Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, family members and friends gathered in Abeokuta to celebrate the 20th memorial service of the former first lady, Stella Obasanjo.

Dignitaries at the church service held at Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, OOPL, Abeokuta, on Saturday, included former governors, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun.

Mr Obasanjo, in a short response during an interview after the service, said, ” We are celebrating a life of service.”

In his testimony during the church service, John Abebe, the younger brother of the late former president’s wife, described her as someone who rarely got angry and always wore a smile.

”Sister Stella was somebody you just couldn’t get angry with because she would always smile through everything, every difficulty.

”I remember when my oldest brother passed on, as soon as my sister came from Abeokuta to see my parents or to stay with my parents, everything changed in the house.

”With her smile and huge encouragement to my parents, the grief was reduced.

”So, when I saw this announcement a few days ago, that was what occupied my heart throughout, and I knew that whatever I was going to say today was going to be based on her smile.

”Olumuyiwa, her son in his late 40s. Now, 20 years after his mom passed on, he has a 17-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son, and they are doing very well.

”We miss Stella a lot, because if she had been around, she would have been the mother who would have taken over from my parents,” he said.

While speaking, Olumuyiwa Obasanjo, her only child, said his mother would be remembered for her infectious laughter, kindness, advice, and the life lessons she shared.

He stated that her legacy would live on.

”She was caring and protective as an only child, most people understand that, but also strict and would not tolerate any deviation from you.

”So I have kept that in mind, and I have continued to try to live my life that way,” he said.

Speaking with journalists, Mr Daniel appreciated God for the life of the late former first lady.

”We thank God for her life. 20 years down the lane, the legacy she left behind, the son and grandchildren, will continue to miss her motherly support.

”In particular, during my time as Governor of the state. We named a motherless home after her,” he said.

In his sermon, Rev. Yusufu Obaje, the pioneer chaplain, State House, Abuja, said that the late Mrs Stella had a lifetime of submission to the will of God and lived an exemplary life.

(NAN)