Buhari, Gbajabiamila, others celebrate Abiodun at 60

From Bolaji Ogundele, Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja, Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta and Leke Salaudeen

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as he clocks 60 years today.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said: “President Buhari joins Ogun State Executive Council, members of All Progressives Congress (APC) and citizens of the state in celebrating with Governor Abiodun on his 60th birthday.

“The President congratulates the governor, his family, supporters and political associates on the landmark age, which has been heralded by many lofty achievements in the private sector and public service, attracting recognition at home and abroad, especially in contributing to his state and national development.

“President Buhari commends the governor’s discipline, diligence and courage, which graciously translated into winning the 2019 elections, and the steps taken in prioritising education and health care in the state, and providing infrastructure that will stimulate more economic activities and reduce poverty.”

House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila described Abiodun as one of the strong pillars of the APC and a great contributor to the nation’s democracy.

In a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Abiodun has distinguished himself as a patriotic Nigerian in his 60 years on earth, urging others to emulate him.

Read Also: A diamond diadem for Dapo Abiodun

Governor Abiodun on Thursday expressed appreciation to friends and well-wishers for their desire to celebrate his landmark birthday, which coincides with the first anniversary of his administration.

In a statement he personally signed in Abeokuta, the state capital, the governor noted that given the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and the guidelines to combat the dreaded virus, he had opted for a low-key celebration.

According to him, a number of completed projects, which had earlier been earmarked for inauguration to mark his first year in office, had been put on hold.

The Ogun State chapter of APC hailed the governor for recording landmark achievements within one year in office.

The party also felicitated with him on his 60th birthday.

Rising from the monthly meeting of its State Working Committee (SWC) chaired by State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, APC hailed Abiodun for his “brilliant performance over the past 12 months, despite the dwindling financial resources”.

A statement by the party’s Assistant State Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Olusola Ogunsanya, said the governor performed “creditably well” in the last one year.

Also, the Olu of Itori in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, noted that the governor has changed the narrative of the state and advanced the well-being of the people within one year in office.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yomi Gbadebo, the monarch said Abiodun’s election victory was the best thing that has happened to Ogun State in recent time.