Eminent Nigerians have lauded the contribution of a former National Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Liad Tella, to nation-building, journalism and public service.
The prominent Nigerians include Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashiru Ajibola; the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore; Dotun Babayemi, Femi Kehinde, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Lukman Mudasiru, Fatai Akinbade and a host of others.
The commendation came at the weekend, during the launch of a book written by Tella titled: ”Iwo and the Dungeon of Political Poverty,” which was published by Aoosa Publishers Limited, and reviewed by a former Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji.
The programme, which was held at Riverside Hotel and Resort, Iwo, Osun State, was graced by many traditional leaders, renowned academics, media icons, senior public servants, including Prof. Lai Olurode, The Guardian Weekend Editor, Dr Kabir Alabi; Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, Prof. Kamil Oloso, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Azeez Olatunbosun; Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, and others.
Adeleke, who was the executive guest of honour, was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Olufemi Oroniyi.
The governor, who described Tella as a patriotic elder statesman, said his contribution was worthy of emulation.
Oba Akanbi, who was grand royal father of the day, described the author in glowing terms.
On his part, Omisore, who was the chairman of the day, lauded the author’s contribution to humanity, while the book reviewer, Prof. Adedimeji and the publisher, Kehinde, said the book contains many valuable lessons that could engender development.
They, therefore, urged all to get copies of the book.
In his remark, the author lauded those present across political divide, saying it was a sign of politics without bitterness.
