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Senator Kola Balogun, Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande and a member of House of Representatives, representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun, have congratulated the Deputy National Chairman-elect (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, on his 63rd birthday.
Senator Balogun, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dapo Falade, described Arapaja, who is also a former deputy governor of Oyo State, as a charismatic politician who has been contributing to the political development of the state.
He also described him as a loyal and faithful party chieftain who is committed to the sustenance of peace and unity in the PDP, both in Oyo State and the South West region and, indeed, in the entire country.
“As a politician and an elected public officer, you have, at many times, demonstrated that you are truly a man of peace. Your loyalty and commitment to issues that concern our party, the PDP, has never been in doubt.
“Now, and more than ever, is the time to prove it to your family, your followers and every other member of the PDP that your election as the deputy national chairman of our party would usher us into greater development and advancement.
“It is my sincere prayer that God will grant you more strength, wisdom and knowledge as you continue in your service to humanity,” Senator Balogun said.
Akande, in his congratulatory message, noted that Arapaja has come of age and prays that as he ages older he will deploy his wisdom to promote inter-party peace and the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“Your meteoric rise in politics is not only the reward for hardwork and dedication but the grace of God. It is uncommon for a politician to rise through the ranks as local government chairman,member of House of Representatives, deputy governor, vice Cchairman of a major party and now deputy chairman of a major political party.
“No doubt,God has been kind to you. I implore you to reciprocate by dedicating your life to the service of mankind through politics. You occupy a vantage position to rework our party system for peace, harmony and development. I acknowledge that you have been an advocate of these virtues in politics. Please never be tired of promoting them because these virtues remain in small supplies in our polity.
“I congratulate you on your birthday which is coming so soon after your election as deputy chairman of the PDP. I pray that God shall use you to sanitize our party system so that our parties shall be vehicles for the promotion of peace,harmony among politicians and be platforms for the satisfaction of the yearnings of Nigerians for development,” the NCC chairman said.
Adigun, popularly called Agboworin, in a statement by his Director of Communication and Media, Aremu Ibraheem, said Arapaja has been a blessing to the entire pacesetter state which can be described as true beacon with virtues of service, love and sacrifice.
Agboworin prayed that the Almighty Allah would continue to keep Arapaja in sound health in order to continue to contribute to the development of “our party state and country at large.”
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless, keep, and inspire you as you continue to do what you know best- showering people, the PDP family, and humanity with love,” the lawmaker said.