By Oluwakemi Ishola
Prominent Nigerians including the deputy governor of Oyo State on Tuesday, joined other well-wishers to celebrate Alhaji Ademola Babalola, the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as he clocked 44.
Olaniyan alongside other prominent Nigerians stormed the NUJ press centre, Iyanganku in Ibadan on Tuesday evening for Babalola’s birthday bash.
Among other dignitaries at the birthday bash are Sen. Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South) and Rep. Stanley Olajide(PDP-Ibadan South-West/North).
The deputy governor described Babalola has a quintessential leader and journalist of note, saying he had within a short period of assuming office transformed the NUJ in the state.
Balogun, who was represented by Prince Niran Adeyoju, the Chief Executive Officer of SDM Tavern Hotels, congratulated Babalola on his birthday, praying that God grant him long life and sound health.
The lawmaker commended Babalola for his excellent leadership at the NUJ, saying they are proud of him and would continue to identify with his good works.
Olajide also congratulated Babalola on his birthday, commending him for the giant strides at the NUJ within a very short period of assuming office.
Among other well-wishers who felicitated with Babalola through messages are Sen. Teslim Folarin(APC-Oyo Central), Mr Joseph Tegbe, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.
Also on the list are BCOS Director of News, Mrs Adeola Adedotun, the former Managing Director, Sketch Press, Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo and Provost, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Dr Rasaq Adefabi
Others are Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola, renowned insurance broker, Mr Lanre Oyeniyi and Nigerian Tribune Editor, Alhaji Debo Abdullahi to mention a few.
Earlier, Babalola had visited the Juvenile Correctional Institution/Child Care Unit, Ijokodo in Ibadan to distribute items in commemoration of his birthday.
Alhaja Faosat Sanni, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, who presented the celebrant with a special birthday cake, also thanked him for showing love and putting smile on the children’s faces at this period of COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to specially appreciate the celebrant, the foremost influencer and moulded of opinion, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, and everyone at this special event.
“This is timely as we are aware that many are deprived of parental and societal love.
“I appreciate Babalola for showing and sharing love, and thereby putting smile on the faces of these categories of children especially during this COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Sanni, who called on public-spirited philanthropists to emulate the gesture, appreciated Gov. Seyi Makinde’s positive disposition towards providing succour for children and less privilege in the state.
The event also featured an interactive session where Prof Lambert Ihebuzor, Dean from a Faculty in Lead City University took the audience through the importance and essentials of editing.
Others who attended the ceremony are leaders and members of NUJ in the state as well as well-wishers.
