Buhari congratulates Brazil’s President-elect, Akiolu, Afe Babalola,

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday congratulated Mr Jair Bolsonaro on his victory in Brazil’s presidential election run-off on Sunday.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President also felicitated with the people of Brazil for successfully going through the two rounds of the election and making their choice, thereby enhancing the democratic credentials of their country.

The statement read, “Noting that Nigeria shares historical and cultural ties with Brazil, President Buhari says his administration looks forward to deepening such relations as well as expanding current political, trade and military ties with the South American powerhouse.

“As President-elect,  Bolsonaro takes office in January 2019, the Nigerian leader wishes him a successful tenure in confronting his country’s current socio-economic challenges.”

In a similar vein, President Buhari on Tuesday congratulated a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Afe Babalola, on his 87th birthday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President said he joined the Nigerian Bar Association and National Judicial Council in celebrating Babalola who he described as “one of the country’s brightest and resourceful lawyers.”

The statement read, “President Buhari believes Chief Babalola is an inspiration to both the young and old on the power of dreaming big and the audacity of following through, having started out as a Grade 11 teacher who by hard work, discipline and self-motivation propelled himself to great heights of success, including establishment of a private university .

“As the legal luminary marks his 87th birthday, the President affirms that his wealth of knowledge and wisdom have been rightfully deployed in the  service of God, his country and humanity while commending his large-heartedness and love for the poor and vulnerable.

“President Buhari prays for more of God’s abundant grace upon Chief Babalola for longer life, good health and strength to further serve the country and humanity.”

Buhari also felicitated with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on his 75th birthday.

According to a statement by Shehu, the President congratulated the traditional ruler in a telephone conversation.

The statement read, “In a telephone conversation, President Buhari commended the royal father’s courage and unwavering commitment to the unity and peace of the country, noting that he always speaks the truth to people in power.

“The President told the Oba of Lagos, who served 32 years as a Police officer, rising to the rank of Assistant Inspector General before ascending his fathers’ throne,  that his wisdom in tackling issues and encouraging civic responsibility in his domain has brought pride to the country.

“President Buhari prayed that God will grant Oba Akiolu longer life and more wisdom to keep serving his people and the nation.”