President Muhammudu Buhari has joined the academia in celebrating the renowned geographer, Prof. Akinlawon Mabogunje, on his 90th birthday, Oct. 18.

In a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja, Buhari extolled scholar, administrator and consultant for the historic roles he played in structuring, growth and demography of the country.

The president noted with commendation the contributions of the scholar in economic development of the country.

Mabogunje had served variously as member of the Western Nigerian Economic Advisory Council in 1967, member, Federal Public Service Review Commission, 1972, Chairman, Nigerian Council for Management Development, 1976 and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ogun State University.

Buhari believed the geographer made great impact with the publication of “Urbanisation in Nigeria’’ in 1968, which had remained relevant in predicting some of the social, economic and structural challenges facing the country.

He said that the publication had insightfully projected solutions from his research, later guiding the National Census Board and Federal Capital Development Authority.

The president congratulated the nonagenarian on the many firsts he scored over many years, which brought glory to the country.

He said these include, African President of the International Geographical Union, Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences and Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and receiving the Vautrin Lud Prize in 2017.

He prayed for the wellbeing of Mabogunje, wishing him more strength and courage to keep inspiring.

(NAN)