Today, as I celebrate my 76th birthday, I am filled with immense gratitude to God Almighty for the gift of life. I wish to take this moment to sincerely appreciate everyone who has been part of my journey.
First and foremost, I thank my beloved wife, my Queen, and my entire family, including in-laws, staff, mentees, business associates, and well-wishers, for standing by me. Your love, support, and unwavering belief in me have been my pillars of strength. I am truly blessed to have you by my side.
I also extend my appreciation to the dignitaries present and those who could not make it. Your gesture of honoring me is deeply valued, and I pray that God will honor you in return.
I remain grateful for the zeal and passion that drive me to serve humanity with dedication and integrity. Every decision, policy, and initiative I undertake is fueled by my commitment to progress and the well-being of all, without prejudice.
On this special day, I particularly acknowledge the wonderful people of Ondo Kingdom — from my late parents to our vibrant youths — who organized this remarkable celebration.
Honestly, I am at a loss for words to describe today’s event. Whether it should be called a carnival, symposium, or campaign, I feel deeply honored, elated, and rewarded. Your resilience and constructive feedback inspire me to work harder every day.
Together, we have achieved great milestones, and I look forward to an even brighter future for our state and nation. Distinguished guests, I welcome you to this magnificent edifice of human creation, the Adoc Events Centre, Ondo City.
The arrangements came as a pleasant surprise, especially when I began receiving calls from eminent personalities who had seen billboards announcing my birthday. Upon inquiry, I discovered that this grand celebration was entirely the handiwork of our youths. For this, I say: God bless them abundantly.
For those who know me closely, I do not abuse privilege. I respect people’s privacy and busy schedules, which is why I only celebrate milestone birthdays every ten years. My last was my 70th, held in Abuja and Ondo. But in 2026, the youths of Ondo Kingdom changed the narrative, spotlighting me in grand style. This is phenomenal, and I do not take this gesture for granted. May you all live long and be celebrated too. Amen.
I must emphasize that our youths are vital assets for building a sustainable, vibrant, and enviable future for Ondo Kingdom. I urge them to remain law-abiding, united, productive, and wise. Nigerian youths, especially those from Ondo, are known for intelligence, industriousness, and resourcefulness. These virtues must be nurtured and expanded for generations yet unborn.
I encourage our youths to continue excelling in diverse fields such as tourism, agriculture, fintech, sports, politics, education, and research.
They must remain steadfast in showcasing themselves as excellent ambassadors, ultimately shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
In conclusion, I thank you all for your attention, love, and respect. As you have come peacefully to Ondo, may you return safely to your destinations. May joy never depart from your lives, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hon (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja.
