A Diamond at Sixty: Celebrating a Life of Service, Sacrifice, and Lasting Impact, APATA Hails Dr Gbenga Ogundeji on his 60th birthday

It is with a heart full of gratitude, deep affection, and profound respect that I celebrate my brother, my guide, and indeed our own Olori Ebi, Dr Gbenga Ogundeji, as he marks the remarkable milestone of his 60th birthday and gracefully retires from the service of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.

Daddy, you are far more than a brother to me, you are a compass, a teacher, and a pillar upon which many of us have leaned through the journey of life.

Beyond the bond of birth, nurtured by our parents and strengthened by the care of our grandparents, you have played an undeniable role in shaping the man I have become today. As it is often said, “A good brother is both a mirror and a shield,” and in you, I have found both, in abundance.

I recall with fondness and deep appreciation the years I spent under your guidance in Calabar, Cross River State, during my formative days from SSS 1 to SSS 3. Those years were not merely about schooling, they were about character, discipline, and values.

The virtues you instilled, the lessons you imparted, and the example you set continue to guide my conduct and decisions to this very day. Indeed, “The influence of a good teacher lasts a lifetime,” and you have been exactly that to me.

Your life has been a testament to service, humility, and quiet strength. In your professional journey with SMEDAN, you have demonstrated diligence, integrity, and commitment, leaving behind a legacy that speaks louder than words.

As you step into retirement, it is not an end, but a transition into a season of greater fulfilment and renewed purpose, for as the saying goes, “Do not count the years, make the years count,” and you have certainly made every year count.

Daddy, your role in my political journey cannot be overstated. Through moments of uncertainty and times of resolve, your words of wisdom, your encouragement, and your unwavering belief in me have remained a constant source of strength.

You have been one of the pillars that have sustained me to this stage as an aspiring Senator, and I do not take that for granted. Your counsel continues to serve as a catalyst, and by the grace of Almighty God, your prayers and heartfelt wishes for my aspiration shall indeed come to fruition.

A day like this offers a rare and precious opportunity to pause, reflect, and openly express the love and appreciation we often carry quietly in our hearts. Today, I celebrate not just your years, but your impact, not just your achievements, but your essence.

As you attain the age of sixty and retire from active service, I pray that Almighty God will prolong your years in good health, renew your strength, and grant you peace, joy, and fulfilment in the years ahead.

May the rest of your life be filled with greater honour, deeper happiness, and continued relevance. As it is written, “The glory of the latter shall be greater than the former,” and so shall it be in your life.

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, and happy 60th birthday, my dear Daddy. You are celebrated today and always.

With love and deep respect,

Chief (Dr) Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, APATA

The Oluomo of Gbotaru, Ido Osun