It was a day of encomiums and serious talks on Tuesday in Lagos. Statesmen, eminent politicians, top government officials, military chiefs, captains of industry, traditional rulers joined APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his 65th birthday in Lagos.
At the ceremony, witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, his wife, 12 governors, President Muhammadu Buhari extolled Tinubu’s virtues, describing him as an “outstanding” politician and “a man of foresight”, who helped to unseat the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration.
To President Buhari, Tinubu is “a great mobiliser, a man of action and an effective formulator of sound policies”. He recalled that Tinubu dedicated himself to the transformation of Lagos.
President Buhari said:
“Chief Bola Tinubu is an outstanding Yoruba politician of his generation.”
The Eko Hotel Hall, the venue of the Ninth Bola Tinubu Colloquium, was filled to the brim. Its theme was: “Make it in Nigeria: Use what we make; make what we use”.
As from 7.30 am, the venue was aglow with festivities. Itinerant Yoruba drummers and singers welcomed guests with talking drums and cultural songs. Political differences temporarily disappeared as APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains converged to honour the celebrator.
Speakers at the colloquium included the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who spoke on efforts by the Air force to produce aircraft softwares locally, instead of relying on imports at exorbitant cost, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah shed light on the Federal Government’s effort to provide an enabling environment for investors. His Finance counterpart, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, announced plans by the government to embark on an aggressive tax drive targeted at rich Nigerians and business organisations fond of tax evasion.
There was a documentary on the Tinubu political ascendancy. Another was on the growth of indigenous entrepreneurship and testimonies of successful business development by promising entrepreneurs. They included the Leader of SOCART Team, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Mr. Abraham Issac, the Chairman of IVM Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Executive Officer of CDS, Chinwe Ohajuruka, Tempo Housing managing Partner David Aderounmu, Founder of Wilson’s Juice Company Limited Seun Abolaji, Chief Executive Officer of Bathkandy Mrs. Blondie Okpuzor, Co-founder of AACE Foods Ndidi Nwuneli, Chief Executive Officer of Chocolate City Jude Abaga and Chief Executive Officer of Biola Alabi Media Mrs Biola Alabi.
Tinubu strolled into the venue around 10.30am. Hale and hearty, he was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi, the host governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, his wife, Bolanle, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule and former Deputy Governor, Chief Olufemi Pedro.
Noting the contributions of Tinubu towards the transformation of Lagos, President Buhari, who was represented by Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzu, said his associates, including Osinbajo and Ambode, had worked for the state’s economic and social regeneration.
The President also pointed out that Lagos has now become one of the cleanest states in the country, owing to the renewal programmes of the state government.
He saluted Tinubu’s intellectual capacity, hard work, attention to details and ability to picking the right person for the right job.
The Eko Hotel Hall, the venue of the Ninth Bola Tinubu Colloquium, was filled to the brim. Its theme was: “Make it in Nigeria: Use what we make; make what we use”.
As from 7.30 am, the venue was aglow with festivities. Itinerant Yoruba drummers and singers welcomed guests with talking drums and cultural songs. Political differences temporarily disappeared as APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains converged to honour the celebrator.
Speakers at the colloquium included the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who spoke on efforts by the Air force to produce aircraft softwares locally, instead of relying on imports at exorbitant cost, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah shed light on the Federal Government’s effort to provide an enabling environment for investors. His Finance counterpart, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, announced plans by the government to embark on an aggressive tax drive targeted at rich Nigerians and business organisations fond of tax evasion.
There was a documentary on the Tinubu political ascendancy. Another was on the growth of indigenous entrepreneurship and testimonies of successful business development by promising entrepreneurs. They included the Leader of SOCART Team, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Mr. Abraham Issac, the Chairman of IVM Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Executive Officer of CDS, Chinwe Ohajuruka, Tempo Housing managing Partner David Aderounmu, Founder of Wilson’s Juice Company Limited Seun Abolaji, Chief Executive Officer of Bathkandy Mrs. Blondie Okpuzor, Co-founder of AACE Foods Ndidi Nwuneli, Chief Executive Officer of Chocolate City Jude Abaga and Chief Executive Officer of Biola Alabi Media Mrs Biola Alabi.
Tinubu strolled into the venue around 10.30am. Hale and hearty, he was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi, the host governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, his wife, Bolanle, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule and former Deputy Governor, Chief Olufemi Pedro.
Noting the contributions of Tinubu towards the transformation of Lagos, President Buhari, who was represented by Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazzu, said his associates, including Osinbajo and Ambode, had worked for the state’s economic and social regeneration.
The President also pointed out that Lagos has now become one of the cleanest states in the country, owing to the renewal programmes of the state government.
He saluted Tinubu’s intellectual capacity, hard work, attention to details and ability to picking the right person for the right job.
On his part, Tinubu advised the Federal Government to bring back the giant manufacturing firms that had left the country through novel incentives and creation of a conducive climate.
He said young entrepreneurs should be nurtured, encouraged and assisted to succeed in a bid to harvest their talents for national productivity.
He said young entrepreneurs should be nurtured, encouraged and assisted to succeed in a bid to harvest their talents for national productivity.
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