Abuja, nation’s capital was agog last Saturday as top government functionaries, military chiefs and traditional rulers gathered to celebrate Prof. Mike Ikupolati at his 70th birthday thanksgiving service.
The colourful ceremony, held amid singing and dancing, drew serving and retired senior military officers, and representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.
Also present were the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olushola Enikanolaye; the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade; and the member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Arc. Salman Idris.
The former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Prince Olushola Akanmode, Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom, HRM Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, were also in attendance, alongside 100 Professors, the celebrant’s students, friends and family.
Speakers praised the Professor of Leadership and Corporate Governance, who has consistently maintained that poor leadership remains the bane of development in Nigeria and across Africa.
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The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. W. Shuaibu, who was represented, said Ikupolati had positively influenced the top hierarchy of the Nigerian Army over the years. He congratulated the celebrant and pledged the Army’s readiness to deepen its partnership with him.
He congratulated him on the special celebration and expressed the readiness of the Army in partnering more with him.
Dr. Ayoade on her part, described the professor as a generous source of knowledge, wisdom and experience.
She called him a patriotic Kogi indigene “who did not sit in the Diaspora to throw stones” at the state, adding that 70 years was a milestone.
She also conveyed the felicitations of the Kogi State Government and people.
Enikanolaye praised Ikupolati’s dedication, diligence and devotion over seven decades.
“Prof. Mike Ikupolati demonstrates an uncommon capacity for research and delivery. He is a quintessential professor with a mastery of subject matter and an eloquence unmarked by Aristotle,” he said.
He added that the celebrant remained deeply rooted in Okun culture and committed to promoting unity and development in the kingdom. He wished him good health and more grace to add value to humanity.
The event also featured the unveiling of “The Act of Great Leaders,” a book written by the septuagenarian.
