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Why Nigerians Must Reconcile and Return to the Spirit of June 12 – Dele Momodu

Published

6 years ago

June 17, 2018

Eric

By Charles Kumolu

One of the closest associates of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Chief Dele Momodu, in this interview, reveals the efforts he is making to ensure that key June 12 actors offer apology for their roles, in order to achieve true reconciliation.

The veteran journalist also narrated his encounter with the daughter of the late Gen. Sani Abacha about the latest development and disclosed the impetus that propelled Kola Abiola to seek recognition for MKO Abiola among other issues.

Excerpts:

As a close associate of the late Chief MKO Abiola, would you say that his recognition by President Muhammadu Buhari has pacified all aggrieved parties?

For any member of the Abiola family or his political family, it is natural that we are happy because we had to wait for 25 years for someone to recognise that on June 12, 1993, something monumental happened in this country. Chief Abiola won the election and nobody ever contradicted that, not even those who annulled it. They knew that he won, but they just didn’t want him to govern. There was no controversy about the fact that he won, and no one accused him of cheating. He suffered for winning an election. In literature, we call it oxymoron because it is a contradiction.

How can a man win an election and he will not be allowed to take over power? The case of Nigeria is compared to that of a vulture that has been extremely patient with reference to a James Hadley Chase book I read as a student titled: The Vulture is a Patient Bird. However, 25 years after, at God’s appointed time, honour came for Abiola and all those who fought for June 12. We are extremely grateful to Buhari. On this one, Buhari scored a hat trick because it is like scoring three goals at a time. It does not matter whether we agree with his government or not.

MKO Abiola with associates

Where were you when you heard the news and how did you receive it?

I was in London at the time. A friend called me on phone, and said he had something very urgent to discuss with me. It was in the afternoon of that day. He said something major was about to happen in Nigeria. When I asked further, he said I would hear it later. However, he whispered and said Buhari was about to recognise Abiola. I laughed, and said he can even wake Abiola up if he liked because we were already frustrated about promises that he would be honoured. The nearest to it was former President Jonathan, but it was mismanaged. And somehow, it collapsed.

What do you think happened?

In life, there must be preparation and readiness. After readiness comes victory. President Jonathan didn’t prepare very well. It was a spur of the moment gesture. Even this one that happened; some people think Buhari just woke up and did it. No, there was a process. As far back as last year, Kola Abiola got a legal opinion to know if what they were asking government to do for their father was possible, legally. He spoke to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who responded through a letter, saying it was possible to do so, posthumously. And Kola had approached past leaders to honour Abiola, but met a brick wall. Other members of the family might have done so as well, but I know of Kola Abiola. When this finally came, I was very excited. People have called me to ask if the motive was not political.

The motive, for me, is irrelevant. What is important is the fact that we got what we wanted. God has used President Buhari deliberately and frontally to recognise the winner of June 12. And I had advised the President a few weeks before the gesture that the best way to move Nigeria forward was to reconcile Nigerians. Even the issue of the President apologising to the family is the best way to bring a closure to such a monumental and unfortunate event like the June 12 tragedy. It happened in Kenya where Kenyatta called the opposition leader, Odinga to apologise so they can move forward. That is how to move the nation forward. In fact, the greatest mistake the APC made was to start fighting the moment they assumed leadership as if we were under the military. That has been my advice, and they thought we were fighting. It is embarrassing to get to power and start fighting.

What was the problem?

It is because Buhari’s biggest brand is that of a no-nonsense soldier. They felt that if they changed the brand they will lose their core loyalists. I remember telling (Rt. Hon. Rotimi) Amaechi (Transportation Minister) that we should call Buhari the Peoples General. It is the same problem that President Trump is having in America where he carried his base along. Now, his base wants him to destroy the existing system. In Nigeria, people still want Buhari to continue to be seen as a friend of the poor, who will probe corrupt people. And in Nigeria, the poor people see every rich man as their enemy which is a very dangerous mindset. I have warned government about that. The job of government is to promote prosperity and not to project poverty. It is a very delicate balance.

MKO Abiola with key military officers

Now they are knocking the head of the poor against the rich. That is why the economy will not pick up because even those who have money are scared of investing because of the fear of being targeted. That is why people are now hiding money outside Nigeria. On the Abiola issue, I want to remind the President that what I have told him on Pendulum has happened. When there is an atmosphere of joy and happiness and peace in the land, he will be the greatest beneficiary. What he has gained in the last one week is greater that whatever could be ascribed to him in the last three years.

