Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Osoba, Olu of Warri, Others Celebrate Tunde Bakare at 70

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, the Olu of Warri Kingdom and a fleet of prominent Nigerians have celebrated Pastor Tunde Bakare who just clocked age 70.

President Tinubu who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the 70th birthday of the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community, Pastor Tunde Bakare, organised by the Citadel Global Community in Lagos described the clergy man as an advocate of truth.

Other prominent Nigerians present at the event included: former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), represented by Evangelist Austin Kemie; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Attah; former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amechi; former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, represented by Ogwa-Olusan of Warri, Chief Mene Brown; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), represented by Asoya of Isoya Ife, Oba Muraina Adedini; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo III.

Tinubu, in his speech, delivered by Senator George Akume said: “The President acknowledges that times are hard, but at the end of it all, there is always light. And solutions to complex problems can never be as instant as coffee, but we are on the right track.”

On the celebrant, the President described him as a spiritual leader and advocate for truth who had left an indelible mark, not just on those who follow his teachings, but on the nation as a whole."

 “We are here to celebrate a true man of God, a most precious human being. It gives me great joy to honour a man whose life has been an embodiment of passion, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. PTB has been a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless in our society.

“His decades of service and dedication, principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness have been in the respect and admiration of many across this nation. His life journey reflects our commitment not just to spiritual growth, but also to the social and political development of our country.

“I acknowledge your relentless passion for better Nigeria, a country where equal justice and good government prevails. This celebration is a testament to a life of strength and courage, of powerful messages and fearless advocacy, deep volumes of your dedication to lifting humanity.

“It is these values that allow you to make such a difference. As you unveil your token of growth, the vast but definitely not the least, we look forward to gaining insights into the endless experiences that have shaped you into the formidable figure we see today.”

Sanwo-Olu, in his address, said: “We that are in public service, we need all your prayers. It’s tough times, but you see, we are also tough men, and we know that at the end of the tunnel, there will be a bright phase.”

On the celebrant, the governor of the aquatic state said PTB was not just a father to all, noting: “He is a man that is completely detribalised. He is a man that, with all the complexities of understanding people, stands up for fairness, equity and justice. There’s still a whole lot that God is still going to use you for, not only to this nation, but to the world. We thank God for who you are. You are a vessel of God.”

Similarly, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, in his own remarks, said: “We join him in reaching the remarkable 70. Considering the brevity of life, reaching 70 is not easy. PTB has made life one of purpose and significance. I have had the privilege of drinking from his wealth of knowledge. He stands as a testament to the Ogun State legacy of trailblazers. He is among the distinguished ambassadors of our state. As a spiritual guide, he has mentored many. PTB has touched lives.”

The celebrant, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in his vote of thanks, urged Nigerians to put the country above personal needs, saying: “I want to appeal to you on this day that let us think of nation first. Let’s be less concerned about what we can get out of this nation. Let us think of how to make this nation a better place to live.”