President Bola Tinubu on Thursday extolled the virtues of Chief Bisi Akande, the first National Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), as he marks another birthday.
In a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, Tinubu described Akande, who turned 86 on Thursday, as “a truly progressive and committed Awoist” who made tremendous contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s democratic governance, nation-building, and development.
The president, the statement indicated, said selfless service had been Akande’s watchword since he entered politics.
Akande was Secretary to the Government of Old Oyo State and later Deputy Governor.
He then served as Governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003, Interim National Chairman of the APC, and now Chairman of the Governing Board of Nigeria’s premier University of Ibadan.
Underscoring Akande’s considerable contributions to the APC, the President commended him for his pioneering efforts, pivotal to the party’s victory in the 2015 and subsequent elections.
The president noted that Chief Akande had been a close ally and partner in establishing progressive good governance in the country.
He particularly recalled their days in the pro-democracy group, NADECO, during the struggle to restore democracy in the land, praising Akande for his leadership, direction, integrity, and wisdom.
Tinubu said Akande’s 86th birthday offered him a veritable opportunity to thank him again for his support and wise counsel in his political journey and rise to the presidency of Nigeria.
He wished Akande more grace and strength as he makes invaluable contributions to the country and impacts the younger generation.