By Christ Chimezie
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Last week, the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana and former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran were top on the list of eminent personalities that graced the 80th birthday thanksgiving service of Chief Olu Falae.
The auditorium of St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu Akure, venue of the service was filled to capacity with array of politicians across the country.
Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chief Supo Shonibare, Dr Adegoke Adegoroye and Chief Femi Aluko led a group of close associates of the octogenarian.
Expressing joy that Falae attained the status of octogenarian in sound health, the Ondo State Governor described the celebrant as a rare gem the State is proud to have produced.
“He no doubt, bestrodes the political landscape of this country like a colossus which climaxed with his being a Presidential Candidate of AD/APP in 1999.
“As a consumate farmer, an urbane and quintessential politician and author whose contributions to his community, the state and the country in general, remain legendary and has continued to keep faith with development issues in Ondo State and Nigeria”, he said.
Also extolling Falae’s virtues, the immediate past Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko described him as a quintessential Ọmọluabi, an illustrious son of Ondo state and one of Nigeria’s brightest economists.
He wished the former Finance Minister and former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), more productive years ahead he continues to contribute to the development of our dear nation.
In his sermon, Bishop of Akure Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Revd Simeon Borokini congratulated the celebrant for receiving favour from God which culminated his attainment of 80 years in the land of the living.
He urged everyone to look back and praise the lord for all the benefits.
Borokini said the benefit of life which was the most important benefit, was to be cherished instead of taken for granted.
He added that the celebrant also had the benefit of productivity, which God had blessed him with offspring.
“God has blessed Baba Falae, he has flourished and fruitful. Children of God will not labour in vain so you will all eat the fruits of your labour,” he said.
The Bishop further praised God for the benefits of mercy, which he said, endure forever and kept everyone alive to see each day.
“I pray for you all, that goodness and mercy shall follow you as well as God’s protection. Men run from pillar to post nowadays looking for protection and power.
Every powers of the enemy challenging you and your family shall be disgraced in Jesus name.
“I appeal to our fathers and mother who are politicians, let us put tribalism aside and restructure our minds. Let us put competent people in positions of responsibility. Put sentiments and religion aside for Nigeria to be one nation,” he admonished.
“Everyone should draw nearer to God because no one knows when the last trumpet would sound, let all be prepared because we will all give account of our stewardship.
“I pray that baba Falae will have more years in the land of the living with robust health. I rejoice with you and your family,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the service include; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Mr Omolafe Adedayo, Mr Soji Bello among numerous other guests.
