Some occasions go beyond celebration. They carry a sense of purpose, reflection and quiet fulfillment that words can hardly capture. That was the mood as Mrs. Oluranti Mulikat Omotosho celebrated her 53rd birthday, a day that also marked the public presentation of her poetry collection, Olusire the Poet, a body of work made up of 25 poems that reflect her thoughts, experiences and understanding of life.
At the heart of the gathering was the book itself. Olusire the Poet brings together 25 poems that touch on life in a way that is both simple and profound. The themes cut across faith, love, loss, personal growth, resilience and the realities of everyday living. The language is easy to follow, yet it carries depth that allows readers to connect personally with each piece.
Reviewing the book, Dr Yeside Oyetayo described it as a well thought out and meaningful literary work. She explained that what stands out is the honesty in the writing and the simplicity of expression, which makes the poems both accessible and impactful. According to her, each poem reflects real life experiences shaped into messages that speak clearly to the reader.
She noted that the collection spans different areas of life including spirituality, culture, mentorship and resilience, making it relevant to a wide audience. She also pointed out that putting together 25 purposeful poems in a single collection is a notable achievement, especially at a time when deep literary engagement is becoming less common. In her view, the book carries a strong message of hope and inner strength, and she described it as a remarkable piece that deserves recognition.
Sharing her personal journey, Mrs. Oluranti Mulikat Omotosho spoke with calm confidence about how her path into poetry began. She revealed that her interest in writing was awakened years ago after reading Africa by David Diop, an experience that stirred something within her and pushed her towards self expression through poetry. From then on, writing became a steady part of her life, gradually evolving into the collection she now presents.
She described the journey as demanding but rewarding. Beyond writing, she had to invest time in refining the poems, organizing the content, handling the creative aspects and funding the production process. Despite the challenges, she remained focused, driven by the belief that her message needed to be shared.
“This book reflects life as it is,” she said. “It talks about love, loss, growth and the strength to move forward. Each poem is drawn from real emotions and experiences.”
At one point during the event, the atmosphere became even more engaging as she recited two of her poems, Olumo Rock and My Future is Now. Her delivery was confident and expressive, drawing strong applause and cheers from the audience who connected deeply with her words.
She also shared her hopes for the future of the book, expressing confidence that it will reach beyond the present audience and inspire others, particularly young writers, to embrace their creativity.
“I see this as a starting point,” she said. “I believe the book will go far and encourage others to tell their own stories.”
Offering a broader perspective, Dr. Steve Akadiri, a member of staff at Capital Express, spoke on the state of reading culture in Nigeria. He expressed concern that literary events often receive less attention compared to entertainment driven gatherings. According to him, events focused on books and knowledge struggle to attract large audiences because many people are gradually losing interest in reading. He noted that if the occasion had been centered on entertainment, the turnout might have been much larger. He also stressed that societal decline cannot always be blamed on government alone, pointing out that citizens have a role to play in shaping culture and values. He questioned the place of history, knowledge and intellectual growth in a society that is moving away from reading.
Staff of Capital Express were also present in strong numbers to support the celebrant, creating a sense of unity and shared pride within the organisation.
Chairman of Capital Express, Chief (Dr) Anthony Aletor, JP, also spoke at the event, commending Mrs. Omotosho for her strength, dedication and resilience. He admitted that he was surprised to learn that she had authored a book, describing her as someone who is naturally quiet and unassuming, yet deeply capable. He noted that her strength lies in her consistency and inner depth, qualities that may not be immediately obvious but become clear over time. He further highlighted her background, stating that she comes from a family known for integrity and hard work, and that she embodies the values of the Ogunmodede lineage. As a show of support, he announced a contribution of ₦500,000 towards the project, describing it as encouragement for her creative journey rather than just a donation. He urged her to remain focused and continue developing her craft.
The celebrant also informed guests that Olusire the Poet is available online via https://solar.com/08707a10jw.
The event also featured a touch of Nollywood presence, as Sola Kosoko was represented by Foluke Daramola, who attended in support of the celebrant and added prestige to the occasion.
Family members, colleagues and friends spoke warmly about Mrs Omotosho, describing her as hardworking, spiritually devoted and forward thinking. Many highlighted her consistency, humility and strong sense of purpose, reflecting the respect she commands among those who know her.
Her colleague, Mr Oluwafemi James, also of Capital Express, spoke about her dedication and professionalism, noting that her talent as a poet came as a surprise and a reminder that many people carry gifts that are not immediately visible.
Her elder brother, Mr Tajudeen Ogunmodede, shared a personal perspective, recalling that her interest in poetry dates back to childhood. He expressed pride in seeing her bring that passion to life in a published work.
The gathering itself was filled with warmth, drawing together people from different backgrounds including family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries. It was a moment of appreciation and honour for a woman whose quiet strength and commitment have now found expression in literature.
At 53, Mrs. Oluranti Mulikat Omotosho is not just celebrating age. She is embracing a new phase as a writer and voice of reflection. Through Olusire the Poet, she has offered a collection of 25 poems that will continue to speak to readers and leave a lasting impression beyond the day of celebration.
