*I’m happy to celebrate, rejoice with my twin brother – Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Yayi Akorede
*I wish you useful years as we move closer to meeting our Lord – AIG Mustafa
*Congratulations for your untiring effort to educate, defend Nigeria and Nigerians – NAN’s ex-Editor-in-Chief
*We are proud of you – Iralepo of Isinkan
*You are an icon, visionary, progressive son of our kingdom – Osolo of Isolo
*Sokoto Prince prays for more ‘blissful, prosperous years’
By KEMI KASUMU
Within a few minute notice, eminent Nigerians thronged the media airspace to celebrate the publisher of Nigeria’s multilingual online medium, The DEFENDER Newspaper, Prince Bashir Adefaka, who clocked 50 on Saturday September 3, 2022.
It will be recalled that in a short notice Friday night, management of the newspaper had announced that the golden jubilee would only be held via media space as there would be no physical celebration and that all the usually locked up social media platforms related to the newspaper would be open for 24 hours effective time of announcement, to enable well wishers drop their goodwill messages.
To that extent, hundreds of eminent and other categories of citizens home and abroad gave a rousing turnout to pour their minds in celebration of the Journalist on the occasion. First to come was former Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and General Officer Commanding, Third Mechanised Division Nigerian Army, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), who described the Publisher of The DEFENDER Newspaper Nigeria as a young Nigerian who has, through hard work, earned a good name for himself in the journalism profession.
Olanrewaju was followed by Spokesman of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Mr. Idris Katib, who said: “I will safely describe Mr Adefaka as Ajibola’s external relations ambassador who made the job of press relations and media promotions very easy for yours truly.He used his expertise and connections within the media space to facilitate favourable positioning of our news releases, articles and features not only in Vanguard but also in other competitive tabloids.
“Mr Adefaka is journalistically responsible, professionally responsive and ethically balanced in his judgement.No wonder, he is held in high esteem by editors, professional colleagues, top politicians and industry captains.”
In the goodwill messages that followed later in torrents, former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Akwa Ibom State Governorship Candidate, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Attah of Aiyede Kingdom, Ekiti State, Oba Alhaji AbdulMumini Adebayo Orishagbemi, and former Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Bosun Oladele, all thronged the space to identify with the young publisher on his day.
Also, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, Alara of Ilara Epe and Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Chiefs (Epe Division), Oba Dr. Olufolarin Kayode Ogunsanwo, former Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukacheka Usman (Rtd), top serving military commanders, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, among others sent morale boosters of goodwill messages with which they celebrated the Journalist on the occasion of his birthday anniversary that is considered a milestone.
Where Chief Segun Oni prayed that Almighty Allah continues to strengthen him and shower His mercies and blessing upon him and his entire family, Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, His Excellency Chief Sarafa Isola congratulated and wished Bashir Adefaka “success in this world and the hereafter.”
The crown on the throne in his hometown, the Osolo of Isolo, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Edward Kolawole Adejoyegbe Adewole Osalade II, described the prince as “an icon, a visionary and progressive son of our kingdom – Isolo Town, Akure South.”
In his own goodwill message, the Iralepo of Isinkan, also a town in Akure South said to the Journalist, “We are very proud of you.”
A paramount ruler in Oke Ogun, Oyo State, Oba Engr Kazeem Adegboyega, the Onisambo of Igbooro Land, Oke Ogun, could not quantify his joy seeing one of his sons in the Nigerian media attain golden jubilee like Prince Bashir Adefaka has done. He then prayed for his many more years in and Allah’s support for him and his media firm of The DEFENDER.
Former Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation and Member House of Representatives, Hon. Bosun Oladele, described Adefaka as “the man with the pen of integrity and journalistic virtues. A progressive and patriot to the core, a committed friend and loyalist.”
In his goodwill message, Spokesman of Emir of Ilorin and Publisher, Royal News, Kwara State, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona, said, “Adefaka is a committed and patriotic Nigerian who always put national interest above sentiment and frivolity in his publications in the face of the numerous challenges facing the nation. I salute him today and always for his doggedness and consistency in your work aimed at bringing nothing but the truth to the knowledge of his readers.”
