Engr. Sam Awolowo Ayadi-Yala ( Yala Matrix) celebrates God’s faithfulness at 70, launches autobiography.
Engr. Samuel Awolowo Ayadi has marked his 70th birthday with pomp and pageantry. The high octane birthday celebration held on Sunday, 23rd March , 2025. Thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday celebration of the NDDC technocrat, who retired as a Director in the sub regional interventionist commission held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Freedom Zone, Ayoni area of Okitipupa as family and friends, well wishers and guests from far and near were fully in attendance to celebrate with the Ilaje born ‘brand new’ Septuagenarian.
At the well attended church service and birthday thanksgiving, the preacher and Zonal Pastor, RCCG , Freedom Zone , Pastor Oyetunji Rotimi congratulated the celebrant for witnessing the milestone of 70 years in good health. In his sermon titled ‘ The Mercy of God, while quoting from The Book of Psalm , Chapter 136, verses 1- 4 , noted that every achievable success in life is a function of the mercy of God and no human should take God’s mercy for granted, adding that God’s mercy endures forever upon his people who have found favour in his face.
The ‘big event’s reception and entertainment of guests followed at Engr. Ayadi’s sprawling and palatial residence along Irele Road where Yemi Yobo and his musical band were on ground to serenade the atmosphere with danceable lyrics of highlife sizzled with Juju tunes and danceable musical flow.
The Principal of Yala Matrix Schools, Okitipupa, Mr. Manuwa in his remark at the event described the celebrant as a quintessential employer of human resources and a school manager who shows a unique blend of commitment for workers’ welfare, noting that to both staffs and students , the celebrant is a role model, father figure and an educationist of repute.
Mr Manuwa noted that it was no surprise then that staffs of the citadel of learning established by Engr. Ayadi are all on ground in full force to identify with the celebrant. While congratulating Engr. Ayadi on behalf of both staffs and students of the school, he prayed for long life and sound health for ‘ Baba Ayadi,’ as he is fondly called.
Prior to the launching of the celebrant’s autobiography, which was a major highlight of the programme marking the70th birthday event, his citation was presented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, OAUSTECH, Okitipupa, Dr. Adekeye Daniel, who gave a graphic narrative of the successful trajectory of the celebrant from his birth at the Itshekiri area of Delta state to Mr and Mrs.Benaniah Omoyemi and Esther Ayadi, all through his learning stage as a primary school pupil at Ilepete in Ilaje to his secondary school experience at the famous Manuwa Memorial Grammar School, MMGS, Iju Odo. Reading Engr. Ayadi’s citation, Dr. Adekeye noted that after the completion of his secondary school education in 1977, he forged ahead and gained admission to University of Nigeria, UNN, Nsuka to study Mechanical Engineering. His job experience spanned his brief stint at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIAA, Lagos where he worked as a direct staff of Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, the then DG of NIAA and after his degree, he worked with the Delta Steel Company, DST, Aladja, where he rose through the ranks to become a key management player of the company before his ‘mobility of labour’ to Niger Delta Development Commission , NDDC, a government agency which offered him the avenue to deploy his engineering skills in the different units of the commission , rising through the ranks to become a substantive Director , having acted as Assistant Director for many years. Upon his retirement, the ever agile Ilaje born engineer delved into edupreneurship , having nursed the idea of establishing a standard school system to develop his environment and this brought about ‘Yala Matrix Schools’ on the 16th September , 2016; the school has turned around to be a fast rising secondary and primary school of reputable standards in Okitipupa and its environ.
The celebrant, Engr. Sam Ayadi, who was ushered to the dais, alongside his delectable wife, Mrs. Ayadi Abigail with a standing ovation did not disappoint with enviable dance steps which indicated that though he is now a senior citizen at 70, he still enjoys the grace of good health and the so called ‘ youthful steeze.
In his speech , he appreciated God who has sustained him so far from the cradle all through his journey, education and career wise. He admitted to the audience that he is a unique benefactor of God’s unfailing grace and he can’t thank God enough. Engr. Ayadi thanked all the guests the big four that had affected his life in no small measures, particularly, Chief Alexander Olusola Oke SAN, Engineer Benson Obayelu, Prince Olumide Aladetan, and his long time Personal Assistant, Ebietomiye Foluso Ayoleyi.
The Celebrant singled out the wife of his youth for a special appreciation, noting that she stood by him through the thick and thin of his life sojourn and God has made his wife an ally who has made his life a refreshing comfort. As this remark drew applause from the excited audience , there was more music while the celebrant and his wife danced to the audience delight.
Dignitaries at the occasion took their time to speak. The Chairman of the occasion, Engineer Olufemi Adebowale Ogundeji spoke highly of the Celebrant with life’s lessons dished out to the audience who listened with rapt attention.
Engineer Benson Obayelu, a retired Director, Boss, Benefactor and Teacher to the celebrant as testified by Chief Olusola Oke eulogised the uncommon brilliance exuded by Engnr. Ayadi-Yala while in service at the NDDC and prayed for more fruitful years.
Chief Olusola Oke who also spoke at the event, congratulated Engr. Ayadi , stressing that his journey so far is a lesson to the younger ones on the fact that resilience , steadfastness and hard work with strong faith in God pay. Chief Oke advised the celebrant to move closer to God as he continues to climb the ladder of old age, stressing that he should continue with all the good gestures he has been known for and identified with.
Substantial amount of fund was raised during the launch of the celebrant’s autobiography as invited guests donated in appreciation of what the Celebrant stands for in their life.
Engr. Ayadi, supported by his amiable wife cut the birthday cake drawing applause from the audience.
Among the guests at the event were Chief Olusola Oke, Engineer Benson Obayelu, Chairman Ilaje Local Govt, Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, Engr. Karaki, Prof. Omosegbon, Engr. Femi Ogundeji (Chairman of the Occasion) , Mr. Ola Omotehinse, Dr. Edino, Hon. Goke Jatuwase, Sir and Dame Wumi Akinmoju- the pionner Principal of Yala Matrix Schools, Engr.Sehinde Omoyoloye, Mr. Olorunlana and many more.
On the fringe of the event, in an exclusive chat with thepolity. net, the celebrant beaming with a knowing smile of gratitude said he feels younger in his body and his mind, expressing gratitude to God for blessing him with good health even at 70, while he has enjoyed a blissful and successful career, noting that he finds joy in seeing people being happy and comfortable .
