Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibajo, SAN, recently sent warm felicitations to fearless journalist, lawyer, author and activist, Richard Akinola, on his 63rd birthday.
Osinbajo’s greetings, including snippets on their decades-old relationship, were broadcast during Akinnola’s birthday lecture, entitled: “Security Challenges in Nigeria and its Implications for Sustainable Development”, delivered by Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos on Monday, August 23, 2021.
Said Osinbajo: “From my days in the early 80s as a university law teacher in the University of Lagos, he and I have come a long way. From the days the early 80s and later when I served as a special adviser to the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola. In those years, Richard was one of the most respected judiciary correspondents.
“And one of the earliest civil rights activists and I mean, a co-founder of the Civil Liberty Organisation which was then led by a foremost human rights organisation, and later became a founding chairman of the Board of Trustees, of Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project, SERAP.
“Richard is not only a level Greek but also a dear friend of mine. A man of many gifts and talents. Always multitasking. A lawyer, journalist, and activist. An author of 17 books on media, law, human rights, politics, and other issues of national development.
“I hear that he has now added another feather to his cap as a social media influencer. A man driven with a passion for justice and fairness. All of us his friends and associates know him as a man comfortable with his children, content, a forthright and honest man with the courage of his conviction.
“An outstanding fighter. Always speaking out and supporting social justice and public-spirited courses. And all manner of progressive ideas. Richard played a key role in the struggle for democracy, especially during the Abacha years.
At some point spending time in detention and suffering so many deprivations. Today, Richard likens to heaven as the founder of the Richard Akinola Foundation.
“Now, more than a decade ago, focusing on the welfare of widows of journalists and activists. Richard, I have the mandate of our friends to now, asked that as you turned 63, you must realize that you are nearing 70, you must no doubt, slow down. Let me join my sister who has been a pillar for many years. And the children, grandchildren. All members of the family. Your friends, associates, locally and internationally, to wish you a very happy 63rd birthday.
“I pray that as your day so shall your strength, wisdom, and favour with God in Jesus mighty name, Amen. Happy Birthday, my brother, God bless you.”