Selected number of goodwill messages
A photo combination in honour of Prince Bashir Adefaka at 50 by Mary Adeola Ayeni Tehinse, on Saturday September 3, 2022.
1. Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aderemi JP
“Happy Birthday to you Omoba Barshir , wishing you many more In Good Health and Happiness from Almighty God . Congratulations.”
2. Nigerian High Commissioner to UK, H.E. Sarafa Isola
“Congratulations. I wish you success in this world and the hereafter.”
3. Film Producer, Bolaji Bello, Canada
“Happy birthday to my awesome Friend and Brother. Welcome to the club of 50s. Congratulations.”
4.Abuja based Radio Producer, Madinah Azaki
“Congratulations youngest old man…wish many more super fabulous years with Allah’s guidance, grace and protection. Aameen”
5. Heir of Adefaka royal family, Mr. Babatunde Adefaka
“That’s Really Great! To Jehovah God be the glory… Wishing You More Years Full of Joy, Peace & Good Health, & Greater Achievements Unlimited, in Your Chosen Carrier. C-O-N-G-R-A-T-S”
6. Former Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Sani Kukacheka Usman
“Masha Allah. I wish you happy birthday at this golden age. May Allah continue to bless and protect you and your family.”
7. Former Governor of Ekiti State and APC Deputy Chairman South, Engr Segun Oni
“Happy birthday to you. Many Happy returns of today. May Almighty Allah continue to strengthen you and shower His mercies and blessing upon you and your entire family. SegunONI”
8. Mohammed Omo Olubo, Kilaju TV CEO
“Happy 50th years birthday to the CEO/Chairman of The Defender Newspaper, I wish you many more in sound health age with massive blessing. From all of us ALL DAY MEDIA GROUP, we wish The Defender News Publishers CEO/MD a happy 50th birthday. Sir, may you witness many years of excellent on the surface of heart.”
9. Oke Ogun, Oyo State First Class King, Oba Engr Kazeem Adegboyega, Onisambo of Igbooro Land Oke Ogun
“Alihamdulillah robil almin. Wishing you many more of it. And God Almighty will continue to be with you and the entire firm.”
10. CSP Muyiwa Adejobi
“Happy birthday to Bashir Adekafa, CEO Defender Newspaper. May God bless your new age. Igba odun odun kan nio lase Eledua. Ire oo. MUYIWA Adejobi Force PRO”.
11. Seun Fakoya, Publisher of Ojodu Eye Mangazine, Lagos
“I also join Kabiesi to celebrate Bashir Adekafa, CEO Defender Newspaper. Happy Birthday to you. From Seun Fakoya, Publisher of Ojodu Eye Magazine.” He was followed by Producer, Jawonika program on Jordan FM 105.5, Lagos, who said, “Happy birthday to him, wishing him all the best of life in sound health and tranquility.
12. University of Ibadan’s Prof. Abiodun Ayodele
“Happy birthday Prince May Allah bless you as you age with abundant grace. Many more fruitful years in good health of body and mind. Congratulations my brother.”
13. DSP Deborah
“Happy birthday sir! May God Almighty continue to bless and increase you on all sides. You are cherished sir! Congratulations.”
14. Vanguard Newspapers ‘ colleague Bosede Adelaja
“As you clock 50 years today, Almighty God will give you the speed of light. May your creator meet you at the point of your need. We celebrate you today. Happy birthday my hardworking brother, Bashir Adefaka.”
15. Acting Director of Program, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Abdullahi Ibrahim
“Congratulations Chief Bashir HBD WULLP and God’s richest blessings all the days of your life. May the Defender Newspapers continue to defend the truth towards the greatest happiness of the greatest number in our country. Long live Chief Bashir Adefeka and long live the Defender Newspapers Nigerian. May Allah make it easy for us by His grace and power, amen. Please accept my sincerest regards.”
