President Muhammadu Buhari has sent out congratulatory notes to the former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Funsho Kupolokun and erudite scholar and renowned Professor of International Law, Prof. Akin Oyebode as they both celebrate their 70 birthdays.
According to presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said he was specifically celebrating Kupolokun, a resourceful engineer, administrator and businessman because he has contributed immensely to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria over the years.
Said Buhari “With his extensive background in the oil and gas industry and public sector governance, I trust that Engr. Kupolokun will continue to avail the nation his professional and timely counsel as a senior citizen”.
The President also commended the astute administrator for his philanthropic gestures to under-privileged Nigerians and his commitment to improving the lot of the people, particularly in his local community.
The President prayed that Almighty God should continue to guide, guard and sustain Engr. Kupolokun with more years of abounding health, success and personal fulfillment.
In the message sent to Prof. Akin Oyebode, Buhari said he was delightfully joining the academia, all professional colleagues, family and friends to celebrate the scholar, who has spent 44 years in research, teaching and writing seminal papers that both institutions and governments have found most relevant for development.
President Buhari commended Oyebode’s diligence, discipline and exceptional brilliance in bringing fresh perspectives to international law at a period like this in the history of mankind.
As he turns 70 years and retires from the university, the President affirmed that Oyebode’s contribution to nation building would always be remembered and preserved by posterity, believing that more opportunities will be waiting for research, networking and seminal presentations.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
