Encomiums were showered on former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi on Sunday, during a virtual celebration of his 80th birthday.
Prof Akinyemi, who was minister from 1985 to 1987, under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, was born on January 4, 1942, but marked his 80th birthday with a celebratory virtual event on Sunday, January 9.
The event was organized by a socio-cultural group, the Ijesha Society, in honor of Prof Akinyemi.
The welcome address delivered by the group’s president, Prof Duro Oni, and the Chairman of the event, Ambassador Dapo Fafowora, highlighted the role Akinyemi has played in the development of Nigeria both locally and on the international stage.
The Guest Speaker who delivered the day’s lecture, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henry Ajumogobia, SAN, examined the action of governments across Africa, how the actions or inactions impacted its citizens, and how the world viewed the continent at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ajumogobia urged African leaders to band together to solve the challenges they currently face regarding COVID-19. He also spoke on the need for strong diplomacy among countries.
The celebrant’s daughter, Atinuke Akinyemi, in her birthday wishes, extolled the political scientist and astute diplomat as one who loved Nigeria above anything else and was always willing to give his all for the country.
Source: Punch