President Muhammadu Buhari warmly congratulates erudite scholar and quintessential public servant, Professor Akin Mabogunje, who turns 85 on October 18, 2016.

A statement by the President’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, says he joined family members, friends, professional colleagues and students of the octogenarian in celebrating the life of the National Merit Award recipient.

He states that Professor Mabogunje has consistently served humanity through extensive research, teaching and consulting across many national and global institutions.

“As he turns 85, the President believes the intellectual and moral strength of the renowned scholar prepared him at an early stage for the numerous leadership roles before him; paving the way for a rigorous and successful academic career and contributions to infrastructure development, urban and regional planning and public sector banking,” the statement read on Monday.

President Buhari commended the patriotism and commitment of the academic in serving with integrity on several boards of the Federal Government over many years.

He added that Professor Mabogunje shared his knowledge and skills to re-position cities and worked tirelessly to alleviate poverty through partnerships with the World Bank and the United Nations.

The President prayed that the almighty God grants the renowned town planner longer life, good health and strength to continue serving his country and humanity.