Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has arrived at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja to attend Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s 60th birthday celebrations.
Atiku shared his arrival on his social media accounts, stating, “I just arrived at the Transcorp Hilton to celebrate my dear brother, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as he marks his 60th birthday. I am honoured to join his family, friends, and dignitaries for the symposium and institute launch.” He said.
Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State, is hosting a commemorative symposium and launching the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement.
Fayemi had announced the week’s events, starting on 3rd February with a roundtable discussion on regional integration at the DAWN Commission office in Ibadan.
On Thursday, 6th February, a colloquium on “Renewing the Pan-African Ideal for the Changing Times” will take place at the Transcorp Hilton.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki will give the keynote address, followed by a seminar on Africa’s global role. Fayemi will also present his new book, If This Giant Must Rise.
The formal launch of the Amandla Institute will take place during the colloquium, according to Mr. Egghead Odewale, Secretary of the Planning Committee.
On 7th February, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) will hold an event in Fayemi’s honour at its Abuja office. A Youth Festival in Ekiti and the commissioning of a classroom block in Isan-Ekiti will follow on 8th February.
The celebrations will conclude on 9th February with a thanksgiving service at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Isan-Ekiti, followed by a reception at Fayemi’s residence.
Dr. Fayemi, born in Ibadan on 9th February 1965, served two terms as Governor of Ekiti and chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. He also served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development and is a professor at King’s College, London.