A legal practitioner, Chief Afe Babalola and the National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Party (APC), Senator Osita Izunaso have received Presidential birthday wishes from President Muhammadu Buhari as they turned 85 and 50 respectively tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30.
In a statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari described Babalola as a legal luminary, educationist and philanthropist.
President Buhari said that his birthday of a man like Babalola who epitomizes unique and enviable qualities that every nation will want projected in its leadership and citizenry is a milestone.
The President said that the legal luminary’s lifestyle exemplifies discipline, diligence, honesty and wisdom, the virtues which he said he employed from childhood to succeed against the vicissitudes of poverty and deprivation, and climbed steadily to reach the pinnacle of his career as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
President Buhari said that Aare Babalola has the pride to look back with at his achievements, which include the God-fearing act of always catering for the poor and under privileged, and mentoring of lawyers from his Emmanuel Chambers that have turned Senior Advocates of Nigeria and Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice.
The President also extoled the patriotism and commitment of Aare Babalola to nation building through regular counseling of leaders, representation of the Federal Government and founding of one of the best universities in Africa.
Also in a statement by the senior special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the President described Senator Osita as an accomplished journalist, politician and philanthropist, who has used his God-given abilities and resources for the benefit of humanity.
He extolled the exemplary lifestyle and conduct of Senator Osita who at the golden age of 50, has creditably demonstrated great leadership skills with towering records as a former distinguished lawmaker and current APC chieftain.
President Buhari said that Senator Ostia’s commitment to providing care and support to Persons Living with Disability through his Kpakpando Foundation; and the decision to celebrate his golden jubilee with the less privileged is worthy of emulation by all, particularly young and aspiring leaders. [myad]
