•He is a community builder, says APC Rep Candidate, Toyin Okoro

THE Technical Advisor on Power Infrastructure to the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Engr. Atere Philip Ekundayo, has celebrated his 60th birthday in grand style at the Christ Faithful Witnessing Church, Ado-Ekiti.

The celebration, which was marked by an atmosphere of profound gratitude, testimonies and thanksgiving, brought together family members, friends, political associates, church members and other dignitaries to celebrate the life and achievements of the engineer.

In his welcome address, the Pastor of Christ Faithful Witnessing Church, Pastor Oluwasegunota Peter Adetayo, said the gathering was more than a church service, describing it as a family celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of Engr. Atere.

He commended Atere for his perseverance through the challenges of life, noting that his journey demonstrated that one could attain professional success as an engineer while remaining committed to the service of God.

Preaching on the theme, “Grace of God Keeps Us Till Date,” with reference to 1 Corinthians 15:10, the pastor emphasised the importance of God’s grace and described the birthday celebration as an opportunity to return thanks to God for His faithfulness.

Speaking on his life journey, Engr. Atere explained that he chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in the church rather than in any notable event centre in Ado-Ekiti because he had been a founding member of the church for more than 30 years.

He recounted losing his parents 49 years ago and the hardship he experienced while growing up, noting that his brother once assisted him in paying his ₦20 WAEC examination fee.

Atere also attributed his ability to remain in school to the free education policy introduced by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying the experience inspired his commitment to supporting the education of less privileged children.

He disclosed that he currently pays the school fees of more than 150 pupils at St. Francis Primary School in the Agric Olope area of Ado-Ekiti.

The celebrant further recalled his early struggles, including working as a gardener and security guard for ₦2 per day in Akure while studying for his A-Level examinations in a library.

He later studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, and proceeded to Ambrose Alli University for postgraduate studies.

Engr. Atere is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Chartered Power Engineer. He is married with four children, with his first child currently pursuing a PhD.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for finding him worthy of appointment into the state government, despite what he described as opposition from some detractors, and pledged his continued loyalty and commitment to the administration.

Speaking at the event, the APC House of Representatives candidate for Ekiti South Constituency I, Hon. Toyin Okoro, described Engr. Atere as a straightforward, honest and wonderful person, as well as a committed community builder who has consistently contributed to the development and wellbeing of people around him.

Okoro said Engr. Atere had contributed immensely to his political aspirations by providing him with moral and financial support at critical moments.

He commended the celebrant for his selflessness, generosity and commitment to supporting others, wishing him many more years of good health, fulfilment and service to humanity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, described Engr. Atere as a reliable and exceptionally good man who had positively impacted the lives of many people around him.

Fasae wished him long life, prosperity and continued success.

In his remarks, the member representing Ise/Orun Constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Omotayo, described Engr. Atere as an excellent family man who had remained committed to supporting and positively impacting the lives of others, particularly the less privileged in Ise/Orun and beyond.

Omotayo commended him for his generosity and concern for the welfare of others, wishing him many more years of good health and fulfilment as he continues to pursue his dreams and contribute to the development of his community.

Dignitaries at the event included the member representing Ekiti South Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Hon. AVM Rufus Ojuawo (Rtd.); Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae; Founder of Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, Hon. Dapo Kolawole; Vice-Chancellor of Venite University, Professor Charity O. Aremu; former Head of Service, Barr. Bamidele Agbede and Technical Adviser on Public Communications, Barr. Akogun Tai Oguntayo (PhD).

Others are Director-General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs. Mary Oso-Omotosho; General Manager, Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Mr. Olu-Popoola; Regional Head of BEDC for Ekiti State, Mr. Kunle; Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Emiola Olabode; President-General of Eze Ndigbo in Ekiti, Sir Alex Ndubisi; as well as leaders and councillors from Ise/Orun Local Government.