- Osinbajo felicitates with Wale Oke at 65
By Deji Elumoye
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with globally recognized essayist, academic and author, Prof. Adebayo Williams, as he marks his 70th birthday on September 9, 2021.
In the same vein, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has rejoiced with the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, as he turns 65 on Wednesday.
The duo congratulated the celebrants as they added another year to their age on the surface of the earth.
The president, in a release issued Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, saluted the almost 50 years of scholarship, university teaching and contribution to public discourse that Prof Williams has tucked under his belt, extolling him for being a source of inspiration to the younger generation, and a pride to the country.
Noting that the multiple award-winning writer, after years of teaching at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) took his intellectual prowess to Europe and America for many decades, President Buhari said Williams has used his God-given endowment for the good of humanity round the globe.
Rejoicing with the Williams family, the academia, friends and acquaintances of the celebrated writer and teacher, the president wished Williams longer life, good health and greater contribution to scholarship and sharing of knowledge.
He encouraged the newspaper columnist not to relent in addressing issues of governance very crucial to Nigeria and Africa.
On his part, Vice-President Osinbajo described the PFN President, Bishop Oke, as “a bridge builder, an exemplary leader, a man of refreshing honesty, openness and genuine spirituality”.
In a letter to the Bishop, who turned 65 Wednesday, Osinbajo and his wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, joined in celebrating the revered man of God.
According to the vice-president, “Dolapo and I rejoice with you, your dear wife, Rev. (Mrs.) Tokunbo Wale Oke, the family, the entire membership of Sword of the Spirit Ministries worldwide and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria on your 65th birthday anniversary. We thank God for the profoundly remarkable life that yours has been.
“Your exceptional life of service is a divine script that has continued to inspire both those of us who are close to you and millions globally. Through the years, we have been especially blessed by your godly counsel, love and constant encouragement.”
Making reference to his ministry, including the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, where Bishop Oke is President, the vice-president said: “Your profound love for and devotion to God and the gospel of Jesus Christ are evidenced by the exceptional grace you have been given to intercede and evangelize. These explain the great impact your calling continues to make in the Kingdom while pursuing your set goal of bringing 100 million souls to Christ.
“Your dependability, trustworthiness, and integrity as a leader in the faith, is clearly responsible for the unanimous decision of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to elect you as its President.”
Commending Bishop Oke for his commitment to the cause of humanity, Osinbajo stated that: “The establishment of the Precious Cornerstone University at great personal financial cost demonstrates your selfless and sacrificial commitment to Nigeria’s development and the belief that the next generation should be built on solid spiritual and educational foundations.”
While praying for God’s grace on Bishop Oke, the vice-president prayed that: “Almighty God will answer all your prayers for yourself, your family, ministry and our nation. As your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God, in Jesus’ name.”
