The grand finale of the 40th birthday celebration of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Peter Ogundeji, popularly known as Apata, held on Sunday, November 23, rounded off after a week-long programme dedicated to charity, learning and community service.
InsightMedia recalled that the activities began on Monday, November 17, with a public presentation of his new book, followed by free eye examinations, the distribution of corrective glasses, and several empowerment initiatives across Ejigbo and surrounding communities.
Speaking with journalists at the closing event, Ogundeji expressed deep gratitude to God and to everyone who supported the programme. He said the week-long celebration was his way of giving back to society, noting that serving others gives him fulfilment.
”I’m very grateful, I’m excited, at the same time elated. You know, it’s been a week-long program and we thank God that we are coming to the end of the one-week event. I want to appreciate each and every one of my people that have contributed meaningfully to the success of this program since Monday that we started. I want to appreciate our leaders, my family, my friends, my wives, and my colleagues. And I appreciate the press as well for being with us since the 17th of this month,” Ogundeji said.
He explained that the charity activities were inspired by his belief that all blessings come from God and should be used to uplift the community.
”It’s just a way of giving back to society, because I know it’s not by power or might that I have been able to get to where I am today. One of the things that give me joy and fulfillment is giving back to society, and that is why we actually did it. I thank God it was a success,” he added.
The celebration drew several political and community leaders, including Alhaji Gbadebo Ajao, Chairman of APC in Ede Federal Constituency, who described Ogundeji as a generous and selfless philanthropist.
Ajao praised Ogundeji’s giving spirit, saying his kindness predates his involvement in politics.
”Peter, as he is known, the rock of ages, Apata, is a very gentle man, highly generous to most people. He is a very good philanthropist. He will give you without expecting anything from you. Before joining our party, he has been doing that, and up till now he is still doing it,” he said.
He prayed for Ogundeji to achieve his aspirations, noting that turning 40 is a major milestone. Ajao also brushed aside rumours of crisis within the APC in Osun State.
He used the opportunity to advise Nigerian youth to be more disciplined and serious about leadership.
”Most of the youth nowadays are indisciplined. Tell them to come by 4:00, and you will be expecting them by 9:00 PM. They act with levity. My advice is that they should be more serious and take whatever challenges they have very seriously,” he stated.
Also speaking, the APC Senatorial Chairman of Osun West, Hon. Omolaoye Oluremi Akintola, said political relevance is built over time through consistent performance. He noted that Ogundeji’s activities have increased public confidence in his leadership potential.
Akintola gave indirect comments on political rating and encouraged young people in politics to be steadfast.
”Political rating cannot be easily assessed, but as you are acting and performing, people are writing an accumulative rating. My golden advice, especially to the upcoming youth and upcoming generations in politics, is that they should be steadfast and remain focused in whatever situation they meet themselves,” Akintola said.
He added that Ogundeji’s week-long celebration has positioned him favourably for future political responsibilities.
Ogundeji’s 40th birthday celebration, beyond marking a personal milestone, became a platform for community upliftment and an inspiration for many young people across Osun State.
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