Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Olatunde Badmus, on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebrations and offered tips to octogenarians on how to live longer.

Obasanjo, who spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday at the book launch organised to mark Badmus’ 80th birthday, was represented at the event by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

In a speech read by Adeleke on his behalf, Obasanjo noted Badmus’ leadership roles in business and other spheres of life.

He, however, charged Badmus and other octogenarians to prioritise rest, one hour of exercise daily and a two-meal-a-day routine to live beyond 90 years.

“By every standard, you are successful in all your endeavours. Your leadership roles in all the businesses you undertook are impressive. In business and outside business, you always make God your partner.

“At the age of 80, let me welcome you to this club. Let me read the rules of the club to you. Number one, your father and mother must not be alive, you must sleep for eight hours every day, you must undertake one hour of daily exercise like walking, and you must eat only twice a day.

“With obedience to these rules, your admission is registered and your longevity beyond 90 years is assured,” he said.

In his remarks, Adeleke described the chairman of Tuns Farms Limited as a frontline local, national and international statesman who has contributed to all spheres of life.

Speaking in a similar vein, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, said Badmus had remained committed to his religion while carving a niche for himself in the business world.

Dangote further said, “I was a young businessman when I met Baba. I want young entrepreneurs, especially students, to learn from this nobleman. I want to launch this book with the sum of N100m.

“The celebrant has been a great man who has held on to his religion. He is a very religious person and also an astute businessman. We have been together for a very long time, since I was also a young man hustling to make money.

“But he has been able to maintain his business and his religion, so I admire and respect him. This made me leave Lagos. I drove for four hours and I am driving four hours back. May God give him long life and continued blessings.”

Charging Nigerians on the need for unity and deliberate efforts to build the country, Dangote said Nigerians must believe in the country, work towards enduring unity and ensure that nation-building was not left to leaders alone.

“All of us collectively must always pray for our leaders to make sure they succeed. Once they do, it will be better for all of us,” he said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who prayed for the celebrant, said Badmus had built a strong business reputation and called on Nigerians to emulate his patriotic disposition to issues affecting the general populace.

The PUNCH reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, had commissioned a mosque built by Badmus as part of activities commemorating his 80th birthday in Osogbo, Osun State. (The PUNCH)

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