Buhari, Obasanjo, Adeboye, others praise Obey-Fabiyi at 75

President congratulates Solanke at 85
Prominent Nigerians have been praising ace musician and gospel singer, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, who turned 75 yesterday.

President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, immediate past President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Overseas, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye were among those who poured encomiums on the septuagenarian yesterday.

Buhari, in a letter said: “Please accept my congratulations and that of Nigerians on this occasion of your 75th birthday anniversary. Obey-Fabiyi is a household name in Nigeria and beyond.”

At a church service held in the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, the former president described him as “a great music ambassador” and a man of “extraordinary talent.”

Obasanjo said Obey-Fabiyi had in one of his music sang about the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), a policy he (Obasanjo) initiated in the 1970s as military head of state to make the country self-sufficient in food production.

Adeboye said he had to “abandon some schedules” to attend his event because of his love and admiration for Obey-Fabiyi.

Amosun described him as a great ambassador and expressed the hope that Ogun State would accord him a rightful place in its annals by building a museum for his works where future generations can go for a study on the celebrant.

Renowned gospel singer, Bola Are, who rendered a special song at the ceremony, described the celebrant as an “awesome and commander of music in the whole world.”

In his sermon, Bishop Francis Wale Oke anchored his message on Psalm 71vs 1-3 and urged the audience to keep seeking the face of God for His favours, protection and mercy when old age beckons.

A visibly elated Obey-Fabiyi expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and Nigerians, who shared his moment of joy with him.

In another development, President Buhari yesterday also congratulated eminent lawyer, administrator and the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Folake Solanke, on her 85th birthday.

Buhari, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina joined all members of the Bar and the Bench, her friends and family in celebrating the landmark age of the octogenarian, who, he said has won many awards and recognitions, including the Commander Order of the Niger (CON), for her courage in the pursuit of truth, and advocating a better life for the less privileged.

Buhari prayed unto God to grant Chief Solanke good health and longer life to serve her country.