You described the gesture as a closure on the June 12 saga but there are still other strands of the matter that are yet to be addressed. For instance, the results have not been officially released. What do you make of that?

I am not saying it has brought a closure because there are still other bridges to cross. I said it should be brought to a closure. By giving Abiola GCFR, it is assumed that he won the election, whether the result is declared or not. I know there are litigations challenging the release of the results. What I know is that symbolically, he has brought a closure to the matter. I believe the courts will declare him winner if such matter comes up in court.

MKO Abiola with late Nelson Mandela

A lot of people are saying that the June 12 political family is bigger than Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe. This explains the feeling that many who fought for June 12 were supposed to have been honoured alongside Abiola, Kingibe and Gani Fawehinmi.

What do you make out of that argument?

There is nowhere in the world where everyone will take credit for all that has happened in a struggle. I was not even invited for the investiture but I am not bothered because what I did for June 12 was not for personal reasons. I was even in Ghana when the President honoured Abiola in Abuja. Kola Abiola called me on the evening of June 11 that he wanted me to be around for the event, but I was not in the country. I don’t do things because I expect to be compensated. One of my favourite philosophers, Whitehead, said “Blessed are those who expect nothing because they shall never be disappointed.” I don’t waste my time thinking of what I will get from someone. Even when we were following Abiola; a lot of people were following him for different reasons. Some were following him because of houses; some did because of cars; some wanted money, but mine was because of wisdom. And I got it from him. Anytime I wanted to do something, I will consider how Abiola would have handled it. I believe that Abiola, as the leader, should take the credit alone. If he can take the blame, he can as well take the credit alone. Abiola lost his wife, Kudirat, but why are they not talking about her? It goes beyond that because the symbol of the struggle is Abiola. The head of June 12 is the one that has been recognised.

Who was Abiola to you and who was the Abiola you knew?

Abiola was definitely not a saint because I don’t think there is any living saint. But he was close to a saint. Whatever deficiency he had, he made up for in many other areas. I don’t know why anybody would say he sponsored this and that. In life, someone must have friends and every businessman must also have friends. Those friends must cut across all spheres of human endeavour. Abiola had friends in the military and everywhere. Abiola did not say because former Military President, General Babangida, was his friend, he would not campaign. He campaigned more than anybody, and suffered more than anybody. And when he had to fight his friend, he fought on the side of the people. If someone’s friend is in power, it will be wrong to abandon that friend so that you will not be accused of planning a coup. One thing I told the members of his family is that God has made him an everlasting martyr.

When the books would be written, questions would be asked about the real reason the election was annulled. Did Abiola confide in you as regards what he felt was the reason for the annulment?

No. Several times, we tried to discuss that – he would say that Babangida assured him that he was leaving. I remember Dr. Doyin Abiola telling me that he went to see Babangida severally to ask if he was sure of leaving. The general consensus was that Babangida didn’t want to leave, but they asked him and he swore that he would relinquish power. Abiola told me that if he knew Babangida was not ready to go, he would not have wasted his time. He told me that he didn’t like wasting his time. Based on my own private investigation, I found out that apart from the fact that the military didn’t want to go, Babangida didn’t want to go. There were also people who connived with the military and conspired against Abiola.

MKO Abiola with late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha

That was what happened to Abiola. They came together to say that it will not fly. Babangida did not do it alone. Babangida was just a victim. It would have been resolved long ago. All they needed to do was to have apologized the way Buhari did. The Abiola family should be compensated because they lost so much. Abiola was involved in so many businesses, but when the June 12 saga started, all his businesses were destroyed. It is not enough to just honour him, his family should be compensated. For a man who was the richest in his time, some of his children found it difficult to go to school because of what happened. Government owes the company a lot of money. A fraction of that can be released. Abiola’s company, Summit Oil, was the second company to find oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria. I handled their media relations. The license was revoked. I think they have got it back now, but they have not been able to do much. By the time Abiola died, they would have spent in excess of N500 million on that project. That was when our currency had value.

