By Precious Oluwole

Popular Ace broadcaster and former Zonal Director, Federal Radio Cooperation of Nigeria (FRCN), Chief Sanya Oyinsan on Thursday, celebrated his 80th birthday amidst encomiums.

The birthday celebration held at the International culture and events center, the Dome had in attendance eminent personalities, including heads of media houses, Vice Chancellor, FUTA, Prof Adenike Oladiji, among others.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, planning committee who is also the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, appreciated the guests for finding time to attend the celebrant’s party.

He noted that the celebrant has been a father to him in the journalism profession and has also contributed to the growth of journalism and the Nation at large.

He encouraged the young journalists to emulate the celebrant’s footsteps in the profession to make a name for themselves.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ade Ojo, CEO, Elizade University, represented by the registrar, Mr Omololu Adegbenro, described the celebrant as a patriotic, a man who carries God’s grace in abundance and has made a difference. He congratulated the celebrant, wishing him more grace.

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who was represented by the State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ade Adetimehin congratulated the celebrant on his 80th birthday, saying that he has obtained a great grace and favour from God.

He described him as someone worthy of emulating, a passionate leader who has groomed many journalists, he urged journalists both in print and broadcast to learn from the celebrant.

While praying for more fruitful years and good life for the celebrant, the Governor commended the celebrant’s spouse for her support, as she has played a great role in the celebrant’s life.

In his goodwill message, Opeyemi Kujero who spoke on behalf of members of Cathedral Church of St. David, Akure, rejoiced with the celebrant, stating that 80 years is not a small journey, adding that the celebrant is a devoted member of the church, lover of God’s works, praying for good health, peace of mind and more glorious years for him.

Also speaking, Director General of FRCN, who was represented by the Zonal Director, Ibadan zonal station, Mr Dominic Mokinkan, described the celebrant has someone who has eyes for details and passionate about development.

Abiola Makinde, Members representing Ondo East/West federal constituency, congratulated the celebrants on his birthday and book launch. He noted that the book is a testament to the power of vision, pioneering is not only breaking the ground, it also means cultivating courage to face the unknown. He added that adding that the target audience are individuals seeking motivation.

The wife of the celebrant, Mrs Florence Oyinsan appreciated God in her husband’s life. He described her husband has a kind hearted man, a loving father and a caring husband. She stressed that when her husband was in service, he was very passionate about work and grooming those behind him.

The Guest Speaker, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, the book is not a biography, it is a manual, that every student and upcoming Journalists must have.

Reacting, the celebrant appreciated everyone for thier contribution and pledged his commitment to continually dish out his experience for the growth of journalism in the country. He charged media stations to be more professional in discharging their duties.

The highlight of the event included a book launch titled ” Born to Pioneer” written by the Celebrant.