FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo,ex-Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and former Head of Interim Government, Earnest Shonekan were among other notable Nigerians that attended the Professor Emeritus, Oladipo Akinkugbe’s 80th praise and thanksgiving service at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, yesterday.
The ex-leaders who spoke in turn commended the meritorious service that the celebrant, Prof. Akinkugbe had given for the development of the country.
According to Chief Obasanjo, “The history of Nigeria would have been different and the worst would have happened, but for the interventions of the likes of Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe and the Almighty God.”
He noted that when the economy of the country nose-dived, it was people like Prof. Akinkugbe that came to the rescue before the challenge could be surmounted.
Gowon, at the occasion which also had the Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Christopher Kolade, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Ondo State counterpart, Olusegun Mimiko, the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion, and Oba Otudeko in attendance, said the celebrant was a man of honour and a pride to Nigeria.
Other eminent Nigerians in attendance were Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Arisekola Alao, among others.
Igbinedion said: “He has made a mark as an illustrious personality in the land.”
The cleric at the event, Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Joseph Akinfenwa, said: “We are not happy about the ongoing ASUU strike in Nigeria universities.
“The situation of education in the land is lamentable and unacceptable considering the fact that the president and the minister of education are university person.
“Unfortunately, earning a degree in Nigeria has become a journey you don’t know when it will end.”
He spoke about the celebrant, saying, “we have seven days in a week, so 80 means a new beginning for you. You have to be more relevant to people who are looking up to you. Akinkugbe has fulfilled his earthly potential. He has led such a productive life.”
Ajimobi said, “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 present here today. We have here two generals and a renowned industrialist.”
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