President Bola Tinubu led an array of distinguished personalities including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and others in celebrating former two – term Senator who represented Lagos State, Sen. Olugbenga Bareehu Ashafa, on his 70th birthday.
The massive event which also witnessed the unveiling of a book: “Truly Distinguished”, held at the Harbour Point Lagos on Wednesday, with great music icons in attendance to entertain guests – Commander Ebenezer Obey, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), Queen Ayo Balogun and others. Their performances added colour to the celebration.
His old school students – C.M.S Lagos and its alumni were also on the ground to honour him as the celebratory event kicked – off with the school anthem.
President Tinubu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Bayo Onanuga, was also joined by the former Governor of Lagos, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and many other former Governors including HE Segun Oni, former Ekiti State Governor, HE Ibikunle Amosu, former Governor of Ogun State, HE Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and HE Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti State and former Deputy Governors HE Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, HE Sarah Sosan, former Lagos Deputy Governor and HE Femi Pedro, former Lagos Deputy Governor among others.
A documentary on Ashafa’s childhood, growth, marriage – where the celebrant’s wife, children described how he has been a wonderful husband and father and also accounts of his generosity and exceptional character by parents, family members was played to the guests. Also, distinguished public personalities gave their own accounts of his dedicated public life.
Governor Sanwo – Olu, his predecessor HE Babatunde Fashola, chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, and other others that paid their tributes at the function spoke glowingly of the celebrant.
Other eminent personalities at the celebration of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority were Chief Rasaq Okoya – Thomas, the Asoju Oba of Lagos and wives, Mrs Toyin Saraki, Madam Osoba, Mrs Falake, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Sen. Musliu Obanikoro, Sen. Sola Adeyeye, Aremo Adesegun Oniru, Dr Muiz Banire, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri – Erewa and her husband, Mr Segun Erewa, and Mr Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to Lagos Governor among many others.
Also in attendance were many royal fathers including Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba (Dr.) Kabir Shotobi, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, HRM Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, HRM Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, Onisabe of Igbobi Sabe among others.
There were many serving federal and state government functionaries, serving and incoming Council Chairmen including Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, Ijede LCDA and Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA.
The book reviewer, Dr Muiz Banire, former Commissioner for Environment, Lagos State, during his brief presentation said that Ashafa documented his journey from birth to exit from the public service and about his foray into politics.
He said that the compilation shows Ashafa as an astute administrator who was well experienced and exposed.
While he urged that shortcomings in the book should be corrected in the subsequent editions, Dr Banire recommended the book.
Mr Atiba, who also reviewed it, focused on Sen. Ashafa’s truancy in his younger days, but pointed out that he was class captain throughout his class days in primary school and his exceptional character which he charged the youth to emulate.
He announced that the proceeds from the book would go into development of education and promotion of reading culture in the society.
