The stage was set. Gaily dressed and resplendent-looking guests who came from far and near sat in excitement, throwing banters.
The event got underway with introduction of some of the dignitaries. Many others were finding their way into the expansive Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the ceremony.
Then, there was an announcement that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the birthday boy, hosting everyone, had a message.
What followed was pin-drop silence. And then came the bombshell.
Tinubu announced that the colloquium to mark his 70th birthday would no longer hold because of the terrorist attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train in which eight people died, 29 injured and many abducted.
The former Lagos State governor said: “Today is supposed to be a very joyful 70th birthday of my living on earth. I give thanks to God Almighty for being able to survive to this age.
“I have just been informed of a very sad incident in our country, very sad indeed that over 60 people and many more were killed and bombed on a train between Kaduna and Abuja just last night.
“That is a very serious incident about the security of lives in this country and it calls for a very serious sober reflection.
“For me to be here celebrating, dancing and enjoying myself doesn’t show enough concern of a statesman and a senior citizen of this country.
“I urge the clergies here to continue to pray and everyone of you to go home and pray.
“This event should not be holding. I’ve discussed with eminent personalities on ground and they have agreed with me. I’ve been a highly committed democrat; I have given myself to their suggestion that this event should be cancelled.
“We pray for the souls who have departed prematurely that they find rest. We also pray to almighty God to help us win the war over evil, set Nigeria on the right path, bless us and provide His guidance on all of us in our various ways.
“I want us to observe a one minute silence on this national tragedy. May God almighty bring peace and stability to our country, accept the souls of the departed and give succour and healing to the injured.”
Before the cancellation of the programme, the 13th edition with the theme: ‘Pivoting Nigeria into the new world order: Imperatives of good governance, guest lecturer, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, former Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, and panel discussants were seated.
Apart from the host Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, dignitaries, including Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Osun State Deputy Govenor Benedict Alabi, the representative Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Andrew Adejo, APC National Secretary Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adelusi Aladetoyinbo and Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, had taken their seats.
Also at the event were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, wife of Lagos State Governor Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abu Ibrahim, former Niger State Deputy Governor Musa Ibeto, Senator Kashim Shettima, T.A. Gwazo, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Femi Otedola,Senator Tokunbo Abiru and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.
Tinubu arrived at 2.42pm amid cheers by guests who rose up to welcome him.
Two clerics – Sheihk Suleimon Abou-Nolla, Chief Imam of Lagos and Bidhop Stephens Adegbite, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter – rendered their opening prayers.
Rev. Adegbite, who brought felicitations from the CAN president and Southwest chairman, prayed for robust health and long life for the APC stalwart.
Eulogising Tinubu, the priest recalled his giants strides as governor for eight years, adding that he is a kind and generous giver, who the nation can depend on for leadership.
