Kunle Adelabu
There has been massive celebration of the former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) now Lagos State University of Science & Technology (LASUSTECH), Mr Ayodeji Babatunde Iginla, who clocked 70 years today, as staff, former students of the institution and other well – wishers, congratulate the man who is generally called ‘The People’s Rector’ till date.
Iginla, who holds the chieftaincy title of ‘Akomolede’ of Ikorodu Kingdom, a title bestowed on him by the immediate past Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Oyefusi, is an academic, human and community developer, informed analyst and a socialite.
He celebrates his birthday anniversary every August 19.
The celebrant who was surprise and at the same time, thankful for joining the septuagenarian class announced on his Facebook handle his new age: “So, I am 70 years old today? Unbelievable! Thank you, Baba God!”
What has followed in quick succession were congratulatory messages, prayers and tributes extolling his humane disposition, astuteness and cerebral nature. It is the same thing on WhatsApp platforms where it has also been celebration galore for Iginla.
Mr Adebayo Alake, a senior staff of LASUSTECH, congratulating his former boss and friend, wrote:
“Congratulations sir and many happy returns of the day. I can testify that there had never bean any Rector like you since you left LASPOSTECH.”
A former LASPOTECH Rector, Dr. Oluremi Olaleye, also felicitating his predecessor wrote:
“Happy Birthday, Long Life, Good Health, Graceful Years and Full Prosperity.
“CONGRATULATIONS SIR. IT’S GOD’S GRACE SIR.”
Comrade Abolade Japheth Odesanya, former Chairmanship aspirant, Ikorodu LG and publisher of The Factor Newsmagazine, also joining in the celebration wished the People’s Rector, who he described as ‘The great one’, more grace.
“Wow… The great one @70. I wish you more grace sir. Shine on as always sir.
Congratulations to a darling pillar and benefactor. 70 Hearty cheers sir.”
Jacob Adewuyi, in his own, wrote:
“Happy 70th Birthday! Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and celebration. May this milestone birthday mark the beginning of an amazing new chapter in your life, filled with joy, good health, and cherished moments with family and friends. Here’s to many more years of happiness and adventure!”
A former LASPOTECH student and currently a senior lecturer with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mr ‘Dayo Hassan, also felicitating Iginla, wrote:
“Happy Birthday Baba Ayodeji, Babatunde, Iginla (Former Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic).
May the Almighty continue to bless you with sound health, peace of mind, and overflowing joy. May your latter years be even more glorious than the former. May you continue to reap the fruits of your labour in abundance, and may your legacy of service and honour endure for generations.
Happy 70th birthday, Sir! May you continue to shine brightly in good health and divine grace.”
Mr Babatunde Afuwape, a chieftain of the Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA), in his own tribute noted:
“Congratulations on your attainment of 70 years. More fruitful and impactful years. Congratulations and best wishes sir.”
While Omo-Oba Olawale Oshodi, in his own tribute expressed how he and one of his colleagues back then in LASPOTECH made Iginla’s tenure as Dean of the Students’ Affairs uneasy for him with their troubles but also acknowledged how he handled and managed them.
“Happy Birthday to my own Oga.
“I remember I and Babatunde Abari showed you “shege” when you were Director, Student Affairs way back but I was always pleased at the way you resolved all issues I’d brought to your table.
“I wish you long life and prosperity in good health, wealth and happiness. Congratulations on your 70th birthday. Many happy returns of the day to you Sir. Cheers!”
Another well -wisher, Mr Benjamin Oyetunde Oyeleke, also felicitated the celebrant stating:
“Congratulations, Sir.
“I wish you many more in good health and splendour. You’re actually 70 years young because I see a vibrant and up-to-date elder statesman in you. Always in tune with modern trends with lots of oil in the brain.”
Abayomi Abiodun Akeem Opakunle, in his own tribute, rejoiced:
“Happy Special Day sir and many happy returns and wishing you God’s continued bountiful blessings into the future.
“70 ikiras to you Grand Patron Ayodeji Iginla, past OMIIYE ENIT’ABAL’ABA on MILIKI 101.3FM. Walk Never2Stumble sir. I doff below the belt.
Congratulations & toast-toast…”
