Elder statesman and nonagenarian Ayo Adebanjo has been lauded for his immense contributions to the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation Afenifere and to Nigeria’s development.
The commendation came from a delegation of the organisation led by its Secretary General, Ademola Folarin, who paid a courtesy visit to his Lekki residence in Lagos State.
A statement on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the visit took place on Sunday evening, following the inaugural meeting of the new Executive Committee of the organisation.
Folarin said, “We decided to pay a prominent leader of our organisation a courtesy visit to commend him for his leadership role in Afenifere and his contributions to Nigeria’s development, based on his record as a patriot.”
Corroborating the Secretary-General, Ajayi said the committee decided to make the visit now to show appreciation to those who have contributed and continue to contribute to Afenifere’s progress, as well as to Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
Ajayi said, “Doing this from time to time encourages those concerned to do more. We also aim to motivate others to emulate the elders who have excelled and those who are still excelling.”
He added that it is heartening to know that one’s contributions are appreciated.
In response, Adebanjo expressed joy at receiving the delegation and prayed for Afenifere, Yorubaland, and Nigeria to continue progressing.
Adeola Azeez, the elder statesman’s daughter, who welcomed the team, stated that the Adebanjo family was very pleased to receive the delegation.
Others in the delegation included Dare Babarinsa, Kole Omololu, and Lanre Omisore
