Garland for Sir Okelana on birthday
Inaolaji OLAYODE
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Today, April 24, is superb in the Gregorian calendar. It is a day a patriotic Ogbomoso big man was kindled to this planet – earth. A day the number of the scions of Oke Eran compound increased by one. A scintillating day a Knight of Saint Bernard Commandery No. 35, Chicago, Illinois, USA was sired. A sparkling date a criminologist, retired military man, philanthropist, disciplinarian, gutsy, cultured, lettered and principled man, Sir Olatunde Okelana was born. I join the myriad of well-wishers, relatives, colleagues, friends, brothers, classmates, associates to wish him well on his natal day.
It is good to celebrate one’s birthday. Holy book of bible is in support of it. Let me direct you to Psalm chapter ninety verses ten to twelve, stating, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O Lord, how long? And let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; That we may rejoice and be glad all our days”. Albeit, a number of people have contrary perspective about its celebration due to their spurious belief.
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- Sir Olatunde Okelana: 60 years of exemplary living by Femi OGUNLANA
- Sir Olatunde Okelana bags Doctoral Fellow of AIJP– citation (PHOTOS)
Who is Sir Olatunde Okelana? He is a revered figure who takes delight in the
propagation of African culture and tradition. He doesn’t hide it. He preaches it. He cherishes it. Despite the fact that we are in an epoch where Yoruba cultural heritage and tradition have been demonized, he is still strenuously and relentlessly contributing to its progression or advancement. He will always be seen at traditional festivals, one of which is the Odun Ebo Oba which is usually celebrated every January of the year by the adherents of traditional religion – “Onisese” in Yoruba language. Apt word to describe him is “Agbe Asa Ga”, if not “Agbe Isese Ga”.
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Also, his philanthropic gesture is top notch. He priotises helping the down-troden or the penury-striken. That’s the main reason he establishes a foundation whose activities are centred on stretching helping hands to the needy as earlier said, proferring financial aid to the indigent students etc. The foundation was launched last year, during his sixtieth birthday anniversary at the Great Hall of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
As he clocks a year older today, having joined the fraternity of sexagenarians since April 24 last year, by the grace of Almighty God, he will live long to become a centenarian with sound health, massive wealth, sparkling glory and all that his heart desires. Igba odun, odun kan o.
Olayode writes from Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
