By Isa Isawade
Families, friends and associates on Saturday gathered at the Providence Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria to celebrate an illustrious son of the land, Professor Ropo Sekoni as he clocked 80 years.
The colourful event witnessed a convergence of eminent personalities and men and women of letters to celebrate the renowned intellectual.
The octogenarian Professor of Semiotics and African Literature radiated happiness and a great sense of fulfilment and gratitude as great men and women thronged the venue of the event in celebration of his achievements and age. General Alani Akinrinade with his Wife and Mrs Banke Sekoni at the event (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
The President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had earlier sent a goodwill message to the erudite professor, describing him as a “longtime associate”.
“Today, I celebrate and congratulate my friend, comrade and longtime associate, Professor Ropo Sekoni, on his 80th anniversary. Attaining 80 years of age is a wonderful gift from God. I join his family and our mutual friends on this important milestone.
“Together with other pro-democracy activists, Professor Sekoni and I fought stridently at home and abroad for the termination of military rule and rebirth of democracy in our land following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election.
“Professor Sekoni was a leading light in that struggle. He is also a sounding board and an invaluable support system for us in government,” the President said.
The President prayed to God to grant Sekoni more years to witness a new Nigeria.
Below are the images taken at the event by our Photo Journalist, Ayodele Efunla:
(L-R) Professor Sola Olorunyomi, Mr Kunle Ajibade, Hon. Wale Osun and Femi Folorunsho (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
Ambassador Ogunsulure and Wife (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
Dolapo Odulana, Sola Odulana, Daniel Odulana, and Dr Olatunde Olusesi (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
Fatima Maikore, Isabel Adeoti, Dapo Oyindasola and Oluyemi Ayodele (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
Dr Akinsefunmi Akintunji, Mrs Carol Akintunj and Retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
L-R: Mr Adeola Odusanya, Mr and Mrs Gbemiga Ogunleye, Mr and Mrs Kunle Ajibade (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
Dr Adeyinka Ayanwale and Mrs Arinola Odulana (Photo: Ayodele Efunla)
The Eagle Band performing to entertain guests at the event (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
Tunde Ojumu, Deola Oyegbade and Mrs Funmilayo Oyindapo (Photo: Ayodele Efunla)
The celebrant, Professor Ropo Sekoni (Photo by Ayodele Efunla)
