Omo Owa, Omo Owa l'okunrin! – As the Ijesa people proudly proclaim for a courageous leader, a lion-hearted warrior who stands tall amidst storms, fearless and unyielding in the pursuit of greatness. Today, on this auspicious milestone of your 70th birthday, Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, the esteemed Asiwaju of Ijesaland, we gather in spirit and celebration to honor a man whose life embodies this very essence of bravery, wisdom, and unwavering commitment.
Born into the rich cultural tapestry of Ijesaland, you have risen as a beacon of excellence, a son of the soil whose footsteps have etched indelible marks on the sands of time. Your journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pillar of leadership is a testament to the resilient spirit of our people – the Ijesa, known for their industriousness, integrity, and indomitable will. As Asiwaju, you have not merely held a title; you have lived it, guiding with the steady hand of a patriarch and the vision of a visionary.
Your enduring legacies in Ijesaland are profound and far-reaching, woven into the very fabric of our community's progress. In education, you have championed initiatives that empower the youth, building bridges to knowledge that span generations, ensuring that the light of learning illuminates even the remotest corners of our land. Your impact on economic development stands as a monument to foresight – fostering enterprises, supporting agriculture, and advocating for policies that uplift families and strengthen our local economy. Through your philanthropic endeavors, countless lives have been touched: scholarships granted, hospitals supported, and community projects birthed, all reflecting your deep-rooted belief in unity and shared prosperity.
In the realms of culture and tradition, you have been a guardian of our heritage, preserving the rhythms of Ijesa customs, the eloquence of our language, and the harmony of our festivals. Your leadership has fostered peace amid diversity, mediating conflicts with grace and promoting dialogues that heal and unite. Beyond Ijesaland, your influence extends to the broader Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large, where your counsel on governance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development has inspired policies and actions that benefit humanity. You have mentored leaders, built institutions, and sown seeds of progress whose fruits we continue to harvest. Asiwaju, your impact is not fleeting; it is eternal, a legacy that will echo through the ages, inspiring future generations to aspire to greatness with the same courage and dedication you exemplify.
On this joyous day, as the sun rises on your seventh decade, let us raise a toast: To Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi – may your cup overflow with health, joy, and continued vitality! *A gba pe mora!* (May you live long in good health!) We pray fervently to Olodumare, the Almighty, to grant you more years of impactful service to Ijesaland and humanity. May your wisdom deepen, your strength renew like the eagle's, and your hands remain blessed to touch more lives. May divine favor shield you from adversity, and may every step you take henceforth amplify your noble causes – advancing education, fostering peace, and uplifting the downtrodden. In service to our people and the world, may you continue to lead with the heart of a servant-king, leaving an even greater imprint on the annals of history.
Happy 70th Birthday, Asiwaju! The people of Ijesaland salute you – *Ijesa a gbe wa o!*
Signed,
Prof Akanni Ibukun AKINYEMI (FSSAN, FPAN)
DVC Research Innovation and Development
Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile Ife
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