They owned a bakery – Wonder Bakery, in the same compound with Concord Newspapers. By the time all these happened, all the machines went bad. They owned the biggest printing press, Bulk Delivery in Oshodi; Concord Airlines, a farm in Taraba State, Lafiagi, Ogun State, Senegal and other businesses. Government should just find some billions for them so that they can bring closure to all these.

MKO with Chief Obasanjo and others

On the failure of former President Obasanjo to honour Abiola, I know that a lot of things would be revealed very soon in Nigeria. For instance, when we talked about those who annulled June 12, I said that IBB did not do it alone. How come he left Abacha behind when he was leaving? I know that one day, IBB will tell us what was remotely responsible for his action, and why he did that. People are going to give different versions of what happened, but the fact remains that Babangida annulled the election.

On IBB, Obasanjo, Abacha families

If I find myself among them, I will tell them to apologise to the Abiola family and Nigerians. I have made overtures already. I am not just a journalist; I am a journalist who is blessed with a lot of contacts. I am reaching out to everybody because that is what Abiola would have done. He was not a vindictive person. Abiola was my adopted father. My father-in-law handed my wife over to Abiola during my wedding in December 1992. I know Abiola well enough.

Even after the annulment, Abiola wrote a letter to Babangida saying ‘let us be friends again’. He said IBB was his friend and that he did not know why he annulled the election. That is statesmanship. The Abacha, Obasanjo and Babangida families should raise their hands and beg God and Nigerians for forgiveness, and it will be over.

I was speaking to Abacha’s daughter, Gumsu, a few days ago and I asked her views about these things happening now. He said the Abacha children and Abiola’s children were friends before. She was mentioning names of the Abiola children, saying that they attended the same school and were very close. She said the Abiolas used to drive Volvo at that time, adding that anytime they saw a Volvo, they would conclude it was the Abiolas.

MKO Abiola with former President Ibrahim Babangida

She said there was a time she saw one of Abiola’s daughters in Abuja and wanted to take her to meet her father (Abacha). But the girl was felt uncomfortable and refused to go. She narrated that if the girl had gone with her, Abacha would have allowed her to see her father (Abiola) in detention. And she stressed that she felt bad that Abiola’s children lost their father in the process, adding that she also lost her father. Abacha’s daughter informed also that her father (Abacha) also had a human side. I was so touched that I wondered what could have made Nigerians to act like that towards one another. Now the children are the ones suffering it. When Abacha’s name is mentioned, nobody wants to listen.

How do they close those gaps? How do we reconcile these Nigerian families because some of the children were so young when these things happened, and they don’t know anything about June 12? We have had the first closure, but the reconciliation of these Nigerian families is also another form of closure. Nigerians should learn to forgive one another. The only way to forgive is to admit wrongdoing. Let these families come out to admit that they were wrong.

Featured

Ode to Chinua Achebe (1930–2013)

Published

16 mins ago

November 18, 2024

Eric

By Barr Ifemeluofuma Atuanya

Iroko Ogidi, twenty and six years have lapsed since you wrote a befitting epitaph for my late father, Engr. Udemezue Atuanya (former Perm Sec/Controller of Works, defunct – East Central State) who attained immortality ahead of you.

Crafted with clinical precision this epitaph remains a tonic for my soul. An evergreen and never ending one; deeply resonating the profound legacy of my late Dad fondly called Okigbo.Okigbo was your friend, your soul-mate, your confidant, your kinsman and above all your in-law (Mrs. Agnes Adaosodi Achebe nee Atuanya was his first cousin). Yours with him therefore was an enviable affinity, far from a quicksand union. A friendship in which you proved to be a long distance runner.

Dike Ogidi (the grand one), now that your years have expired and you have gone the way of all mortals, it is obvious you cannot transit unsung and uncelebrated in the hearts of those that adored you. Hence, as thenudging and the prompting of affinity beckoned on me to pen this piece; I was to say the least star-struck, fully confronted by your larger than life image too huge for a mere narration. But I leverage on the fact that this is only a lullaby to bid you goodnight as you begin your eternal slumber in forever land.

Anya fulu ugo (the unique one), you were a rare breed of humanity; a man of priestly disposition and quiet dignity, an embodiment of deep thoughts and little talk. You were unapologetically your own person. Simple and unassuming, without airs nor chips on your shoulders. You were truly a breed apart, a locus classicus of uncommon carriage and decorum.

