President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, and veteran journalist Sir Ademola Osinubi, on their respective milestones — the monarch’s ninth coronation anniversary and Osinubi’s 70th birthday.
In separate messages released on Sunday by the Presidency, President Tinubu praised the Oba of Benin for his “unrelenting service” to his kingdom and the nation since ascending the throne on October 20, 2016.
He commended the monarch’s efforts in promoting peace, unity, and social harmony, as well as his leadership in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration. The President also lauded the Oba’s advocacy for cultural preservation and his role in facilitating the return of looted Benin artefacts from Western countries.
“As the Oba of Benin marks nine years on the throne of his ancestors, the President extols his leadership in preserving Benin’s cultural heritage and passing it on to the coming generations,” said Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Tinubu prayed for the monarch’s continued good health and long life.
In a related statement, the President also celebrated Sir Ademola Osinubi, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Punch Nigeria Limited, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a model of dedication, discipline, and excellence in journalism.
Recalling Osinubi’s career, which began at Punch in 1976, Tinubu praised his rise through the ranks and his 27-year leadership of the newspaper during periods of innovation and political challenges.
The President noted that Osinubi’s integrity and mentorship have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape. “You have etched a fine print of excellence on the tome of journalism, and I thank you for your consistent pursuit of our nation’s progress,” Tinubu said.
