President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Chief Olutayo Soyode on his 80th birthday, yesterday. In particular, the President joined Soyode’s son-in law, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, his daughter, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, family, close friends and associates to felicitate with the octogenarian.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, Buhari used the occasion to “celebrate a worthy patriot and man of honour with strong commitment to family values, education and Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
The statement reads in part: “President Buhari acknowledges the contributions of Chief Soyode to national development, including his role as a trained marine engineer and also in politics. He was a stalwart of the Action Congress of Nigeria and remains a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress 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.
“Chief Soyode, who was an active follower of the late Premier of the Western Region, has showed exemplary leadership qualities as a public intellectual and someone who is very passionate about education, people and giving back to his community and nation.”
The statement adds: “As Chief Soyode turns 80, President Buhari wishes 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 prays for God’s continued guidance and good health for him.”
