It was a moment of joy, celebration and humanitarian service as the Chief Executive Officer of Tiwon and Co. Ltd., Kota-Ekiti, and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum in Ekiti East Local Government Area, Alhaji Shittu Bello (Tiwonloju), popularly known as Baba Oba, celebrated his birthday in grand style.
The birthday celebration, held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, was marked by the distribution of food items and cash gifts to widows and less privileged members of society across Ekiti East Local Government Area as part of his commitment to supporting the vulnerable and putting smiles on their faces.
The occasion attracted goodwill messages from prominent APC leaders and other notable personalities across Ekiti State, who gathered to celebrate the illustrious son of Ekiti, describing him as a generous philanthropist, committed grassroots mobiliser and a man whose life has been dedicated to the service of humanity.
Among those who felicitated with the celebrant were the Chairman of the APC Elders Forum in Ekiti State, Chief G.A. Oni; his younger brother and former Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Alhaji Saka Bello; respected community leader, Chief Osanyintuyi Olugbenga; APC candidate for Ekiti East Constituency II House of Assembly, Barrister Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed; Mr Omolayo, a political leader from Ward 4; and another younger brother of the celebrant, Mr Abdul Bello.
In their separate goodwill messages, the dignitaries showered encomiums on Alhaji Shittu Bello, popularly known as Tiwonloju, acknowledging his numerous contributions to community development, unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and consistent support for individuals across different walks of life.
They described him as a man of integrity, generosity and compassion whose impact on the lives of many people cannot be overemphasised.
He was also celebrated as a strong pillar of the Bello family dynasty in Isaya-Ekiti and Kota-Ekiti, whose leadership, generosity and commitment to family unity have continued to earn him admiration and respect.
Alhaji Bello is widely regarded as a philanthropist and humanitarian par excellence. His generosity cuts across religious, ethnic and political divides, as he has consistently demonstrated love and support for people irrespective of their backgrounds or political affiliations.
Several beneficiaries at the event testified to his longstanding acts of kindness, recalling how he had assisted them in paying their children’s school fees, WAEC registration fees and other educational expenses whenever they approached him for assistance.
His interventions in the lives of ordinary people have earned him admiration and respect, particularly among residents of Ekiti East Local Government Area, where he is fondly regarded as a father to all.
In a statement released by the Special Assistant on Media to Harrison Olaniyi Alonge, Comrade Olawale Ezekiel, who is also from Ekiti East Local Government Area, and made available to the press in Isaya-Ekiti, the celebrant expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for His faithfulness, mercy and abundant grace throughout his life.
Alhaji Shittu Bello thanked Almighty Allah for preserving his life to witness another birthday, noting that many of his contemporaries were no longer alive to celebrate such a milestone.
He emphasised the importance of generosity and giving, urging people to share whatever Allah has blessed them with, irrespective of how little they may possess.
He noted that the principle of giving to the needy and supporting the less privileged is strongly encouraged in the Holy Qur’an, stressing that people should always remember those who are less fortunate in society.
He also appreciated everyone who honoured him with their presence, goodwill messages, prayers and support during the birthday celebration.
Speaking on the political development of the country and Ekiti State, the APC chieftain urged residents and party faithful at the gathering to massively support and vote for all APC candidates, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of the APC and the continued development of Ekiti State.
The celebrant, who hails from Isaya-Ekiti and Kota-Ekiti in Ekiti State, is a successful businessman, respected elder statesman and influential grassroots politician whose contributions to community development have continued to attract commendations.
Beyond his philanthropic activities, Alhaji Tiwonloju is also known for his intervention in resolving disputes and settling disagreements whenever the need arises.
His ability to bring people together, promote peaceful coexistence and foster unity has further strengthened his reputation as a dependable community leader.
A political juggernaut with a strong passion for grassroots development, he has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not merely about occupying political positions but about making meaningful differences in the lives of the people.
He also used the occasion to appreciate the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his purposeful leadership, commitment to good governance and efforts towards the continued development of Ekiti State.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Chief Imam of Isaya-Ekiti and Kota-Ekiti,Sheikh Bello Tajudeen, APC Chairman of Ward 4,former Supervisory Councillor, Hon. Joel, a strong TOA supporter from Ward 4,Hon Folorunso Ojo alongside other prominent APC leaders, community stakeholders and well-wishers from across Ekiti East Local Government Area.
The birthday celebration was not merely an occasion to mark another year in the life of Alhaji Shittu Bello but also an opportunity to celebrate his enduring legacy of generosity, selfless service, political commitment, family leadership and dedication to humanity.
Indeed, for the many people whose lives he has touched through his numerous acts of kindness, Alhaji Shittu Bello, fondly called Baba Oba and Tiwonloju, remains a symbol of hope, compassion and a true father to all.
Happy Birthday to a great philanthropist, community builder and man of the people!
