Tobi Soniyi in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated erudite scholar and quintessential public servant, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, who turns 85 today.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari joined family members, friends, professional colleagues and students of the octogenarian in celebrating the life of the National Merit Award recipient, who has consistently served humanity through extensive research, teaching and consulting across many national and global institutions.
As he turns 85, the president said he believed the intellectual and moral strength of the renowned scholar prepared him at an early stage for the numerous leadership roles before him; paving the way for a rigorous and successful academic career, and contributions to infrastructure development, urban and regional planning and public sector banking.
Buhari commended the patriotism and commitment of Mabogunje in serving, with integrity, on several boards of the federal government over many years, sharing his knowledge and skills to reposition cities, and working tirelessly to alleviate poverty through partnerships with the World Bank and the United Nations.
The president prayed that the almighty God would grant the renowned town planner longer life, good health and strength to continue serving his country and humanity.
