THISDAY

Nigeria’s Ex-Senate President, Anyim to Mark 60th Birthday

-

Family members, friends and associates from business and political space will gather in Abuja on February 19, 2021 to celebrate Nigeria’s former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as he joins the league of sexagenari­an statesmen in Nigeria.

Anyim was the President of the Nigeria’s upper legislativ­e chamber, the Senate, from 2000–2003 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

As a lawyer, Anyim first became a Senator at 37, made Senate President at 39, and voluntaril­y did not seek re-election to the Senate at 41, as he returned to his law practice.

A statement issued by the organisers of the birthday noted that in May, 2011, he was later appointed the Secretary to the Government of Federation under former President Goodluck Jonathan, where he discharged the responsibi­lities of his office as SGF with uncommon patriotism and diligence before his departure in 2015.

According to the statement, his birth on February 19, 1961 did not elicit much excitement because his mother had six other male children who never lived beyond two years and the young Pius was expected to continue the “ogbanje” circle that was held responsibl­e for the earlier deaths.

He, however, survived to the delight of his parents.

The statement noted that as a Nigerian politician, his early life was fraught with daunting challenges in terms of schooling and fending for himself.

Anyim went through all the challenges, graduating as a law student, beginning his law practice and subsequent­ly sought the votes of his people for a political office which were given to him and through which he served the nation creditably.

The statement disclosed that Anyim has focused more on his law practice and talked less about political issues since 2015.

However, his reasons will be unveiled in his soon-to-be-unveiled biography, which also depicts his humble beginning, which will send strong message Nigerian youths that the tides and waves of life can be turned to one’s advantage at different points on the stretched spectrum that life can be.

The 60th birthday party, which will be held in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocol, thus, provides opportunit­ies to scelebrate with loved ones and for him to interact with loved ones and exhibit his new principles and beliefs on the Nigerian sociopolit­ical ecosystem.

“I have every reason to thank God for keeping me till date, having had such as very humble beginning, faced many life challenges and then found my head above the sea level to the point of holding leadership position, where I have contribute­d my quota, at the highest level of governance, to the soico-economic developmen­t of our nation. I owe my Creator all the gratitude for keeping alive till date and thank my loved ones for their support all through these years,” Anyim said ahead of his 60th birthday celebratio­n.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria