President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the ace photographer, Sunmi Smart-Cole, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Sunday.

The president’s congratulatory message to the media entrepreneur and author, Smart-Cole, was conveyed via a statement issued on Saturday by Mr Femi Adesina, the Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, .

In the statement, Buhari commended the versatile and multi-talented artiste, who started out early as a photo-journalist, for the beauty, glamour and depth he brought into the chronicling of Nigerian history through hard work and perseverance.

Smart-Cole’s place in Nigeria’s history is assured as early in his career, the President said, adding that “he was a story teller but later as he progressed he became part of the story with his signature creative and innovative style.”

The President said: Looking into his background as a barber, jazz drummer, environmentalist and a multiple award winning photographer, Smart-Cole succeeded in almost all his endeavours because of his passion, integrity and commitment to making life better for others through his art.”

Buhari urged younger photographers and mentees to also emulate Smart-Cole’s life style of magnanimity and contentment in addition to learning his art, being one of the pacesetters of professional photography in the country.

He prayed that God would grant Smart-Cole “longer life, good health and more inspiration to serve his country.’’