Celebrating My Big Brother at 85 — Professor Emeritus Afolabi Soyode
Wao, I am so joyful today.
I get to celebrate a man who has filled rooms and hearts for 85 years — Professor Emeritus Afolabi Soyode, my beloved Big Brother.
I have known many people in my life, but I can say without hesitation: he has always been a very jolly jolly fellow, a fantastic human being. If laughter had a home address, it would be wherever he is. He walks in and the air lightens. He speaks and people lean in, not just because he is brilliant, but because he is joyful. Prov 17:22 — _“A joyful heart is good medicine.”_ He has been medicine to so many of us.
I have watched him at 50, at 70, and now at 85, and one thing has never changed: he chooses joy. He chooses kindness. He chooses to see people. That is a rare thing in a world that teaches men to guard their hearts and measure their smiles. He never got that memo. Thank God.
His best life is ahead of him like the Scripture said.
Prov 4:18 — _“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”_ I believe that for him. At 85, his light is not dimming. It is getting brighter. The best stories, the best laughter, the best impact — they are still coming. *Job 11:17* — _“And your life will be brighter than the noonday.”_ I am standing on that promise for my Big Brother today.
He has taught me that age is not a cage. It is a platform. That wisdom is not somber. It is often found cracking jokes over tea and making everyone feel like family. That being “Professor Emeritus” is not just about titles and books. It is about being a man young people want to become, and older people are grateful to know.
So today, I celebrate you, Prof. I thank God for 85 years of your laughter. I thank God for the way you father so many of us without ever demanding the title. I thank God that you are my Big Brother, and I get a front-row seat to your life.
Ps 92:14 — _“They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.”_ You are full of sap, Prof. Full of life. Full of joy. And I am praying *Ps 91:16* over you: _“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”_
Wao, I am so joyful. 85 looks good on you. And the best is still ahead.
Happy 85th Birthday, my beloved Big Brother.
Num 6:24-26 — _“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”_
I love you, sir. We celebrate you today and always.
Isaac Megbolugbe
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