A former General Manager with Champion Newspapers, Mr. Feyi Smith being assisted by his wife, Pastor Dolapo, while cutting his 70th birthday cake during a thanksgiving service at RCCG Prince of Peace Parish, Magboro, Ogun State, on Monday.
Blessing Taiwo
It was a moment of gratitude, appraisal and testimonials as encomiums poured in celebration of the former Executive Secretary of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Feyisitan Akinropo Smith, well known as Feyi Smith.
Family members, media veterans, colleagues, mentees and other well-wishers gathered at the 70th birthday thanksgiving service of Mr Smith, on Monday held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Prince of Peace Parish, Magboro, Ogun state.
Smith, who was a former General Manager of Champion Newspaper and former Editor at the Punch Newspaper, was lauded for his intelligence, integrity and attention to detail.
Extolling the celebrant’s virtues, Chief of Staff, The Palace of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Osun, Mrs Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo, described him as a brilliant and committed editor.
Gbadebo, a legal practitioner and journalist, further commended Smith for his tenacity and resilience in the field of communication and journalism.
“Feyi never lost his temper as the NPAN Secretary despite the pressures at the Secretariat. He doesn’t complain but carries out his roles diligently. I salute his patience and forbearance,” she said.
Diran Smith, a cousin of the celebrant, in his tribute on behalf of the family, said Feyi Smith has an outstanding personality, especially in the field of journalism which made him scale far in his career.
He appreciated the celebrant’s wife, Pastor Mrs Dolapo Smith for standing by him and holding the home for 42 years of marriage despite Mr Feyi’s love for fun in his early years.
In his sermon titled– Celebrating God’s faithfulness, Pastor Steve Bulugbe appreciated God for His preservation, miracles, forgiveness and provision over the celebrant for seven decades.
“We celebrate the results we see today which is a proof of a good life. We can see how the Lord has helped you in your field,” he said.
Pastor Bulugbe charged Mr Feyi Smith not to relent in his life’s journey as there is room for more impact reminding him of biblical characters like Abraham who began a new journey at 75 and Moses whom God called to deliver Israel at 80.
“Keep refiring to a place of stardom. You are not tired yet. Don’t think in your heart that you’ve grown old. There’s room for growth and more impact.
“God expects you to give out from the treasures you’ve gathered for several years. Be a mentor to many mentees. Affect lives and impact more people. Also, eternity should be your focus as you grow older,” he encouraged.
Media gurus at the event include: MD/Editor-in-Chief, Punch Nigeria Limited, Dr Adeyeye Joseph; Chairman Emeritus, Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; Former MD/Editor-in-Chief, Punch Nigeria Limited, Sir Ademola Osinubi, amongst others.
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