President Muhammadu Buhari has travelled down the memory lane of the life of a former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, recalling how he bagged a PhD at 27.
Buhari did so in congratulating Akinyemi as he clocks 80, describing him as an excellent personality and a consistent patriot.
Akinyemi will clock 80 on Jan. 4.
The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Monday in Abuja, congratulated the scholar, administrator, publisher and highly resourceful diplomat on the milestone.
President Buhari joined the academia and the media in celebrating with the former minister, ”whose intellectual and managerial influence cuts across almost every sphere of national life, with stronger presence in formulation of policies, particularly on democracy, good governance and diplomacy.”
According to him, the scholar remains unwavering in his patriotism and loyalty to the growth of the nation and Africa, heading the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs at 33, becoming a minister at 43, after earning a Ph.D at 27.
President Buhari believed Akinyemi’s foresight, steadfastness and diligence deserved commendation, while appreciating his willingness to share his experience whenever the need arose, including shaping the electoral process for democracy.
He further lauded Akinyemi for playing a significant role in global dialogue with other nations, the UN, Commonwealth and African Union.
The President prayed for Akinyemi’s good health and strength, especially in mentoring and inspiring younger scholars and leaders.
