The immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare; a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Maj. Gen. Ashimiyu Olaniyi (retd.); the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole; and wife of the former Governor of the Oyo State, Mutia Ladoja, were among dignitaries who showered encomiums on the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland and founding Chairman of Splash 105.5 FM, Ibadan, Oba Murtala Akande, as he marked his 85th birthday on Tuesday.
The event, which was held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, also had in attendance, the celebrant’s wife, the Iya Lode of Ibadan, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; a former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Mustafa Oyero; Chairman, Governing Council of Lead City University, Prof. Jide Owoeye; and a host of others
In his remarks, Gen Olaniyi, who chaired the occasion, described the celebrant as an icon and a successful businessman who uses his wealth to impact society positively.
Olaniyi described the octogenarian as a “successful businessman of note, industrialist, a philanthropist, a community leader, and an extraordinary individual who has shaped our community.”
“His personality has touched countless lives across the length and breadth of Nigeria. His journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication, profound wisdom and countless service. His vision and actions have left an indelible mark on our society, fostering progress, justice and unity.
“On a personal note, I am inspired by his humility and grace despite all these accolades and achievements in life, he remains approachable, humble, and always willing to listen to advice and guide,” Olaniyo said of Akande.
In his lecture titled: “Youth O’ Clock: Unbundling the Age Myth and Blending Generation,” ex-Youth and Sports minister, Dare, urged both the older and younger generation to stop the blame game and create a synergy that could develop society.
Dare said, “This is the generation for the youth. They share the population even in our country. I said you cannot ignore the youth. They cannot ignore their population. They cannot ignore their skills. They cannot ignore their innovative minds.
“Beyond the age, there is a need for the younger generation and the older generation to work together. The youths bring something to the table, the older generation brings something to the table, then we can move society forward.
“And we should stop the blame game. The young ones blaming the older ones, the older ones blaming the younger ones, that they are not disciplined. Let’s get together and create a synergy that can develop our society.”
Earlier, the celebrant’s wife, Chief (Mrs) Akande, also described her husband as a great and loving man.
She said, “My husband is a great achiever with unbelievable humility. The man has touched many lives in many positive ways, including mine. So, I have no choice but to be here today. I have to be supportive of everything my husband does.”
In his vote of thanks, the General Manager of Splash FM, Tunde Olawuwo, appreciated those who made the occasion a success, especially the invited guests, saying, “Your presence here has inspired us and has added immense value to our gathering here.”
He said the founding chairman, Oba Akande, was one person who believed in the capacity of young people.
“One thing we should note is that our founder and proprietor is one person who believes in the capacity of young people, and you only just to look around and see the kind of people he had surrounded himself with.
“Special thanks go to our chairman, our esteemed Baba, Oba Akande, whose visionary leadership continues to guide us all. May you continue to be around in good health, and in prosperity.”