Like the Biblical city set on a hill, completely devoid of a hiding place, you were a world brand and the headline of history!

Your life was neither a cameo appearance nor a wink in the dark. You were never in the backburners or backwaters of life. You didn’t tiptoe through life. You were not a side attraction, mba nu! (No!) You played mainstream.

The highpoint of your life was your scholastic profundity. You were the grandmaster and presiding deity (Agaba Idu) of the literary world. You were not just a man of letters but of profound letters; the herald of African literary Renaissance.

Whether a broad stroke or a short take you never failed to pen a masterpiece, such that re-wrote the destiny of the entire black race beyond comprehension.

Your scholastic wizardry utterly demystified racial stereotypes and became the ultimate game changer in the condescending view points and warped consciousness of colonial writers like Joseph Conrad (Heart of Darkness), who felt the Ebony race is savage and less human. Suffice it to say that your literary fecundity syndicated the caveat that Africans must not be judged by color but by content, lending a vigilant voice to the legacy of Martin Luther King (Jnr).

Little wonder the superb articulation of your skill and sagacity caught the attention of the African living legend; Nelson Mandela that he referred to you as the writer in whose company the prison walls came down.

Agaba Idu, in life you were a colossus nay in death a colossal loss. Not just to the black race but to Ogidi in particular. More so since you sustained a flamboyant banner for her when it seemed her glory had departed (Ichabod).

For once upon a time in the history of this country Ogidi was a dynasty of icons. What with the rare breed of Ogidi Engineers that called the shots at the then Ministry of Works and Transport, defunct East Central State. I am talking about Udemezue Atuanya; Super Perm Sec. and controller of works, my uncle Maduegbuna Unobagha, Christopher Udokwu (odu) Augustine Achebe, Chike Ifekandu, Steven Okoye etc that shone like million stars in their hey days.

Oh! how I relish with extravagant passion, my Uncle Eric Atuanya (Ezefum); pioneer and and iconic legend of the then Mobile oil Nigeria, Walter Onubogu (renowned medic and former Minister for Health, defunct Eastern Region), BVO Amobi (then Igwe Ogidi and famed Medic), Justice Alfred Obi-Okoye (deified jurist), John and Oby Okaro (a double dose of medical lngenuity), Egwu Atuanya (Iconic Pioneer Medic of the National Assembly Clinic, Lagos), legendary Nweze Udokwu (profound progenitor of phenomenal Nike Grammar School, Enugu), Nwafor Agulefo (A list Medic), Ernest Okocha (Engineer per excellence), Dr Nwasike of Ikenga Ogidi (primus inter pares) Ikwuemesi (of Sosoliso fame), Dr Ojuche of Nkwelle Ogidi (exceptional Medic) and lots more too numerous to mention and too monumental to keep memories distant.
Oh! Ogidi lnwelle, what gallery and galaxy of super stars you suckled, what an enviable pedigree!

But alas Ogidi Idemili it is no longer uhuru for you. At some point in your golden history you began to nose dive. Like a missing chord in a grand Orchestra you began to pale into obscurity. You made a wide berth from the frontlines and headlines of Nigerian history. What a far cry of yester years! So apt for this scenario is the indelible and highly redeeming question of my dexterous and dynamic Governor Mr. Peter Obi: Is Anambra state cursed or are we the cause? And so do I ask: Is Ogidi now cursed or are we the cause? Have we
overdrawn our Account in the history bank of this country? Why are we no longer upstream and mainstream? Why?

But as I pondered with apostolic sobriety, my intuition is deafened by the sound of abundance of rain. Yes in my mind’s eye I see thick clouds aligning and realigning to drench Ogidi with the double honour of former and latter rains, such that Ogidi will yet again reap a bountiful harvest. Like the proverbial phoenix Ogidi shall rise from the ashes of her past glory to dizzy heights of prominence. Breaking forth like waters, she will yet again break ground and breakthrough to redeem her star-studded years in all spheres of endeavor. Already people like Ada Unobagha (Solicitor General, Anambra State), Lawrence Ikeakor (Hon. Commissioner for Health, Anambra State), Bob Manuel Udokwu (Senior Special Assistance on Creative Media Anambra State and Nollywood guru), Ada Ehigiamusoe (Justice of Benin High Court), Chiedu Osakwe (Former Ambassador and Director of Accessions World Trade Organization, Geneva Switzerland) are eloquent telling points in this regard. So to Nkwelle Ogidi, Ikenga Ogidi, Umuanugo, Umudoma, Ire etc I make bold to say; it is morning yet on creation day for you! Post Nubia phoebus!
Oh! What a digression. Chinualumogu are you still online? I only made a brief detour to make a case for the diming destiny of Ogidi Inwelle, our common patrimony. More so at your demise.

