Former Governor of Abia State and Coordinator of Njiko Igbo, Dr. Orji Kalu, has felicitated with the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, on his 57th birthday.
Kalu described the Sultan as a rare monarch and a bridge builder.
Kalu in a congratulatory message signed by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, said: “I celebrate with the revered monarch on his birthday.
“It is my prayer that God Almighty will continue to give him sound health, wisdom and guidance in the service to the nation and humanity while wishing him more accomplishments in life”.
“His Eminence has contributed immensely to the peace, unity and development of Nigeria by promoting healthy relationship between the Muslim and Christian communities.”
The former governor used the opportunity to admonish leaders to emulate the leadership qualities of Alhaji Abubakar by imbibing the spirit of love, togetherness and selflessness in their daily lives.
Also ,Kalu has described as saddening and huge losses to the nation the passage of the first female Head of Service of Oyo State, Chief Tejumade Alakija, and a former presidential candidate, Alhaji Saleh Jambo.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Oyekunle Oyewumi, Kalu said Alakija was a symbol of hard work while she was alive.
He said it was through hard work that she made it to the top of her career and that even in retirement, she never showed slothfulness.
He said: “This indeed is characteristic of the people of Ile-Ife from where she originated, especially the royal family to which she belonged.”
Kalu condoled with the Government and people of Osun State and the Ile-Ife royal family, especially the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, on the death of Alakija, whom he described as a role model.
On Jambo, Kalu said: “He was a complete gentleman, an accomplished businessman and a consummate politician.
“He touched the lives of many less privileged in the society through his philanthropic and humanitarian gestures.
“He was a detribalized Nigerian who built friendship and relationships across boundaries.”
Kalu urged the Jambo family to take solace in the fact that he contributed his quota to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria while having lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.
His memories will linger forever in the minds of Nigerians, he said.
He further commiserated with the government and people of Plateau State and prayed God to grant him eternal test.
