Olopade turns 90, urges unity, prayers for Nigeria

As Obafemi Olopade, an engineer, turned 90, he has urged Nigerians to strive towards the unity of the country through consistent prayers.

He made the call at the celebration of his birthday in Lagos yesterday.

Olopade explained that irrespective of faith, “Nigerians must find time to pray for the country, particularly at this period of the nations’ political history.”

According to him, “Nigeria needs prayers, prayers do all things. We all need to pray, not necessarily by adding fasting, but there should be peace in the country if we want to belong to Nigeria.

“Let us all encourage our children to learn Nigerian languages. I pray that by this time next year, somewhere in Lagos, I should have a small school where your friend, your husband, your son and wife would come and learn those three Nigerian languages,” he said.

In an interview with The Guardian on the journey so far, the celebrant said: “Like a flower rose being an important flower, you can’t pluck the flower itself, without going through thorns.”

“I want the young generations to emulate virtues, honesty and speak the truth by avoiding cutting corners to achieve greatness.”

In a tribute to the celebrant, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, described him as one who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba.

“He continues to take interest in the college affairs, we still visit him and seek his counsel. He comes to inaugural lectures of staff members and continues to mobilise friends and business associates to sow into the College of Medicine and into the future of its healthcare workers.”

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, lauded Olopade as a person who radiates youthfulness even at 90.

Oba Akiolu urged the people to continue to pray for the country, “Support the government and be absolutely loyal to it.”

Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, said God has been very kind to the celebrant; hence he looks so young even at 90.