As my ink dries on this piece and I begin to bid you a final goodbye, I must not fail to mention that controversy barely parts company with Patron Avatars like you. And so it was, akin to the deified African masquerade that does not exit an outing without erupting violent clouds of dust, deafening ripples (not likely to evaporate in a hurry) ushered your final departure. What with the raw umbrage and rabid vituperations that confronted your final offering to humanity. Or better still; the last testament of your literary exploits titled: There was a Country. Not a talk in the margins, this Best Seller is so pungent and penetrating; belching and pulsating with controversy. But as the hullabaloo raged, you meandered through the landmines of verbal artillery and veered into eternal glory!

Then I wondered could this book be Pandora’s Box? Has it caused things to fall apart and anarchy unleashed upon the earth? Capital No! It is simply the parting shot of an ardent marksman. The signature tune and sign off phrase of a departing legend. Oh! How you stirred the hornet’s nest, ruffled feathers, rattled nerves and bowed out when the ovation was highest!

What a clinical finishing!

Whether demonized or canonized, lauded or loathed, it remains an undisputed fact of global history that you were truly a genius! You are gone, but you rocked the red carpet of history in no mean way; making full proof that death is not the greatest loss in life but what dies inside a man when he lives and/or what dies with a man when he dies. You were none of such you died empty totally discharging all your potentials. To wit a clear handover of baton to upstarts in the relay race of life. Good finish!

Chinualumogu, well done and fare thee well as you journey to the land of eternal consequence, where you will definitely walk tall among our ancestors.

Na gboo! (Fare thee well) Iroko Ogidi!
And to the living may we aptly be reminded that we are all transient toys in this fleeting game called life.

Now that your remains have been gracefully lumbered to dust, I cannot affirm any less that truly, there was a man!

Barr. IfemeluOfuma Atuanya is the daughter of late Engr. Udemezue Atuanya of Umuosodi, Nkwelle Ogidi, Anambra State. She is an Attorney, a published Author, a Sociologist and a public speaker, and can be reached via ashestobeautyng@ gmail.com and 08147492771

This piece was first published in 2013.

HERE ARE SOME REVIEWS FROM READERS:

Wonderful! I’m satisfied. R.I.P Chinua Achebe – Rico De Red

Nice one bro. He is truly a legend – Vic Popee

A long but very interesting piece. Barr Ofuma, thanks for a job well done. One can easily say that Ogidi people have a flair for writing. God bless you – Engr. Arinze Nnoka

Excellent and a thought through piece for an extraordinary as well as distinguished citizen. He will surely be missed – Emeka Belonwu

Ogidi Kwenu!! I am proud to be a daughter of the land. Thank you Ofuma… – Nanma Okafor

You said it all, thank you very much oke nwadi-ani – Chris Ogo

Just seeing this piece to a man more deserving. Great job Ofuma. Ogidi mulum ma fenyenam nni. Ogidi is rising again! – Nkiru Okongwu-Eziakor

Featured

Diamed Partners Hospital for Humanity to Perform 20 Free Heart Surgeries

Published

2 days ago

November 16, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Diagnostic and Medical (Diamed) Centre located in Lagos, is partnering with the Hospital for Humanity, a US-based 501(c)3 organization, and a registered Nigerian NGO, dedicated to providing free open-heart surgeries to children with heart conditions, to conduct free open heart surgeries for 20 beneficiaries.

This gesture is targeted at members of the host community, who can not afford the bill.

According to media broadcast by the management of HFH, the “Hospitals for Humanity has performed almost two hundred open heart surgeries in the last ten years here in Nigeria.”

They noted that the reason the Hospital for Humanity is in Lagos is “because we are happy to partner with the new hospital called Diamed Center here in Lagos and this partnership is dynamic because it brings together an organization who has successfully completed her open heart surgeries and a new organization to perform the surgery on site.”

