An All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain in Osun State, Prof. Siji Olamiju, has eulogised a former National Chairman of the party and ex-governor of Osun State, Bisi Akande at 87.

Mr Olamiju, former Special Adviser on Public Health to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the birthday message in a statement to journalists on Wednesday in Osogbo.

He described Mr Akande as an uncommon leader, a progressive icon and one of the last standing disciples of the late Obafemi Awolowo in Nigeria’s political history.

Mr Akande was born on January 16, 1939, in Ila- Orangun, Osun State, Nigeria.

Mr Olamiju said January 16 had become a special date for progressives across the country.

He noted that politicians and admirers from all walks of life converged on Mr Akande’s hometown to celebrate his outstanding contributions to democracy and good governance.

Mr Olamiju stated, “Chief Akande is a leader specially endowed by God whose life of discipline, integrity and selfless service has remained a reference point in public service.

“He is a man who comes once in a century and for over four decades, he has devoted his life to the service of humanity and the development of Nigeria in the area of progressive politics.

“I recall that Akande served meritoriously as secretary to the Oyo State Government under the late Bola Ige and later as deputy governor during the era of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

The APC chieftain further said that following the creation of Osun State, Mr Akande emerged as the second civilian governor of the state, laying a solid foundation for transparent and disciplined governance.

He noted that during Mr Akande’s tenure as governor, the state recorded remarkable achievements in accountability, prudence and institutional development.

According to him, many of the standards he set remained difficult for successive administrations to surpass.

Mr Olamiju praised Mr Akande for the construction of the Osun Secretariat Complex for civil servants, describing it as one of the largest and most enduring government secretariat in the country.

He prayed for God’s continued grace upon him, wishing him long life, sound health and more years of impactful service to humanity. 

(NAN)