The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has described former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, as a rare gift to Nigeria and humanity.
Felicitating Arapaja on the occasion of his 68th birthday, Senator Alli said Oyo State and indeed Nigeria are blessed to have a man of his stature, character and selfless service.
In a birthday message on Tuesday, Senator Alli praised Ambassador Arapaja as a brave citizen, a true statesman and a proud son of Ibadan whose contributions to democracy and good governance cannot be overemphasized.
Ambassador Arapaja, he said, remains a rare gift whose life continues to inspire courage, loyalty and uncommon commitment to public good.
“Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja is a rare gift to Oyo State, Nigeria and to humanity. He has served in different capacities with courage, loyalty, wisdom and an uncommon passion for the people. His legacy as a bridge-builder and servant-leader remains a source of pride to us in Ibadan and beyond,” Senator Alli added.
He recalled Arapaja’s distinguished journey in public service, from Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, to Member of the House of Representatives, to Deputy Governor of Oyo State from 2007 to 2011 under the late Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala, and to Nigeria’s Ambassador to Iran and later to Jordan, where he served until 2015.
“Ambassador Arapaja has excelled as a family man, a politician, a public administrator, a diplomat, and as a patriot. In every assignment, he has demonstrated the courage to speak the truth, the commitment to serve, and the passion to lift others.
“He has never been found wanting in leadership, character, and commitment. He is a bridge builder and a mobilizer whose political sagacity continues to shape the direction of Oyo State politics.” Alli wrote in a birthday note made available to Premium News.
While wishing the Arapaja many happy returns, Allu prayed for good health, long life, and renewed strength for him to continue his good work for Oyo State and for Nigeria.
“As you add another year today, I celebrate the enigma, the bridge builder, and the mobilizer. Happy 68th Birthday, Your Excellency. Oyo State is proud of you,” he added.