Jonathan, Ihedioha, others eulogise HID at 96 •Communion service holds 7.30a.m. today



PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has joined many other eminent Nigerians in felicitating with the Yeye Odua, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo,

on the occasion of her 96th birthday, describing her as a respected voice of vision and an unwavering believer in the peace, unity and prosperity of the country.

In a letter to the matriarch of the Awolowo family, which he personally signed, the president wrote: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I write to felicitate with you on the noteworthy occasion of your 96th birthday which comes up on Friday, the 25th of November 2011.”

The president, in the letter dated 22 November, 2011, added: “Over the years, you have continued to epitomise those noble ideals for which Papa Awolowo stood and for which he was deservedly revered. At this point in our national developmental history, when Nigeria needs the patriotic recommitment of men and women of goodwill, you have remained a respected voice of vision and unwavering believer in the peace, unity and prosperity of our dear nation.

“As you celebrate this glorious milestone, I congratulate you and pray that Almighty God continue to bless you with robust health, even as He blesses you with many more years of enduring happiness and fulfilment.”

Also, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has extolled the virtues of Chief (Mrs) Awolowo as she clocks 96 today.

Prince Oyinlola, in a congratulatory message to the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, described her as the real mother of Nigeria given her unparralled passion for the peace and progress of the nation.

The former governor recalled that in critical moments, the Yeye Oodua, despite her advanced age, never shied away from giving useful advice on the way forward for the country.

Prince Oyinlola prayed for many more active years  for Chief (Mrs) Awolowo while congratulating the entire Awolowo family on the occasion of her 96th birthday.

Also, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, on Thursday congratulated Chief (Mrs) Awolowo, as she turns 96 today.

He pointed out that Chief Awolowo had continued to deploy the benefits of her age, political experience and maternal kindness to nurture generations of politicians and business leaders throughout the country.

He particularly noted mama’s untiring efforts to build and sustain the unity of the Yoruba race and ensuring a worthy pride of place for the Odua nation within the context of Nigeria’s federal structure.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the matriarch of the Awolowo family has remained “a flowing stream of inspiration to many leaders across the country who have continued to draw from her well of experience, sagacity and ingenuity.”

Honourable  Ihedioha thanked God for sparing her life to this time and prayed Almighty God to continue to bless her with longevity, sound mind and strong body.

He called on Mrs Awolowo to continue to extend the goodwill of her towering personality, wisdom and political experience to those who continually seek her advice in their endeavours.

Meanwhile, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, has eulogised Mrs Awolowo on her 96th birthday,  and described her as the mother and conscience of the Yoruba nation.



http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/31831-jonathan-ihedioha-others-eulogise-hid-at-96-communion-service-holds-730am-today