Today, Friday, July 2, Prof Aaze Tom Adaba, OON, clocks 80 years on Mother Earth and still kicking like a unicorn. It is, indeed, an auspicious occasion that calls for celebrations. I, therefore, join his worthy family, friends, admirers, and students all over in rejoicing and celebrating him on this significant milestone. Certainly, it has not been an un-daunting journey.

For me, it is a pleasure to see him saunter into the octogenarian club: A club that can be appropriately described as that of “Noble men and women” of distinction. A club made up of men and women of integrity, of wisdom, of faith and of fear of God. It is a prestigious club by every definition, where members are treated and held in high esteem in the society. Members of the octogenarian club cannot be said to lie. They do not make mistakes; if they do at all, you must not say it to their faces. The African tradition forbids such effrontery. In other saner societies, members of the octogenarian club, their social well-being, their health-related issues, including those of their spouses, their medicals are strictly the responsibility of the state, notwithstanding whether they worked for government or not. That is the honour conferred on people in this noble club.

That is the prestigious club Professor Aaze Thomas Adaba, OON, KSM, KSGG sauntered into July 2, 2021.

In any case, the celebrant has made a name for himself, not just in his chosen field but in many areas of life.

He has made a name for himself as a mass communication teacher. As a communicator, he has delivered and tutored many in the field of communication. He has been resource person to national and international organisations. I recall it is on the basis of one of his recommendations that what is today known as "campus radio” was established. The Unilag campus radio is one of such examples. And another of his recommendation was based on the importance of “Woman and child” education. If my memory still serves me right, it was a programme sponsored by UNICEF.

Adaba’s contributions to nation-building is legendary, and in many directions. It is, therefore, not a surprise that many consider him their role model, not only in the broadcasting industry but also in other spheres, including the promotion of “family values” in the society. In fact, it is for this reason in 2016, on the occasion of his 50th wedding anniversary, Pope Francis issued him and his amiable wife, Lady Aaze Theresa Adaba, a commendation certificate for holding strong and promoting the marriage institution.

For his numerous contributions in the uplift of Ebiraland, the elders-in-council of Ebiraland considered him worthy for the chieftaincy title of Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland, meaning the beacon of light in Ebiraland. In view of his numerous services to fatherland, the Federal Government under the late President Umar Yar'Adua conferred on him Officer of the Order of Niger (OON). He has many other laurels in his kitty. Prof Adaba could be friendly, humorous and generous, but do not take his meekness for granted.

Happy 80th birthday to Professor Aaze Thomas Adaba: wishing you God's choicest blessings in sound health, always.

Finally, welcome to the prestigious and, indeed, glorious octogenarian club of noble men and women.

•Bernard Balogun (BenPino) writes from Wuse, Abuja: 08037879275.