Gowon, OBJ, Shonekan, Ooni, others honour Prof Akinkugbe Written by Taiwo Olanrewaju and Tunde Ogunesan Thursday, 18 July 2013 EMINENT Nigerians, in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, poured encomiums on Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, during his 80th praise and thanksgiving service held at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan. Among the dignitaries were former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former head of Interim National Government, Chief Earnest Shonekan; chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Dr Christopher Kolade; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Ondo State counterpart, Dr Olusegun Mimiko. Gowon described Akinkugbe as an epitome of humility and a blessing to humanity, adding that “I celebrate him. He is a man of honour and a pride to Nigeria as a nation.” Obasanjo described Akinkugbe as an achiever and a great success, saying “the celebration is not for the celebrant and the family alone. I am the second celebrant. The history of Nigeria would have been different; the worst would have happened but for the interventions of the likes of Professor Akinkugbe and the almighty God. The Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion and Oba Otudeko said the celebrant was a simple and well loved person. Igbinedion added that “he has made a mark as an illustrious personality in the land.” Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Anglican Communion), Joseph Akinfenwa, described the celebrant as an enigma, saying “he has fulfilled his earthly potential. He has led such a productive life. He is a real foreman in terms of quality and quantity. He is a blessing not only to Nigeria but to humanity.” Governor Ajimobi described the celebrant as an accomplished man, symbol of abundance, grace, blessing, intellectuality, industry, nobility, humility and all round success. “The celebrant stands for style and did creditably well in Government College, Ibadan. This gathering is intimidating, because of the presence of three former heads of state here today. We have here two generals and a renowned industrialist,” he said. Others present on the occasion were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao; Chief Akintola Wiliams; Professor Akin Mabogunje, former Ekiti State governor, Chief Segun Oni and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Adewole, among others.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 06:08:20 +0000
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