It was pomp and pageantry all the way as hundreds gathered inside the All Seasons Plaza Main Hall, Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate the 45th birthday of Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) National Coordinator, Otunba Ganiu Adams.
From Chiefs and top Government officials like Dr. Dayo Adeyeye (Minister of State for Works), Ms. Sally Mbanefo (DG, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation), activist, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, a representative of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, beauty queens and top Yoruba Nollywood stars to ordinary members of society who had benefited from his scholarship and cultural activities stormed the venue that was filled with music and dancing.
There were numerous speeches, and speaker after speaker praised the celebrant for being a committed fighter for the upliftment of the Yoruba race. His contribution during the June 12, 1993 protests also came to fore during the ceremony.
An elated Otunba Gani Adams who was accompanied by his wife, Erelu Mojisola Adams and their children told us that he was overwhelmed with joy at the expression of love shown by the numerous guests who came from far and near.
He asserted that this kind words and turnout was a pointer to the fact that he still has to do more for his people. “It is a call for more service, and I promise them that no matter what we would not relent in our effort to bring honour to the people of Odua”
Born on April 30th, 1970, in Arigidi-Akoko in the present Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, he started his education at Army Children Scool, Oturkpo, Benue State and completed at Municipal Primary School, Surulere, Lagos in 1980.
He attended Ansar-ud-deen Secondary School before going for training as an interior decorator and was subsequently employed by Stabilini Visioni Limited, Apapa. He voluntarily resigned to establish his personal and has been in business ever since.
Today, Otunba Adams has a Diploma in Tourism Management from the International Aviation School, Tema, Ghana, Diploma in International Strategic Studies from Lagos State University, LASU and currently studying for a degree in Political Studies at the Lagos State University.
In 1992 when his group teamed up with the Campaign for Democracy (CD) to fight for the right of the downtrodden.
He was a founding member when the Odua Peoples’ Congress was formed in 1994 and was the Deputy National Coordinator.
The birthday party had top Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka as compere had such artistes as Pasuma, Osupa, Obesere and Lanre Teriba performing.
It was his role in the OPC, which fought for the enthronement of the mandate of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola that brought him national prominence.
Otunba Gani Adams is the Chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation which is aimed at taking Yoruba culture to all corners of the globe. The Foundation has been involved in many major festivals in Yorubaland since its inception. He holds many traditional chieftaincy titles.
Via The Lightnews