By Lawrence Olaoye
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, on his 85th birthday today.
The President in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in a statement described the Yoruba monarch as one of the nation’s most revered royal fathers and praised his unwavering dedication to the highest ideals in his distinguished reign as the Ooni of Ife.
“On the occasion of your 85th birthday anniversary, I write to extend warm felicitations to Your Majesty on behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Yours has been a life truly worthy of celebration. You have always readily availed our administration of your wise counsel and invaluable support as we work assiduously to reposition our dear nation for enduring peace, security, accelerated growth and development. For this, we owe you a debt of gratitude.
“As you celebrate this glorious anniversary, I join your family, the good people of the historic kingdom of Ife, friends, protégés and well-wishers to thank God for your life and to pray that He continues to guide, guard and prosper you, even as He blesses you with many more years of good health and personal fulfillment,” the President stated.
Meanwhile, President Jonathan will deliver a new year’s day broadcast to the nation at 07:00 hours tomorrow.
The broadcast will be transmitted on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
Other television and radio stations in the country are advised to link up with NTA and FRCN to relay the broadcast to their viewers and listeners.
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