Edo State government will on Monday August 12, 2019 hold a reception to celebrate former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to mark his 80th birthday.
A statement by Chairman of the Organising Committee and political aide to the ex-APC National Chairman, Ray Murphy, said the reception is part of activities lined up for the week-long celebration which started on Saturday with a golf tournament in Benin.
Murphy said the activities will be rounded off with a public lecture on August 17 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.
The statement reads: “I can tell you that President Muhammadu Buhari will personally grace the event. The governors, across party divides, have equally indicated interest to celebrate a quintessential politician like Oyegun.
“It will be the gathering of heavyweight political stalwarts, eminent Nigerians and members of the international communities. Every arrangement has been made and I can assure you that Chief Oyegun is ready to be hosted.
“The programme of activities started last week with a golf tournament in Benin. The state government will also host him to a reception on Monday after a thanksgiving ceremony in Benin. Chief Oyegun deserves every encomium showered on him for attaining that age.”
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has felicitated with Odigie-Oyegun, describing him as a diligent worker and exemplary leader.
Fayemi, in a congratulatory message by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, described the ex-APC chairman as a thoroughbred administrator who built an enviable public service record through sheer hard work, brilliance and integrity.
According to him, the younger generation of public servants and politicians have a lot to learn from Oyegun’s political philosophy which sees leadership strictly as a call to serve others.
The statement reads: “At 80, Chief Oyegun remains an enigma, a reference point in humility, selfless service and integrity in public service. The younger generation of public servants and politicians have a lot to learn from the track record of this great leader-retired Permanent Secretary, former governor and the first National Chairman of the APC.
“I wish you good health, undiluted joy and perfect bliss. Our prayer is that God keeps blessing you with wisdom and good health as you continue contribute to the development of our dear country.”
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has described Odigie-Oyegun as a national leader and committed democrat.
Secondus, in a goodwill message said Oyegun proved himself as a great leader who puts the country’s interests first.
In a statement yesterday by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, the PDP chairman said: “To the glory of God, you have distinguished yourself as a foremost technocrat whose contributions to the socio-political and economic development of our country remains clearly noticeable.
“The rare quality of character displayed by Chief Oyegun in the public service stood him out as an accomplished national figure. He brought discipline into governance, which has set him aside as an outstanding national leader with a lot of character to bequeath to the younger generation.”
