Dame Rebecca Aikhomu at 85: Family, Anglican Communion, Associates Celebrate Life of Impact and Grace
…Bishop Odedeji Hails Her as a Symbol of God’s Blessings
Lagos, Nigeria – It was an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and reverence as family, friends, and members of the Anglican Communion gathered to celebrate the 85th birthday of Dame Rebecca Aikhomu, wife of the late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, former Military Vice President of Nigeria. The event, held at the Church of Pentecost, Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion) in Festac Town, Lagos, was marked by heartfelt tributes, solemn thanksgiving, and jubilant praise.
The high point of the celebration was a special thanksgiving service presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, the Right Reverend James Olusola Odedeji, who extolled the virtues of the octogenarian, describing her as a symbol of divine grace, unwavering faith, and impactful living.
Delivering a moving homily, Bishop Odedeji spoke glowingly of Dame Aikhomu's enduring commitment to service, generosity, and faith. “Mama’s life is a testament to the blessings of God,” he declared. “She is a woman of selflessness and quiet strength, who has touched many lives across this nation—both in her personal capacity and through her unwavering support for the church and community. Her life is indeed fulfilled.”
The bishop also encouraged the celebrant to continue living with heaven in focus, assuring her that her walk with God and her service to humanity had not gone unnoticed. He urged her to remain steadfast and spiritually alert, noting that the legacy she continues to build is an inspiration to all.
The service featured a rich array of Anglican hymns, scriptural readings, and words of appreciation from those who have been impacted by the celebrant’s life. Members of the congregation, family friends, and dignitaries, including guests from Edo State and across Nigeria, gathered to honor the woman fondly referred to as a “matriarch of faith and dignity.”
In her address, Dame Aikhomu expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of life and for sustaining her through the decades. With emotion in her voice, she acknowledged the role of family, friends, and the church in her journey, describing her life as “a story written by grace.”
“I give all the glory to God for His mercy and faithfulness in my life. I am humbled and overwhelmed by the love shown to me today,” she said. “It is my prayer that God continues to grant me the strength to serve Him and to remain a blessing to others.”
Her daughter, Mrs. Vinitha Nimmyel, speaking on behalf of the family, paid tribute to her mother’s legacy, character, and spiritual influence. “We are proud of the woman our mother is—a woman of faith, of discipline, of integrity,” she said. “Her life has shaped ours, and the church, and even her community in countless ways. We pray that God grants her many more years in sound health and overflowing joy.”
Other family members, well-wishers, and church leaders also offered glowing remarks, sharing personal stories of how Dame Aikhomu has quietly but profoundly supported the church, mentored younger generations, and exemplified Christian virtues in word and deed.
The celebration continued after the service with a modest reception, where guests fellowshipped, sang, and danced in honor of a woman whose life continues to inspire hope, resilience, and faith in action.
Dame Rebecca Aikhomu remains a beacon of grace and dignity—an enduring figure in Nigeria’s post-military history, and a stalwart of the Anglican faith.
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