food production and youth empowerment. His story is one of steady growth, quiet excellence, and an enduring commitment to both his roots and his dreams.
Beyond marking his golden jubilee, the day also heralded a new professional milestone: the launch of his real estate venture, Olaolaniyi Estate. The unveiling, received with applause, signified not just a business beginning but a bold continuation of Amao’s journey of impact and innovation.
Yet, the most stirring moments of the day were unscripted. Former classmates from his days at Methodist Grammar School, Bodija (1992/93 set) and LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, turned up in vibrant numbers, many seeing one another for the first time in over 30 years. The hall transformed into a theatre of nostalgia: names once tucked away in old school registers were now voices across tables, familiar faces older yet somehow unchanged, arms thrown open in recognition, and hearty laughter echoing like school bells.
As stories of youthful adventures, unforgettable teachers, and youthful dreams flowed freely, so did warm hugs and shared laughter. Phone numbers were exchanged, selfies snapped, and hearts realigned in friendship. Faces were finally added to names long floating on WhatsApp groups, some barely remembered, others now bearing new surnames through marriage, sparking surprise and exclamations of recognition. These weren’t just old classmates; they were companions in the journey of becoming, bound again by memories time could not erase.
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Among those celebrating with Amao were members of the Lions Club, where he has distinguished himself as a man of purpose and service. One of the Lions, speaking with quiet pride, described him as “a man whose generosity needs no microphone and whose strength lies in his unwavering humility.”
The event was chaired by the renowned economist, Professor Adedoyin Soyibo, who attended with his wife. His tribute was profound yet personal. He praised Amao for his industry and consistency, encouraging him to keep up the good work and continue making positive impact. His words, like many others spoken, painted a portrait of a man who does not seek the spotlight, but whose impact is widely felt.
There was also a royal presence at the event, with a representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, delivering his warm felicitation. Though Amao hails from Iwo in Osun State, the royal message acknowledged his strong ties to Ibadan and lauded the celebrant’s positive influence and dedication to his roots, urging him to continue to be a beacon of hope and a pride of Ibadanland.
Adding to the sparkle of the evening was the live musical performance by the celebrant’s brother, Femi Amao, popularly known on stage as Labule. With his band on the stand, he serenaded the audience with traditional vibes and evergreen tunes that got both the young and the elderly swaying and dancing. Elated and full of thanks, Amao could not hold back, he rose to his feet, shoulders bouncing, feet tapping with rhythm, before launching into a spirited dance that drew cheers and applause. Clad in his rich agbada, he moved with the joy of a man deeply grateful, hands lifted, eyes bright, spinning gently to the beats that carried both praise and memory. The music stirred the soul and sealed the mood of joy and celebration in every corner of the hall.
In the midst of the joy, the gathering took a solemn moment as Olayinka Amao called for a one-minute silence in honour of his late father. With a gentle but firm voice, he paid tribute to a man he described as “a mentor, and a father whose legacy is written in our hearts.” He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his mother, who was present, acknowledging her as “a warrior who carried the weight of father and mother, a pillar who never gave up.”
Mama, visibly emotional, poured out her gratitude to all who came to honour her son. In her own words, she called him “a helper, a respectful son who brings honour to our name, a rallying point for the family and a man whose heart is in the right place.” She prayed fervently for long life, good health, and divine favour for her son, his siblings, and all the well-wishers who made the celebration remarkable.
Indeed, Olayinka Olufisayo Amao’s 50th birthday celebration was far more than a personal milestone, it was a convergence of past and present, a festival of friendships, and a canvas of gratitude. It reminded all in attendance that true wealth lies not just in what we build, but in the people whose lives we touch.
Indeed, some men build houses. Others build legacies. Amao, it seems, is building both, anchored by relationships, fuelled by vision, and strengthened by quiet service. His golden jubilee was not just a celebration of age, but a salute to a life lived meaningfully, with honour, with impact, and with heart.
