It was a glorious day for the great Oka-Akoko Prince and former Nigeria Ambassador to Central African Republic, Ambassador Roland Olawumi Omowa as family, friends, and associates converged at a unique ceremony in Ibadan to celebrate his 80th birthday anniversary.
The ceremony which was held at the 2nd Infantry Division, Nigerian Army Officer’s Mess, Agodi Ibadan was attended by dignitaries from far and near.
In his welcome address, the former Military Governor of Old Oyo state, General Oladayo Popoola(rtd) described Ambassador Omowa as a colleague,trusted friend, brother and very distinguished Nigerian.
Former Lagos State Governor, General Raji Rasaki (rtd), congratulated Ambassador Omowa on his enviable track record of achievements at 80, describing him as a handsome Military Officer and an elegant dresser.
In his remark, Former Military Governor of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, General Godwin Abe(rtd) was elated to be part of the historic occasion, saying, Ambassador Roland Omowa remains one of the finest and outstanding military officers Nigeria has ever produced.
In his remark, Former Military Governor of Lagos State and Executive Governor of Osun State, General Olagunsoye Oyinlola(rtd), described Omowa as a disciplined Officer and highly respected colleague and friend.
General Ola Oni(rtd), described Ambassador Roland Omowa as very generous and kind hearted.
There were Goodwill messages from prominent Nigerian leaders including Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who acknowledged Ambassador Omowa’s service to him as Aide-de-camp both in the warfront and as Military Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Obasanjo declared that his personal relationship and experience with Ambassador Omowa will continue to linger on in his memory, saying Omowa was a popular Officer who brought to bear on all assignments and duties the timeless qualities of integrity, loyalty, diligence, commitment and unwavering patriotism.
General Obasanjo also maintained that Ambassador Roland Omowa was often in his company in times of loneliness in that high office.
He described the celebrant as part of his family, pointing out that Ambassador Roland Omowa has distinguished himself as a gallant soldier, a thoroughbred Officer and a patriot.
In his message, Former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar congratulated Ambassador Omowa on his 80th birthday.
General Abubakar described Omowa as a friend and colleague who has contributed immensely to the well-being of our great nation.
The former Head of State who said Omowa has impacted positively on many lives both while he was serving in the Army and upon retirement, also declared that Ambassador Roland Omowa is indeed a blessing to our generation and generation yet unborn.
On his part, Former President Goodluck Jonathan said Omowa has made significant contributions to our collective efforts at nation building, having served the country meritoriously both as a brave soldier, and as an accomplished diplomat.
He said, as an army officer, Omowa fought courageously to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity and had an illustrious career that culminated in Omowa holding many key positions in the military, including serving as the Aide-de-camp to the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Dr Jonathan recalled that as president, he appointed Omowa to serve as Nigeria Ambassador to Central African Republic in recognition of his patriotism, dedication and commitment to national ideas.
Former Military Governor of the old Western region, Major General David Jemibewon (rtd), congratulated Ambassador Omowa whom he described as a dear brother and friend.
In his special message, former minister of foreign affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu described Omowa as highly disciplined, diligent, resourceful, trustworthy and wise.
He said Omowa came into reckoning as one of the best military officers, adding that his sterling qualities led to his appointment for the exalted position of Aide-de-camp to a Military Head of State.
A business mogul and philanthropist, Oba Otudeko said, Omowa remains an ebodiment of loyalty to friendship, love, patriotism, one with Sterling character, dependable, as well as one with values necessary and intrinsic to the progress of nation states.
He said, the nation will not forget Omowa’s pivotal leadership roles in specially managing the evacuation of imperiled Nigerians from the Central African Republic in 2014.
Oba Otudeko explained that Omowa as a royal descendant of Oka land carries royalty with commendable grace.
Ondo state Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu congratulated the celebrant, saying he was glad to identify with him on the auspicious occasion of his birthday.
He said, the amount of love and happiness Ambassador Omowa has given to everyone around him in the past eighty years really shows Omowa amazing personality.
The Paramount of Oka-Akoko, the Olubaka, Oba Adebori Adeleye described Ambassador Roland Omowa as a distinguished son and pride to the great people of Oka both home and in diaspora.
Oba Adeleye appreciated the celebrant for his Sterling qualities and enviable height,saying the arrays of distinguished personalities and old friends at the occasion speaks volume of Omowa’s genuine love, commitment and loyalty to friendship.
Oba Adeleye later presented the celebrant with a symbolic Royal sword in commemoration of the historic occasion.
Ambassador Roland Omowa expressed appreciation to God for His devine grace and protection on the successful journey thus far.
He acknowledged with gratitude the love shown by his family, friends and associates on the occasion of his birthday, saying it was quite inspiring.
Ambassador Omowa also called for renewed dedication and commitment on the part of everyone for the progress and development of our great nation.
It was indeed a glorious moment for the Olubaka, Oba Adebori Adeleye, his beautiful Olori, Adejumoke Adeleye and eminent dignitaries at the occasion as they later joined the celebrant and his wife for a royal dance to the high class live music by the music icon, King Sunny Ade.