17. Nigerian First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s Spokesman, Abdullahi Aliyu
“Happy birthday Prince Bashir Adefaka. Allah’s rahma to you, Ameen”
18. University of Ibadan’s Professor of History, Prof. Tayo Adesina
“Happy birthday and many happy returns. Age gracefully.”
19. Alhaji Akinpelu, Ondo State Muslim Community
“Happy birthday to you Sir. May Allah increase your life with good health wealth wisdom knowledge happiness and abundant blessings. Enjoy your day. Congratulations”.
20. Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh Yayi Akorede
“ALHAMDULILLAH robbil’Alameen, I’m happy to celebrate and rejoice with my twin brother, may Almighty Allah grant you long life with sound health, wealth, happiness, peace, progress and prosperity in shaa Allah. Aameen thumma aameen. Congratulations De Alhaji”
21. Former Chairman Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Jimoh Ibrahim a.k.a. An-Nur
“Congratulations my dear brother, I am proud of you, I wish you long live and prosperity.”
22. A This Day Newspapers Editor, Funke Olaode
“Happy birthday Egbon, Yes you are. Humble, gentle, unassuming, hardworking, relatable and focused. This is wishing you many more years in good health and sound mind. Congratulations my brother and personal person.”
23. ACADIP’s Lecturer, Alhaji Yusuf Adepoju
“FIVE DECADES ON THE SURFACE OF THE EARTH! ALLAHU-AKBAR! Olohun a se alekun Àlàáfíà, alekun Owó, alekun Dúkìá, alekun Árísìkí, alekun Iyì, alekun Àpọ́nlé, ati alekun Ìfọ̀kànbalè. Aamiyn, he offered prayers in Yoruba Language. He then added, “By Allah’s Mercy, you shall continue to receive Allah’s Choicest Blessing, Favour, Mercies, Upliftments, Elevations, and Promotions. Yourself and all that are yours shall be blessed with Good Health, Allah’s Protection, Peace of Mind, Long Life and Prosperity. Aamiyn. Congratulations my dear brother,” Yusuf Adepoju said.
24. Mrs Adeniji
“Happy birthday my friend and brother prince Adefaka! Wishing you Allah’s Rahma shekinna ninmah Kudrah Iradah and Risque now and always.”
25. Lateef Abayomi Adefaka
“Happy birthday to you , may God Almighty grant you access to good health and blessings in the years to come. Once again congratulations.”
26. Retired Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Yusuf Zango
“Congratulations for your untiring effort to educate and defend Nigeria and Nigerians. May Allah continue to bless and guide you.”
27. Chief Mufasir of Akure, Sheikh Moshood Raji Kewuyemi
“I rejoice with you my beloved brother, Prince Bashir on the occasion of your 50th birthday. Wishing you the best all the days of your life.”
27. ASHE News publisher, Sokoto, Malam Abdullahi El-Kurebe
“Happy Birthday my brother. I wish you very many more returns.”
28. Solace News publisher, Kano, AbdulLateef Abubakar Jos
“HBD Prince, congratulations and welcome to the club. Age gracefully.”
29. Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, Mr. Michael Adeyeye
“Happy Birthday to you Prince. 50 looks good on you.”
30. Idris Ahmad Port Harcourt, Rivers State
“Alhamdulillah. Happy birthday to you. I pray Allah make all the years ahead of you better than those you have spent.”
31. The DEFENDER ‘s Zamfara State Correspondent, Malam Ibrahim Kanoma
“Allah is sufficient for those who put their trust in Him.May He always be sufficient for you and your family now and at any point of needs. Best wishes on your birthday.”
32. Former Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation and Member House of Representatives, Hon. Bosun Oladele
“Congratulations to the erudite publisher of the great DEFENDER newspaper our dear Prince Bashir Adefaka; the man with the pen of integrity and journalistic virtues. A progressive and patriot to the core a committed friend and loyalist. As you celebrate your attainment of 50, the Lord will grant you more success and ground breaking achievements. You will grow with leaps and bounds in good health, happiness, peace and prosperity. You are welcome to the Golden age. Happy birthday bro! many happy returns.”