The hospital added that “We select the patient based on the severity of their congenital heart disease, so they have been seen by their own Pediatric Cardiologist and voluntaries come from all over the world, we have an executive team who have come from Asia, we have nurses and doctors who come from the US.”

Lending credence to the functionality of the Hospital for Humanity programme, one of the heart doctors, Njem Josia informed that “So far we have taken three patients, and we are hoping to take several victims.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Hospitals for Humanity, Dr. Myna Shegog, commended Diamed for the partnership, and for being a dynamic health organisation while soliciting donors to continue to contribute to the project so that much more victims of heart related ailments could be reached out to.

She said, “So because we are a non profit organization, 501C3 as it’s called in the United States. All of our capital comes from donors, donors like yourself, so ask for donations because that’s what sustains our program. People’s generosity will even do one heart surgery so because of the generosity of people like you, we are able to do this heart surgeries, we are able to pay for rooms and boards for families when they come to Nigeria so that is what your donation go towards, we are providing free heart surgeries to those in need.

“So Diamed Center is a dynamic organization we have been able to partner with as this is not just a one time thing as this collaboration will last for a long time.”

Diamed Centre, located in Lekki, Lagos, began operations earlier in 2024, has continued to be in the forefront of providing first class health care.

Featured

Tunde Bakare Celebrates Legacy Year, Thanks God @70, Launches New Book

Published

3 days ago

November 15, 2024

Eric

By Temidayo Adewole

November 11, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the life of Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, as he celebrated his 70th birthday. The day was filled with gratitude, praise, and festivity, reflecting the pastor’s life of service, leadership, and dedication to God’s kingdom.

The celebration began with a heartfelt thanksgiving service at The Citadel Global Community Church. The sanctuary was packed with members of the congregation, dignitaries, family, and friends, all gathered to honor Pastor Bakare’s life and legacy.

As the service commenced, Lady Evangelist Yinka Alaseyori led the congregation in soul-stirring worship, setting the tone for a spirit-filled celebration.

Afterwards, the Bible reading was taken by Fisayo Bakare, one of the daughters of the Pastor Bakare.

The likes of Former Governor of Awka Ibom Victor Ata, Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, Mr Jimi Agbaje, Professor Ibe kachuwku and many others paid glowing tributes to the birthday boy.

A short documentary of the life of Pastor Tunde Bakare was broadcast for the guests just as relatives, close friends and more special guests Pastor including Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Bishop Wale Oke, and Pastor Paul Adefarasin. They separately highlighted Pastor Bakare’s contributions to nation-building, leadership, and community development, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to serving God and humanity.

There was also prayers for the Celebrant by Pastor Oladele, Bishop Wale Oke and Rev. Dr Babajide.

There was afterwards the unveiling and launching of the Celebrant book titled “The Last But Definitely Not the Least” led by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, assisted by other dignitaries.

The vote of thanks was given by the Celebrant, Pastor Bakare, who reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout his life, sharing personal testimonies and experiences that highlighted his journey.

In his words (My father has 22 children and I am the 22nd and I’m the only one alive with 22 grandchildren).

He also said (I was trained by 3 Generals In the ministry, Pastor Kumuyi Taught me Holiness, Pastor Adeboye taught me about Faith) He emphasized the importance of gratitude, humility, and service, encouraging the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith.

After the thanksgiving service, guests proceeded to the church’s event center for a grand reception. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and warmth as friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate Pastor Bakare’s life.

The reception featured a cake cutting ceremony, gift presentations, musical performances by renowned highlife artist King Sunny Ade. and photo exhibitions showcasing Pastor Bakare’s life and ministry. Dignitaries, including politicians, business leaders, and clergy, took turns to felicitate with Pastor Bakare, praising his selfless service and leadership.

Pastor Bakare’s family members, including his children and grandchildren, presented a heartfelt tribute, expressing their gratitude for his love, guidance, and example.

In his response, Pastor Bakare thanked God, his family, and the church for their unwavering support. He reiterated his commitment to serving God’s kingdom, emphasizing that his life’s work was far from over.

As the reception drew to a close, Pastor Bakare was surrounded by loved ones, basking in the joy and appreciation of a life well-lived.

The 70th birthday celebration of Pastor Tunde Bakare will be remembered as a testament to his enduring legacy, a life marked by faith, service, and dedication to God’s kingdom.