George to youths: rededicate yourselves to Nigeria

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PD) Chief Olabode George has urged the youths to rededicate themselves to the service of the country.

George, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday in Lagos said the future of the country is bright, adding that Nigeria would overcome its challenges.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, extolled the virtues of the elderstatesman during his 80th birthday.

The president described the former military governor of Ondo State as a leader who served the country as a soldier and politician.

President Tinubu,who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the ceremony in Lagos, also hailed the celebrator for presenting his memoir.

President Tinubu said: “At 80, Chief George has lived a whole life. He dedicated his life to serving our country with a distinguished career in the military.

“As a leader of note and “Lagos boy’ as he had always proudly described himself, he has demonstrates devotion and undisguised love for the country and his state of birth.”

He added: “First, I am most happy that my egbon, through the abiding grace of God, turned 80 years in good health despite vicissitudes of life that attended his way.

“Two, I am equally happy and rejoice wit that he is alive to celebrate today in Lagos, rather than in self-imposed exile.

“I recall that he made a vow on national television that he would go into exile if I were ever to become President of Nigeria.

“I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream.”

At the Naval Dockyard, Ikoyi, venue of the event were former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ayinde Adelanwa, former Adamawa State Governor Muritala Nyako, Gbadebo Vivour, Dele Ogedengbe, who represented the chairman, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Other guests included Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Mrs. Ronke Okunsanya, Prof. Femi Otubanjo, who reviewed George’s memoir, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, Mrs. Rebecca Aikhomu and Mrs. Magret Shonekan.

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The event was also witnessed by Chief Joju Fadairo, Commodore Taiwo Odedina, Sam Amuka, Umar Damagum, Saminu Turaki, Alex Duduyemi, Ladi Adebutu, Taofeek Arapaja, Justice Bode Rhodes, Bisi Ilaka, Supo Sasore, Akin Osuntokun, Reuben Abati, Admiral Toye Olofintuyi, Babangida Aliyu, and Prince Tokunbo Sijuade.

President Tinubu described the birthday as a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, a statesman and an outstanding politician.

He said sinceheI became President, Chief George has offered advice and suggestions where necessary through many of his interventions on national issues, adding that he found many of his suggestions very valuable and enriching.

Makinde, who said George cannot be a pushover, being a military General, thanked him for rising to the occasion when forces within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wanted to prevent him from declaring his governorship ambition at Ibadan, the state capital.

Noting the problems that confronted the elderstatesman, he said in any moment of trial, tribulations and rough battles, people should look up to God.

Senator Bala Mohammed described George as a father, cerebral and hardworking person, adding that he is blunt and detribalised who has mentored many Nigerians 

The governor lamented that despite his efforts to reposition the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was chairman, it becsme his albatros.

Okusanya, who served as George’s Commissioner for Information when he was governor, dwscribed him as her destiny helper.

Ogedengbe, who was also Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner during the same period recalled that he and George met as students at the University of Lagos, Akoka, in 1967.

He praised him for demonstrating resilience, determination in the course of life.

Ogedengbe said:” George has gone through a lot ib life; he was prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned, but the Supreme Court established his innocense. He has remained focused.

“I urged people to emulate him. You should not give up. At the end of the day, you will be victorious.”

An excited George thanked the dignitaries for turning up to honour him.

Reminiscing on his life journey, which has been full of ups and downs, he said: “My journey through public life has been long and painful. From my early days as a young naval officer, serving this nation in uniform, to my years in political leadership, I have seen our country, Nigeria, in her brightest and also at the most challenging moments. I have served in government.

“I have served in opposition. I have celebrated victories and endured defeats. I have been praised and I have been misunderstood.

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“But through every twist and turn, I have held firmly to one conviction. That our country, Nigeria, is worth serving. And Nigeria is worth believing in.”

Urging the youths to face the future with confident hope, George added:”Let us build a nation where unity is not just a slogan but a life reality. To the young people of this country, my sons and daughters, and the future of this great country, I say this with love. Do not give up on Nigeria.”