33. Lagos business mogul, High Chief Temitope Iletogun
“Happy birthday anniversary to you dear brother ,you shall live to withness many more years on earth in good health. Welcome to the fifty floor…..congratulations.”
34. Comr Destiny Onyebike Oriabioje
“Your Birthday Is The First Day Of Another 365-Days Journey. Be The Shining Thread In The Beautiful Tapestry Of The World To Make This Year The Best Ever. Enjoy The Ride The Defender Newspaper. Cheers To A More Good Life, Remain Patriotic. Have The Best Of Today Uncle Bashir.”
35. Barrister Ahmad Sidi, Abuja
“Happy 50th Birthday to one of the most amazing people I know. I can’t wait to see what you do in the next half-century. Happy 50th Birthday! I hope you’re around for at least 50 more, because people as remarkable as you don’t come along very often. Happy birthday sir.”
36. The Alara of Ilara Epe Kingdom, Lagos State, Oba Ogunsanwo
“Hearty Congratulations on your 50th Birthday. I wish you all the best in life.”
37. The Iralepo of Isinkan Land, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, HRH Oba Olugbemiga Ojo Olofin-Adimula Arulewolasi III
“Happy birthday! I wish you all the best. Long life and prosperity. We are very proud of you.”
38. Barr Kehinde Ige
“I call to wish you a very happy birthday and many happy returns. You will grow in strength and will be more useful to your community, state and the nation. May God continue to bless you and make you grow till old and be great beyond anyone’s imagination.”
39. Ibadan politician and accountant, Alhaji Hammed Eleyele
“Alhamdu for the journey this far. The prophet (S.A.W) said: “The Best of you is the longest in age while being best in deed. Long life is better for the pious the same way short is better for sinners. For a sinner, account of his bad deeds is closed on his death and for the pious, account of his good works remained open and increasing as long as he lives. Even sodaqatul jariyah continues to accumulate after death.” I wish you long life and prosperity for your good works. Happy birthday Sir”.
40. Chief Imam of Zaria, Alhaji Dalhatun Kasimu Imam
“Happy Birthday, My Brother. Wishing all of us long life in good health, prosperity and development. May ALLAH Ta’ala bless everything that He gives us, bless our children and the entire Muslim Ummah. Congrats! Wishing You more years ahead.”
41 Former Commander, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps Headquarters, Major General Kunle Martins (Rtd)
“Dear Bashir, I join so many others to rejoice with you today as you celebrate your birthday. You have truly being a good and reliable friend, saying the truth in journalism. Congratulations. May the Almighty Allah SWT continue to bless you and your family. GKM.”
42. NTIC top officer, Olayinka Aderoju
“I wish you quite many years of fruitful service to humanity. And from us in NTIC family: Many Happy Returns of the Day in Sound Health and Godly Prosperity.”
43. Erudite Millennium Ltd’s CEO salutes The DEFENDER publisher, Adefaka’s at 50
“My dear egbon @Prince Bashir Adefaka, may Allah lengthen your days, strengthen your deen, broaden your horizon and widen your sustenance. Aameen. From your brother in Ibadan, Saheed Oladele, CEO, Erudite Millennium Ltd.”
44. WEMA Bank
“Wishing you another year of great opportunities, achievements and personal growth! Happy birthday. From all of us @ Wema Bank. With you. All the way.”
45. GT Bank
“Dear ADEFAKA BASHIR OLORUNKEMI,Happy 50th birthday! We wish you many more years of accomplishments, opportunities and personal growth.”
46. Keystone Bank
“Dear Olorunkemi, Keystone Bank wishes you a Happy Birthday, may your day be an amazing and memorable one, Have a wonderful celebration!”
47. Sterling Bank
“We love you (and birthdays) so much that we marked our calendar and counted down to your big day! Have a Sterling birthday Bashir Olorunkemi Adefaka!.”
48. JAIZ Bank
“Dear BASHIR OLORUNKEMI AD, on this special day, Jaiz Bank Plc. wishes you many happy returns. Have a wonderful birthday.”
