The Technical Adviser on Power Infrastructure to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Atere Philip Ekundayo, has marked his 60th birthday with a thanksgiving service, with political leaders and associates describing him as a generous community builder.

The celebration, held at Christ Faithful Witnessing Church in Ado-Ekiti, drew family members, friends, political associates, church members and government officials who gathered to celebrate Mr Atere’s six decades of life and service.

The celebrant used the occasion to recount a childhood shaped by hardship, explaining how the loss of his parents 49 years ago forced him to confront the realities of life at an early age.

He recalled that his brother once helped him pay the ₦20 required for his West African Examinations Council examination.

Mr Atere said the free education policy introduced by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo also played a significant role in keeping him in school.

The experience, he said, shaped his commitment to education and his desire to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He disclosed that he currently pays the school fees of more than 150 pupils at St Francis Primary School in the Agric Olope area of Ado-Ekiti.

The engineer also recalled working as a gardener and security guard for ₦2 a day in Akure while preparing for his A-Level examinations, which he studied for in a library.

He later studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, before proceeding to Ambrose Alli University for postgraduate studies.

Mr Atere, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Chartered Power Engineer, said he deliberately chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in church because he had been a founding member of Christ Faithful Witnessing Church for more than three decades.

“I chose to celebrate here because this is my family,” he said, explaining that the church had remained part of his life for more than 30 years.

The thanksgiving service centred on the theme, “Grace of God Keeps Us Till Date”, drawn from 1 Corinthians 15:10.

The church’s pastor, Oluwasegunota Peter Adetayo, said Mr Atere’s journey showed how perseverance, professional excellence and faith could shape a meaningful life.

He described the gathering as a family celebration of God’s faithfulness rather than merely a birthday ceremony.

Mr Atere also thanked Governor Oyebanji for appointing him as Technical Adviser on Power Infrastructure, despite what he described as opposition from some detractors.

He pledged to remain loyal to the administration and committed to his responsibilities.

At the event, the APC candidate for Ekiti South Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Toyin Okoro, described Mr Atere as a straightforward and honest man who had consistently invested in the welfare of others.

Mr Okoro called him a committed community builder and said the celebrant had supported his political aspirations with both moral and financial assistance at critical moments.

He praised Mr Atere’s generosity and selflessness, wishing him more years of good health and service.

The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Kayode Fasae, also described the celebrant as a reliable and exceptionally good man whose influence had positively affected many people.

The member representing Ise/Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Babatunde Omotayo, praised Mr Atere as a family man who had remained committed to helping the less privileged in Ise/Orun and beyond.

He said the celebrant’s generosity and concern for others had earned him respect within and outside his immediate community.

Mr Atere is married with four children. His first child is currently pursuing a PhD.

Among those who attended the celebration were the member representing Ekiti South Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Rufus Ojuawo (Rtd.); Founder of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Dapo Kolawole; Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Charity O. Aremu; former Head of Service, Bamidele Agbede; and Technical Adviser on Public Communications, Tai Oguntayo.

Others included the Director-General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Oso-Omotosho; General Manager, Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Olu-Popoola; Regional Head of BEDC for Ekiti State, Kunle; Special Assistant to the Governor, Emiola Olabode; President-General of Eze Ndigbo in Ekiti, Alex Ndubisi; and political leaders and councillors from Ise/Orun Local Government.

Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum,  Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on his 70th birthday, praising his record of public service and contribution to Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday by Fayemi’s media office, the former governor described Mustapha’s 70th birthday as a moment to reflect on decades of service, leadership and commitment to the country.

Fayemi said Mustapha distinguished himself in public office through patriotism, diligence, humility and a strong sense of duty.

He particularly recalled Mustapha’s tenure as SGF, saying he brought experience, wisdom and a calm disposition to the position during a significant period in Nigeria’s history.

“Your remarkable journey in public service and contributions to our national life are worthy of commendation,” Fayemi said.

He added that Mustapha’s contribution went beyond the offices he occupied, pointing to his continued commitment to public service and his belief in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its challenges.

Fayemi also praised the former SGF’s conduct after leaving office, describing his approach to public life as marked by dignity, maturity and statesmanship.

According to him, Nigeria needs experienced voices and people capable of building bridges, making Mustapha’s counsel particularly valuable at this stage of the country’s development.

“Your 70th birthday is a celebration of a life that has touched many people and contributed meaningfully to our national development,” he said.

Fayemi joined Mustapha’s family, friends, associates and Nigerians across the country in celebrating the milestone, wishing him continued good health, peace and fulfilment.

He also prayed that God would grant the former SGF the wisdom and strength to continue serving humanity and Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, and dated September 4, 2026.

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged young people to develop a strong reading culture and build relationships grounded in integrity, trust and service, saying character remains critical to lasting success.

Mrs Oyebanji gave the charge at the sixth edition of the Peace House Book Club in Ado-Ekiti, where participants reviewed Cultivating Strategic Relationships: The Uncommon Advantage to Achieving Personal Fulfilment, a 256-page book by Gbenga Emiloju.

The event, held at the Shores Complex, Peace House, brought together academics, public servants, writers, political analysts and other professionals to examine how purposeful relationships can influence personal growth, career advancement and leadership.

Represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Advocacy, Eunice Fasanmi, the First Lady praised the book club’s convener, Olapeju Babafemi, for sustaining an initiative that promotes reading, values and human capital development at the grassroots.

Mrs Oyebanji said the abundance of information in the digital age had not necessarily produced greater wisdom, making spaces for reading and thoughtful engagement increasingly important.

She said the central argument of Mr Emiloju’s book also found expression in Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s career, which, she said, demonstrated how relationships built over time can create opportunities and shape leadership journeys.

She traced the governor’s progression from university teaching to his involvement in the creation of Ekiti State and subsequent service as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government.

According to her, those stages of his career showed the value of investing in people, maintaining trust and serving others without an immediate expectation of reward.

Mrs Oyebanji urged young people to build their networks before they need them, noting that competence could open doors, but character and a credible record determine how long a person remains relevant.

She also described integrity as a valuable form of currency in governance, business, professional life and family relationships.

“Your net worth is not only about money,” she said, stressing the importance of having reliable mentors, friends, colleagues and associates who can offer guidance and support when it matters.

The book review featured contributions from Fola Richie-Adewusi, a former public office holder, and Oluwole Adebayo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ekiti State University.

Mr Adebayo examined the book’s 17 chapters and described strategic relationships as bridges to opportunities that financial resources alone may not provide.

The gathering attracted the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Habibat Adubiaro, who served as Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola.

Others included the Director-General of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Olawunmi Famuyiwa; Chairman of the Senate Committee on University Ranking at EKSU, Tunde Olofinbiyi; General Manager of NTA Ado-Ekiti, Ishaq Akande; political analyst and author, Oke Aruleba; and senior government officials Yemi Kayode-Ojo and Sola Adeluyi-Femi.

The discussions ended with a call for participants to take a closer look at the people they surround themselves with, strengthen their personal values and build relationships that support growth and responsible leadership.

The sixth edition reinforced the book club’s focus on using literature as a platform for learning, conversation and personal development in Ekiti State.