The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has felicitated a former deputy governor of the state, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, on the occasion of his 68th birthday.
In a birthday message he personally signed on Tuesday, Senator Alli described Ambassador Arapaja as a brave citizen, a true statesman, and a proud son of Ibadan whose contributions to democracy and good governance could not be overemphasised.
Alli further described Ambassador Arapaja as a rare gift to Oyo State, Nigeria, and to humanity, adding that he had served in different capacities with courage, loyalty, wisdom, and an uncommon passion for the people.
He recalled Arapaja’s distinguished journey in public service, from Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, to Member of the House of Representatives, to Deputy Governor of Oyo State from 2007 to 2011 under the late Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala, and to Nigeria’s Ambassador to Iran and later to Jordan, where he served until 2015.
“Ambassador Arapaja has excelled as a family man, a politician, a public administrator, a diplomat, and as a patriot. In every assignment, he has demonstrated the courage to speak the truth, the commitment to serve, and the passion to lift others.
“He has never been found wanting in leadership, character and commitment. He is a bridge builder and a mobilizer whose political sagacity continues to shape the direction of Oyo State politics,” Alli wrote.
Senator Alli, while wishing Arapaja many happy returns, prayed for good health, long life, and renewed strength for him to continue his good work for Oyo State and for Nigeria.
“As you add another year today, I celebrate the enigma, the bridge builder, and the mobilizer. Happy 68th Birthday, Your Excellency. Oyo State is proud of you,” he added.
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