Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Ekiti State governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, immediate past Ogun State governor, who is now a serving senator, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and other important personalities both home and outside the country have joined in celebrating Hon. Shina Peller on the occasion of his 45th birthday anniversary.
Speaking on Friday at the National Security and Peace Symposium organized by Lead Generation Initiative (LGI) to mark the 45th birthday of the federal legislator, Dr. Fayemi, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, commended Hon. Peller and LGI for choosing to celebrate his birthday with such a purposeful security symposium as part of his own contribution to addresing the menace of insecurity in the country.
Similarly, Dr. Fayemi added that the security and other challenges that the country battles with can be overcome if the causes of the problems are reasonably addressed and dealt with. He listed some of the causes to include poverty, inequality and unemployment.
He said, “We are all here because we believe in a cause we need to commit ourselves. At the moment, we know our country is going through a lot of challenges. But these challenges are not insurmountable. These are challenges we can overcome.
“Countries that are in more security situation than Nigeria have overcome it. We can achieve this if we are single-minded, if there is sincerity of purpose, if we are committed about transforming Nigeria for the better, and understanding our challenges for what they are.
“If we are honest, purpose driven, dedicated and determined, we will put behind all the triggers of violence in the land; be it insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and so on, as long as we are tough on the causes of the crime. We all know the causes of the crimes in our country. Inequality, poverty and unemployment are major aspects of it.”
In his own congratulatory message to the celebrant, Lagos State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory birthday letter he personally signed, described Hon. Peller as an exemplary politician, a patriotic Nigerian, a selfless member of the House of Representatives and a worthy ambassador of Oyo State. Governor Sanwo-Olu added that he is ever proud of the giant strides he has made in politics and described his contributions to the development of his constituency as unparalleled.
The letter read: “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I congratulate you on your 45th birthday.
“The anniversary of your birthday provides an opportunity to celebrate you for being an exemplary politician, a patriotic Nigerian, a selfless member of the House of Representatives and a worthy ambassador of Oyo State.
“Despite the challenges associated with representing diverse people, you have demonstrated uncommon love for your constituents, and the uncanny ability to prioritize their interests.
“I am proud of the giant strides you have made in politics and your unparalleled contributions to the development of Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency.
“The Peace and Security Symposium being organized to mark your birthday embodies your love for the continued unity, peace and wellbeing of Nigeria. As you celebrate your 45th birthday, I pray for better strength and wisdom to keep serving your people.
“May your life remain impactful, productive and inspirational.”Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his own congratulatory letter, maintained that Hon. Peller’s life is an eventful one with many positive impacts both in business and politics. He prayed that God grants him long life in good health so that his constituents, Oyo State and Nigeria at large will continue to benefit from his service.
The letter read in part: “Yours has been an eventful life with many positive impacts, most notably, in business and politics. I wish you a happy birthday, and pray that Almighty God will grant you more years, in good health so that your constituency, Oyo State and the nation at large, will continue to benefit from your service.”
Other prominent personalities who were at the National Security and Peace Symposium to celebrate Hon. Peller’s 45th birthday included former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunke Amosun, former ministers; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and wife of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
Furthermore, the symposium with the theme – National Security and Peace: Role of Government, Citizens and Institutions”, which had Professor Isaac Olawale Albert as the keynote lecturer, also witnessed the presence of HRM Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan, HRM Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Oluwo of Iwo Land, HRM Oba Rafiu Mustapha, Onjo of Okeho, representatives of the Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife as well as other revered royal fathers and traditional chiefs.
Also in attendance were some members of the House of Representatives like Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Musiliu Akinremi, Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, Hon. Femi Bamisile, Hon. Olumide Ojerinde and others.
