Happy 87th Birthday To Our Quintessential Octogenarian, Chief Bisi Akande! 

For decades, Nigeria has enjoyed, like never before, beautiful experiences of our elderstatemen. In their numbers, they have shaped our polities with their homily and useful insights.

Baba Akande, over the years has been nothing short of a shade to many progressive folks in dire straits. A cover of shame to many souls in their low moment. A problem-solver of immeasurable grandeur. A duvet to many under a shattering cold. A man who stands by Awoism even after his death. A man who has continued to preach and promote progressive ideals in all its facets.

From Secretary to the State Government in 1979 in the old Oyo State, to Deputy Governor to our late sage,
Chief Bola Ige (Uncle Bola) in 1983, and more recently, as the Governor, Osun State, Baba has remained a progressive to the core, upholding values that promote public welfare.

The stability Chief Akande has brought to the largest political party in Africa – the All Progressives Congress (APC) is legendary. From serving as its pioneer Acting National Chairman to what the party has become today, Baba has remained a centripetal force, helping the party to stay stronger every step on the way.

Even attested to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Baba Akande’s role in his journey to the presidency was quite commendable. His leadership role at ensuring the South West had a unified force during the Presidential Primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022 point to the incontrovertible fact that elders like him remain celestial benison to our politics and ‘ọmọlúàbí’ ethos which is akin to the ways of the Ijaw people.

As we all celebrate Baba Akande’s 87th birthday this moment, we are proud and take joy in the unequivocal fact that he remains a Maecenas to the core. A political juggernaut of high repute. A living legend of the Awo School of Politics. Above all, an enigma with an overdose of nationalism.

We pray, therefore, on this occasion of his birthday, that we will continue to see Baba in more resounding health and conviviality. May God keep Chief Abdulkarim Adebisi Akande more for Nigeria’s continued progress.

Happy birthday, Baba awon omo keekee as you are fondly called among the South West progressives and your children Nation wide.

Hon. Prince Ebitimi Amgbare
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Niger Delta Development Basin Authority (NDDBA)