The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has described former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief AbdulKareem Adebesi Akande, as a rare statesman whose life exemplifies integrity, wisdom, and selfless service to Nigeria.
Governor AbdulRazaq made this known on Friday in Ila Orangun, Osun State, through the Deputy Governor, during the 87th birthday celebration of Chief Akande.
According to the Governor, the gathering was not only a celebration of age, but a tribute to a life devoted to God, humanity, and the advancement of democratic values in Nigeria. He noted that Chief Akande has earned universal respect through a combination of hard work, personal discipline, integrity, and grace.
The Governor said that despite spending relatively short periods in public office, Chief Akande’s influence on Nigeria’s political development remains profound, particularly in his role as the pioneer National Chairman of the APC.
He described Chief Akande as an elder whose wisdom, patience, and moral clarity transcend party lines, stressing that one does not need to belong to the APC or the Awo School of Politics to acknowledge his outstanding character and national relevance.
Governor AbdulRazaq further praised Chief Akande’s contentment, humility, and grace, qualities he said should distinguish anyone regarded as an elder in society.
The Deputy Governor, on behalf of the Governor, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leaders of the APC, and the people of Osun State in celebrating Chief Akande on the occasion of his 87th birthday, wishing him continued happiness, good health, and God’s grace as he approaches his ninth decade.
As part of activities marking the celebration, a birthday lecture was delivered by Professor Odewumi Samuel Gbadebo, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo. The lecture examined the combined pressures of population growth, insecurity, and inflation in emerging Nigerian cities, using Ila Orangun in Osun State as a historically grounded case study.
The event attracted several party stalwarts, elder statesmen, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries from across the country.
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