Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Tinubu, Dangote, other prominent Nigerians Paid Him Tributes
May 29, 2020 went down as a day that testified to Dapo Abiodun’s amiability as a person and acceptability as a political leader. The ubiquitous celebration of his 60th birthday which coincided with his one year in office as Governor of Ogun State alluded to the fact that he is a man of many parts and one who harbours no grudges but abhor offences.
In a show of amity defying limitations emanating from social distancing, Prince Abiodun had dignitaries of immense means, influence and power across all divides rise to felicitate with him, as the birthday was celebrated in Governor’s House alongside his nuclear family, while other attendees joined the party via video chat platform, Zoom.
The virtual space became agog in a series of events marking the 60th Birthday Thanksgiving Service, which was officiated by the highly cerebral economist and the current Director General of the Budget Office for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Pastor Ben Akabueze.
The virtual occasion was graced by dignitaries was attended by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, senior religious leaders, former President, incumbent and former Governors, members of my cabinet, family members, friends and well-wishers.
The event was graced by from their different locations by political stalwarts, senior religious leaders, former President, incumbent and former Governors, members of Prince Abiodun’s cabinet, captains of industries, family members and friends.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who led the political elite extolled Abiodun’s virtues as a man of good character with exemplary ethos. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was also on hand to congratulate the governor and give his blessings. The governors were led by the Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum who conveyed the body’s wishes and prayers for Prince Abiodun.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel also gave a shout-out to the man whom he had to decamp from his party to support in the 2019 general election.
All the members of the Executive Council of Ogun State were also present as they took turn to eulogise and expressed their best wishes to their leader.
The virtual celebration did not leave out business magnates. Prince Abiodun’s long term friend and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote took time out to show up and congratulate him. International businessmen were also part of the celebratory guests.
One cannot separate Abiodun from his faith. Abiodun’s image of piety in the eye of the public was one of the traits that endeared him to many. In fact, it is believed that his pious mien contributed to his electoral fortune. It therefore did not come as a surprise when several foremost men of the clergy made virtual appearance to bless the day.
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, prayed for and prophesied blessings upon Governor Abiodun’s life in quest to take Ogun State to the next level. Latter Rain Assembly’s Senior Pastor, Pastor Tunde Bakare, also made a virtual appearance.
Congratulatory messages and wishes were also expressed across many cyber platforms, as well-wishes who were limited by environmental factors and virtual space constraints took to their respective social media pages to felicitate with Governor Abiodun.
The Governor had hinted that he would be celebrating at home with his family, “keeping in mind the need to avoid a large gathering. This is in light of the mood and situation of the Nation. Let’s all also remember this and other measures in our different places of business, at home or anywhere else.”
Expressing his profound gratitude, Governor Abiodun gave “glory to God for the gift of life at this Diamond Age, for family and well-wishers, for Ogun State and where we are a year after our Administration came on board.
“We prayed to Almighty God to chart us a divine course out of the pandemic that has struck the whole world, even as we further our own human efforts.
“I am indeed grateful to you all who joined the service in praise of God for how far this journey has come.
“Today holds a special place in things I hold dear. To the glory of God, I am 60 years of age exactly one year after God, through the popular vote of the Ogun State people, made me the Executive Governor of the State. The experiences that have come with six decades cannot be narrated now, but a few are common knowledge to family and friends. The devil manned a road block on our way to victory last year, but God insisted that the vision we have for the Gateway State would not die until it is actualised.
“I am indeed grateful for and elated with all the kind messages I have received from everyone, and I pledge not to rest on my oars until I have done my best in the capacity you have elected me into,” he said.