Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has extolled Retired Maj. Gen. Oladayo Popoola for being instrumental to the negotiations that gave the ownership rights of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) to Oyo State Government.
Makinde stated this in Ibadan on Monday at the 80th birthday thanksgiving service of Popoola, a former Military Administrator in both old Oyo and Ogun states.
He said when the state was having some issues with the Soun of Ogbomoso and LAUTECH, Popoola was there to help.
“If anybody is saying Seyi Makinde reclaimed LAUTECH, he (Popoola), Prof. (Daud) Sangodoyin and others were part of the team that I put together.
“And when we got to the hardest part of the negotiation, I brought in the General. I thank you sir; you fought, and you and the team brought LAUTECH back to Oyo State,” the governor remarked.
Makinde prayed for more fruitful years for the retired general, adding that his children had inherited a name to cherish for life.
The National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, recounting his first encounter with Popoola in 1984, described his humility as striking.
According to Wale-Oke, the celebrator is a blessing to his generation, noting his contributions to the take-off and the survival of Precious Cornerstone University and ensuring it remains debt-free.
“He is a man who fears God and believes in prayers; no wonder God has given him the grace to achieve so much,” he said.
In his sermon, entitled: ‘Grace: Lessons and Response’, the Senior Pastor of Vine Branch Church, Pastor Dọtun Ajayi, urged all to make their lives count.
According to Ajayi, Popoola has every reason to be thankful at 80, especially in a country where life expectancy is 47 for males and 52 for females.
He noted that the former military administrator had made his mark, having retired from active service in the military, occupying positions without scandal.
The cleric alluded to Popoola’s humility and simplicity, adding that he was very accommodating.
Ajayi, however, urged him to strengthen his relationship with God, going forward, build legacies and use his God-given assets to further benefit humanity.
He called on Nigerians to play active parts in solving the nation’s challenges rather than engaging in mere talk.
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Recalling his past experiences, the former military administrator appreciated God for attaining the age of 80, having singled him out for the various positions he had held.
“I look back and I still continue to say it is God’s grace in my life.
“I have learnt a lot from my military years, and I thank the Almighty for making it possible for me to attain this height in life,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was graced with eminent personalities, including the Governor of Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele. (NAN)
