Buhari acknowledged the contributions of Pa Soyode to national development including his role as a trained marine engineer and in politics.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday celebrated his father, Olutayo Soyode, on his 80th birthday.
Prof Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, held a thanksgiving service and luncheon in commemoration of the octogenarian in Lagos.
In a letter read out at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the celebrant, noting that Soyode is a worthy patriot and man of honour with strong commitment to family values, education and Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Buhari acknowledged the contributions of Pa Soyode to national development including his role as a trained marine engineer and in politics.
“He was a stalwart of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and remains a chieftain of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, where he is a member of the Presidential Campaign Council.
“A long-standing progressive, he was a strong member of the Unity Party of Nigeria, founded by his late father-in-law, the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, during the Second Republic.
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“Pa Soyode was an active follower of the late premier of the Western Region (Awolowo) and has showed exemplary leadership qualities as a public intellectual.
“He is very passionate about education, about people and about giving back to his community and to the nation.
“As Pa Soyode turns 80, I wish him many more years of impact from his plethora of wisdom and life experiences that the younger generation, and the nation at large, will surely benefit from,’’ the president stated.
Buhari also prayed for God’s continued guidance and good health for him.
Earlier in his sermon at the Thanksgiving Service, Rev. Yomi Kasali, Senior Pastor, Foundation of Truth Assembly, Lagos, said the celebrant lived a life worthy of emulation and celebration.
Kasali also offered special prayers for Pa Soyode, his family, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and well-wishers.
The event attracted Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, among others.