By Jimoh Abiodun
ILA-ORANGUN, OSUN STATE – The auditorium of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, was filled to capacity as the crème de la crème from across Nigeria gathered to celebrate the 87th birthday of Chief Adebisi Bamidele Akande, former Governor of Osun State and pioneer Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The grand celebration brought together politicians, traditional rulers, academics, and well-wishers who converged to honor a man widely regarded as a statesman and progressive leader.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described Chief Akande as a dependable ally, a true democrat, a confidant, and a genuine progressive. He acknowledged Akande's invaluable contributions to Nigeria's democratic development and the progressive movement.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Aminu Yusuf Wushishi, saluted Chief Akande's exemplary leadership style. According to him, "Baba Akande's tenure as Osun State governor was guided by principle and vision."
Delivering the birthday lecture titled "Increasing Population, Insecurity, and Inflation Crises Manifestations in Nigeria: Strategies for Managing Stakeholders' Concerns in Emerging Cities," Prof. Gbadebo Odewumi, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, examined Ila-Orangun as a gradually developing city that mirrors the present while projecting into the future.
He reiterated that Ila-Orangun is a town deeply rooted in tradition and communal trust, noting that its transformation signifies progress but also brings accompanying pressures on housing rent, food and transportation costs, as well as security challenges. He presented a policy advisory to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a birthday gift to Chief Akande, whom he described as dedicated to communal interest over selfish pursuits.
Collective participation by all stakeholders is key to strengthening security architecture and converting land resources into assets, particularly housing, he noted.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion include:
