President Muhammadu Buhari and Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola have rejoiced with frontline journalist, editor and author, Mike Awoyinfa, on his 70th birthday.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by the President’s spokesman Femi Adesina recalled with delight the more than four decades Awoyinfa had devoted to journalism, informing, educating and entertaining the public.
The President noted with delight Awoyinfa’s best of prose and literary prowess, plying his trade with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Concord Press, The Sun newspapers, and publishing the Entertainment Express, among others.
He equally saluted the journalist’s foray into book writing, and encouraged many more journalists to toe the same line, “since books virtually live forever, and reading makes a full man”.
President Buhari congratulated the Awoyinfa family, the media, and specifically the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), on the landmark occasion.
He wished Awoyinfa longer life in good health, “and greater contributions to a profession he loves so much”.
In a statement yesterday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, Governor Oyetola said he was delighted to join family, friends and the media industry in celebrating the Osun-born media guru as he attained the landmark age of 70.
He praised Awoyinfa for his dedication to the Journalism profession and his remarkable contributions to nation-building through his insightful interventions on national issues and wise counsel to political leaders, over the years.
According to him, Awoyinfa’s antecedents in the Journalism industry, spanning over four decades, will continue to inspire many, particularly young media professionals.
Governor Oyetola prayed that the renowned journalist will keep growing in strength, good health and wisdom as he continues to serve his country and humanity with his vast experience and knowledge.