Former Kogi State Commissioner for Health and past president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Idris Omede, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to well-wishers who honoured him with calls, messages and goodwill on his birthday, which he marked on Wednesday, 10th September.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hon. Omede, who also served as past president of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, said he was overwhelmed by the volume of birthday tributes that poured in “from all walks of life” through various channels, noting that congratulatory messages continued to arrive even a day after his birthday.
“With all sense of humility and candour, I express my appreciation to each and everyone of the persons, from all walks of life, who reached out to me… The outpouring of calls and messages continues even today,” he said, adding that he considered it appropriate to formally acknowledge the gestures at this point, even as more well-wishes were expected to trickle in.
Dr. Omede described the goodwill shown to him as a reflection of love, compassion, camaraderie, understanding, commitment, loyalty and team spirit, which he said were needed collectively to build a better society and a stronger nation. He said the words of encouragement, prayers and suggestions he received would remain memorable to him for a long time.
Beyond the appreciation message, Dr. Omede used the opportunity to caution against sacrificing competence, capability, dedication, sincerity and tested experience on the altar of what he called “inordinate aspirations and ambitions,” as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general election.
The former commissioner extended goodwill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls, wishing him a memorable campaign and victory. He similarly commended Hon. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Yagba federal constituency of Kogi State, describing him as an altruistic lawmaker, and wished him success in the coming election.
Dr. Omede also extended his best wishes to other notable candidates across Kogi State, other states of the federation, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressing confidence that Nigeria remains destined for greatness with the right leadership mindset.
“Nigeria is destined to be great and surely will be great with this right mindset. Let us be part of the victory factor,” he said, closing his message on a note of national optimism.
