Methodist Evangelical Movement all over the world celebrates a truly great matriarch in the Body of Christ, in the person of Dame Evang Matilda Olugbeminiyi Omoyeni, as she turns 80. We also congratulate Baba Omoyeni on the 80th birthday celebration of his wife. Celebrating Mama Matilda Omoyeni, an evangelical matriarch at 80, is a monumental occasion focused on honouring a lifetime of faith, legacy, and spiritual mentorship, often referred to as a “Platinum Era” or a “living hymn.” Mama and Baba Omoyeni continue to function together with unction as pillars of faith, prayer warriors, and nurturing mother and father figures to their family and church community, William Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago Ijaye, Lagos. To a mother in Zion, Dame Omoyeni, we say happy 80th birthday. Blessed is she that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Dame Omoyeni, as a psalm to read, exemplifies a woman who delights in God’s instruction, is fruitful, and is rooted like a tree by water. Dame Omoyeni is “blessed” and “prosperous,” a godly woman of integrity who speaks the truth, treats neighbours well, and keeps her promises (Ps 1, 15). Dame Omoyeni is in awe of God, speaks of His majesty, and gives praise daily (Ps 145). Dame Omoyeni trusts in God, finds refuge in Him. She is blessed with God’s protection and living without fear (Ps 91). She finds strength and security in God during turbulent times (Ps 46). Her transgressions are forgiven, and she has a spirit in which there is no guile (Ps 32). Dame Omoyeni, as a psalm to read, represents a portrait of a person who is “like a tree whose roots go deep into fresh water so that his life yields good fruit” (Ps 1).

Mama Matilda Omoyeni, a matriarch, the Methodist Evangelical Movement’s testimony is eighty candles lit by God’s grace at Christ’s expense. Her stewardship in partnership with her husband is eighty steps forward, none taken without the whisper of God in her ear and the fire of worship in her soul. At 80, Mama Omoyeni is a shining example of grace and strength. Her life shows faith, love, and resilience. A life that has touched many, including mine. She still shines with kindness, a warm heart, and a joyful spirit.

Dame Omoyeni at 80 as a “living hymn” tells of a life, actions, and character embodying praise, devotion, and a divine melody, a walking testimony of prayer, faith, and miracle. Dame Omoyeni at 80 is a song of worship, more reflective of goodness than words alone. Her life of devotion, not just declarations, is a daily life of actions, words, and attitude dedicated to serving a higher purpose of God, often highlighted by serving others. Her life, a ‘living hymn’, is about constant testimony like a song that keeps playing, radiating hope and faith in everyday moments. By personal experience and encounter with her, Dame Omoyeni is a “walking testimony” of divine mercy. Dame Omoyeni is a walking sermon, a character that is consistent, demonstrating love, service, and righteousness. Dame Omoyeni and her husband are a living version of a hymn’s message, such as “Living for Jesus”. As a unique couple, they often bring comfort, peace, and hope to others, functioning as a “balm” or comfort in difficult times, much like a familiar hymn brings peace. Even through difficult times, they maintain trust and faith, with their life testifying to the phrase “He lives” and showing that “life is worth the living.” Baba and Mama Omoyeni are a ‘living hymn.’ Their very presence resonates with a sense of peace, love, and spiritual commitment.

Born on April 26th, 1946, to the family of Mr & Mrs Michael Awodein of Iperu -Remo, Dame Omoyeni started her education at Mount Camel Convent School, Ebute-Metta. She went on from there to Western College of Commerce, Onitiri, Yaba. She started her career at Shonibare Housing Estate as a Secretary. From there, she went on to the Lagos City Council and, finally, to Union Bank of Nigeria as Confidential Secretary, where she worked until her retirement in 2000.

She got married to her heartthrob on December 6th, 1969, and is blessed with children and great-grandchildren. She has served God within and outside the Methodist Church Nigeria and is still involved in the work of Evangelism and discipleship, as well as children’s Evangelism. Dame Omoyeni and her husband attended the maiden edition of Wesley School of Prayer and Discipleship – WESPLE. Other elderly particiopants from Willaim Memoral Methodist Church were: Papa Adeyemo – Baba White, Engr and Deaconess Sobogun, and Dr William Aina.

Today, we do not merely celebrate the passing of time, we honour Dame Omoyeni, a life poured like alabaster—sweet, sacred, and strong. Dame Omoyeni, a mother, a matriarch, a melody in human form. Through trials she sang, in triumphs she soared, with hands that prayed and lips that praised, she taught us how to rise, not just survive. Mama, yours is 80 years of grace and legacy, a journey of unwavering faith, resilience, and the “unanswered prayers” that became testimony. Mama, you are the “Proverbs 31” Woman, a virtuous, strong, and compassionate woman of God. Mama, congratulations on your “Oak” Jubilee, a traditional symbol for an 80th anniversary, representing strength, wisdom, and endurance. She is a gift who keeps on giving.

Dame Omoyeni’s life is not counted in years, but in the testimonies, she birthed, the altars she raised, and the prayers and songs she released into the atmosphere of our lives. She remains, ‘a sound that carries the scent of her journey— a tapestry of tears, laughter, and unwavering faith. It is not just a song— it is the echo of decades drenched in devotion. It is her way of saying: “I’m still standing… and I’m still singing.” Mama, you are a psalm we continue to read, a living hymn, an answered prayer wrapped in flesh.’ Mama, with your husband and family, the rest of your years shall be the best in Jesus’ name.

To God be the glory. Worthy is the Lamb!