Family, friends and well-wishers have gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to celebrate the 80th birthday of former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.
The event was attended by former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, ex-Nigerian ambassador to Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farombi, and others.
A friend of the celebrant, Dr. Olu Agunloye, who said he had been with the celebrant for over 50 years, described Adeniran as an astute scholar, whose impact could not be quantified.
He said: ‘I’m happy to associate with him, I derive a lot of inspiration from him. He is one of the productive persons I’ve ever met in my life. We have both worked with Bola Ige, Wole Soyinka, Femi Johnson, Bola Akinyemi and others. He is worthy to emulate.’
One of the daughters of the celebrant, Banke Akinsola, said: ‘I thank God for the life of my dad, for sparing him till his 80th birthday. He is a philanthropist, who always opens his door to everyone who needs his help.
‘I’m glad to celebrate and honour him today. His character and loving heart are worthy to be emulated. He is a disciplinarian, who has no tolerance for laziness. He has been inspiring me over the years and he will continue to inspire me.’
The celebrant expressed gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, saying despite all odds, he was able to attain 80.
He said: ‘I am grateful to God, because it is by his grace, despite all odds that I made it. Not only that He has granted me the grace to witness my 80th birthday, but He also ensures I have lived a meaningful life. I wouldn’t have been here today if not for God. He has been very faithful to me.”
Adeniran, who urged Nigerians to move closer to God and follow His instructions, said: ‘Let’s appreciate what God has done for Nigeria. The nation is blessed with human and materials resources. It’s now left to us to show God that we appreciate what He has done for us through our commitment to him and the society.
‘We need to transform the lives of Nigerians, for a better society. The younger generations should wake up. It is their future that is being wasted if the nation is not doing well.”