Celebrated Nigerian Fuji maestro Abass Akande Obesere, popularly known as Omo Rapala, has commemorated his 60th birthday with significant philanthropic gestures, including the construction of a mosque and donation of educational materials to his alma mater.
The iconic musician reached the milestone age on January 28, 2025, celebrating the occasion with a blend of personal jubilation and community service. Taking to social media, Obesere shared a series of photographs showcasing him in elegant attire, expressing gratitude for the journey thus far.
Beyond the personal celebrations, the “Egungun Be Careful” crooner demonstrated his commitment to educational development through substantial contributions to his former secondary school. The newly constructed mosque stands as a testament to his dedication to both spiritual and educational growth, while his donation of essential learning materials including books and school bags aims to enhance the learning experience of current students.
Announcing the commissioning of these projects on his Instagram platform, Obesere expressed his devotion to continued philanthropic efforts, stating, “To God Be The Glory! Today we commissioned the newly built mosque at my alma mater and also donate learning materials to the pupils. This is will continue and won’t stop for a bit.”
The announcement sparked varied reactions from fans and followers across social media. While many celebrated the musician’s generosity and commitment to giving back to his community, others engaged in thoughtful discourse about educational priorities. Some supporters praised his initiative as a meaningful contribution to both spiritual and educational development, while others suggested focusing on additional educational infrastructure such as libraries and laboratories.
The debate highlights broader conversations about educational development priorities in Nigerian schools, with some commentators emphasizing the need for balanced investment in both spiritual and academic facilities. Supporters of the initiative argued that spiritual development complements academic growth, while others advocated for prioritizing traditional educational infrastructure.
Despite differing opinions on priority areas for educational investment, the gesture represents a significant milestone in Obesere’s journey from student to successful artist and now philanthropist. His decision to give back to his former school demonstrates a growing trend among Nigerian entertainers who choose to mark personal milestones with community development projects.
The celebration of Obesere’s 60th birthday comes at a time when the Fuji music genre continues to evolve while maintaining its cultural significance in Nigerian entertainment. As one of the genre’s most distinctive voices, Obesere’s contributions extend beyond music to community development and educational support.
The timing of these charitable acts coinciding with his 60th birthday celebrations adds deeper meaning to the milestone, transforming a personal achievement into an opportunity for community impact. Through these actions, Obesere sets an example for other successful artists and public figures on the importance of giving back to educational institutions that played crucial roles in their formative years.
The project has sparked important discussions about the role of successful alumni in supporting educational development and the various ways such support can be channeled. As Nigerian schools continue to face infrastructure challenges, initiatives like Obesere’s highlight the potential impact of individual contributions to educational development.
As Obesere enters his sixth decade, his birthday celebration serves not only as a testament to his enduring influence in the Nigerian music industry but also as a marker of his evolution from entertainer to community benefactor. The construction of the mosque and donation of educational materials stand as lasting tributes to his commitment to both spiritual and educational development in his community.
This milestone celebration and accompanying charitable acts reflect a growing awareness among Nigerian entertainers about the importance of leaving lasting legacies beyond their artistic achievements, contributing to the developmental needs of their communities while celebrating personal milestones.
