I’m grateful to God at 75, says Ekiti dep. gov. Egbeyemi

Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti

Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi was, on Wednesday, given a surprise birthday treat by workers in his office.

Egbeyemi, who was born in Ado-Ekiti, on May 8, 1944,  said he did not plan to mark the milestone, clocking 75 years old.

Unknown to the deputy governor, however, his staff had organised themselves at the Conference Hall, Office of the Deputy Governor, which was decorated with a life-size flex banner and with a big cake on the table ready for him.

On arrival in the hall, the workers sang birthday songs for their principal, who expressed surprise and was full of smiles showing gratitude for the special treat.

Apparently surprised by the gesture, Egbeyemi appreciated the staff for celebrating his 75th birthday.

He said attaining the age was by God’s grace to whom he would continue to be grateful as long as he lives.

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He later cut the birthday cake amidst cheers before departing for the weekly State Executive Council meeting.

In the words of Egbeyemi, “I am surprised not because you don’t have the money to do all these things but I didn’t tell anybody because I didn’t want to celebrate it this year for one reason or the other but God is making it possible very soon.

“I thank you for this and I thank God for my life, that I am already 75 years is enough to thank God and for all God has done for me concerning all my achievements.

“I thank you mostly, those I had worked with and those I am working with. They have helped me to move higher.

“The Lord will also help you to move higher, it is well you and you shall live long and be older than myself.”

The deputy governor further advised workers to always cooperate with their superiors and never pull anyone down.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Komolafe, noted the deputy governor deserved to be celebrated for his contributions to the development of the state.

Komolafe added, “We thank God for the grace of God in your life and we wish you many happy returns of the day.

“When you celebrated your 74th birthday last year, you were Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi but today, you are Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi, it’s all by God’s grace.”