49. Crescent University Abeokuta’s Historian, Saeed Aweda
“Wishing the Prince many more years of dogged journalism and blissful living, in good health and abundant provisions. Congratulations.
50. Matriarch of late Journalism Icon, Alhaji Kola Animasaun family, Alhaji Dupe Animasaun
“Ajji.Bashir mummy Dupe Animasaun wishing you happy birthday and many many happy returns and Allah bless you for me. May the hands of Almighty Allah keeps you under His wings of protection. Aameen. Pelu ogo Olohun wase opolopo odun na laye. Olohun koni doju adura ti e. Aamin,” Alhaja Animasaun prayed for son at 50.
51. Former Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin
“Let me join our other friends to felicitate with you over your birthday today. I wish you the best of luck in achieving your goals. May you be a great asset to your family and humanity. Once more happy birthday my Prince.”
52. Osolo of Isolo, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State
“SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES TO AN ILLUSTRIOUS SON OF THE SOIL. It is pertinent and imperative to wish an icon, a visionary and progressive son of our kingdom- Isolo Town, Akure South ALHAJI PRINCE BASHIR ADEFAKA a hearty celebration on the occasion of your Golden Jubilee. On behalf of the entire Isolo people and residents I wish you Happy Birthday. May God almighty continue to bless, preserve, elevate and cloth you with glory. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A WONDERFUL PRINCE
“HRH OBA EDWARD KOLAWOLE ADEJOYEGBE ADEWOLE
OSALADE II
OSOLO OF ISOLO, AKURE SOUTH”
53. Engr. Misbaudeen Balogun
“Happy birthday to you sir. Thanking Almighty Allah for His grace and protection over you and family and wishing you another amazing 50 years to come filled with abundant blessings, good health, wealth and happiness. Almighty Allah bless your new age. Age with abundant blessings and Grace sir.”
54. Engr Akinkumi Samuel Adebayo
“Happy birthday. I am so happy to be with you celebrating your 50 years of life. I admire your honesty and respect your personality. I pray to God to shower blessings on you. And wishing you peace, success & good health. Happy birthday sir.”
55. Mr. Lucky
“Happy birthday to my beloved neighbour and friend. I wish you many more years in favour of God. Infact, you are welcome to the age of financial liberty. God bless you.”
56. Asolo Adewale
“Happy birthday to u sir. May God in his mercy celebrate u with his blessings from above. May u celebrate more years & am so happy 2 wish you more years ahead sir.”
57. Mustapha Ajibola Animasaun
“@Prince Bashir Adefaka Happy birthday to a wonderful soul. Wishing you many year ahead in good health. May the years ahead be your best.”
58. Mr. Ayo Ajayi
“Happy golden birthday Bashir my brother. Wishing joy and happiness. Many glorious returns.”
59. ASP Tajudeen Oyewole
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU SIR”.
60. Sulaiman Jaafaru
“Happy birthday sir! Wish you longer and prosperous years ahead.”
61. AIG Mohammed Mustafa (Rtd)
“I join others to wish you many useful years as we move closer to meeting our lord Amin.”
62. Dan Ruwatan Sokoto, Prince Hali Maccido
“HBD bro, Wish u many more blissful, successful & prosperous years, amen”
63. Attah of Aiyede Kingdom, Ekiti, Oba Alhaji AbdulMumini Adebayo Orisagbemi
“Happy birthday to you my son and my brother I’m proud of you wishing you many year ahead in good health. From Kabiesi Attah Ayede Kingdom.”
64. Governorship Candidate of PDP, Akwa Ibom State 2023, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno
“Wao. BASH. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR MAY GOD BLESS YOUR NEW AGE”.
65. Jibreel Adebayo Olaniran, Oyo State
“50 Salutes to a Journalist and Media Practitioner per Excellence @ 50
“I wish to join millions of Nigerians felicitating with a Patriotic Nigerian.
New age with abundant grace and blessings.
Congratulations!”
