Yoruba youths celebrate Fashola, others

The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths has felicitated with the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and other Yoruba and non-Yoruba leaders on the occasion of their birthdays.

It mourned the deaths of notable figures, including Emeritus Professor of Medicine Oládípo Akinkùgbé, The Nation Chief Cartoonist Mr. Azeez Sanni, among others.

The council’s President-General, Awa Bamiji, said in a statement: “Here is another session of celebration as we are rolling out the drums and blaring the trumpets to rejoice, and indeed to celebrate the five prominent sons and daughter of Yorubaland, the beautiful brides of Yoruba nation.”

Besides Fashola, who turned 57 yesterday, the council also felicitated with former Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who also turned 57 this month.

Others who marked their birthdays recently are Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, 45, and Lola Ashiru, 65.

The statement said: “Through your individual and exemplary contributions, which endear you all to everyone, we are able to find out that you are all quintessential politicians and leaders of unequalled rivals, still young, eloquent, brilliant, industrious and Yoruba cultural ambassadors at all times.

“To you all, we say many happy returns!”

It added: “Every period is for the birthday celebration, while mourning of the departed comes once in a blue moon. But surprisingly, this period has turned to a season of birthday celebration and mourning of our loved ones.

“Within 48 hours, Pastor Ìbídùn Ighodalo, Senator Báyo Osinowo (Pepperito), Sir Solomon Akindélé, Prof. Emeritus Oladipo  Akinkùgbé and AIT ace newscaster Nkiruka Udom passed away.”

The statement wondered: “Can this be as a result of an addition from the COVID- 19 pandemic?”

The group said:  “To the ever progressive The Nation, accept our condolences over the death of your Chief Cartoonist, Mr. Azeez Sanni, a very resourceful man.

“You have all left indelible mark on the sand of time. May God give your governors, families, friends and associates the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”