President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with globally recognised essayist, academic and author, Professor Adebayo Williams, as he marks his 70th birthday anniversary on September 9, 2021.
In the same vein, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has rejoiced with the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, as he turns 65 on Wednesday.
The duo congratulated the celebrants as they added another year to their age on the surface of the earth.
The President in a statement by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, yesterday, saluted the almost 50 years of scholarship, university teaching, and contribution to public discourse that Prof Williams had tucked under his belt, extolling him for being a source of inspiration to the younger generation, and a pride to the country.
Noting that the multiple award-winning writer, after years of teaching at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) took his intellectual prowess to Europe and America for many decades, President Buhari said Prof Williams has used his God-given endowments for the good of humanity round the globe.
Rejoicing with the Williams family, the academia, friends and acquaintances of the celebrated writer and teacher, the President wished Prof Williams longer life, good health and greater contribution to scholarship and sharing of knowledge.
He encouraged the newspaper columnist not to relent in addressing issues of governance very crucial to Nigeria and Africa.
On his part, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke as, “a bridge builder, an exemplary leader, a man of refreshing honesty, openness and genuine spirituality”.
In a letter to the Bishop who turned 65 Wednesday, Osinbajo and his wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo joined in celebrating the revered man of God.
According to the Vice President: “Dolapo and I rejoice with you, your dear wife, Rev. (Mrs.) Tokunbo Wale Oke, the family, the entire membership of Sword of the Spirit Ministries worldwide and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria on your 65th birthday anniversary. We thank God for the profoundly remarkable life that yours has been.”
He said, “your exceptional life of service is a divine script that has continued to inspire both those of us who are close to you and millions globally. Through the years we have been especially blessed by your godly counsel, love and constant encouragement.”
Making reference to his ministry, including the Sword of the Spirit Ministries where Bishop Oke is President, the Vice President said “your profound love for and devotion to God and the gospel of Jesus Christ are evidenced by the exceptional grace you have been given to intercede and evangelize. These explain the great impact your calling continues to make in the Kingdom while pursuing your set goal of bringing 100 million souls to Christ.”