By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman and the International Press Institute (IPI) have congratulated the institute’s Secretary, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, on today’s celebration of his 60th birthday anniversary.

The President also sent warm greetings to businessman and publisher of defunct Third Eye Newspaper, Chief Akanni Aluko, on his 78th birthday today.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said: “President Buhari warmly felicitates with Secretary of the International Press Institute (IPI), Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, on his 60th birthday, July 23, 2021, joining members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to celebrate with the senior journalist, whose antecedents continue to inspire many in the media profession.

“President Buhari congratulates the former Commissioner of Information in Kwara State on the milestone, preceded by years of hard work and focus that have seen his steady rise in journalism, with contributions to the development of the country, particularly in youth and community development.

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“As the journalist turns 60, the President notes his interest in always projecting the strength of the country, and the continent, in representation on the Executive Board of the IPI, commending his sense of patriotism and commitment to nation-building.

“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant Adedoyin, fondly called Oloriewe, longer life, good health and strength.”

In a statement yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor said: “I join our compatriots, home and abroad, to felicitate Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, on his 60th birthday anniversary.

“A man of depth and a bridge-builder, Oloriewe is a man of peace and a lover of development and of our people. He is a journalist, editor, publisher, and administrator whose professional attainments and contributions stand tall for posterity.

“On behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, I rejoice with the Oloriewe and wish him more rewarding years in good health and service to humanity. I especially commend him for his unwavering support for our administration.”

Also, a statement by its Executive Director, Barbara Trionfi, said: “On behalf of the IPI global network of editors, publishers and leading journalists, and together with my colleagues at the IPI Secretariat, I would like to send you our warmest birthday wishes.

“It is highly commendable that you have chosen to dedicate your birthday celebrations to press freedom, a cause to which you have also dedicated much of your professional and private life…

“Dear Raheem, at IPI, we are so proud to have you as a member of our Executive Board and ever so grateful for your engagement over many years, and for ensuring that the IPI Nigeria National Committee today remains an important promoter of free and independent journalism in Nigeria.

“In celebrating your birthday, we at IPI salute the many press freedom battles that the IPI Nigeria National Committee has won and join with you and our members in Nigeria in solidarity for the many battles to come.  “Happy Birthday, Raheem! We look forward to welcoming you soon to Vienna!”