October 1, 2020 is not only Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary, but also it is the 60th birthday anniversary of a committed leader and an exemplar of grassroots politician, who has distinguished himself in the service of his community. Hurray! It is the Diamond Jubilee of Arch. Bashiru Aremu Lawal.
An epitome of humility and courage, the Saki-born politician is a fervent lover of his people and a patriotic Nigerian. Hon. Lawal’s vision of developmental politics is evident in his undertaking of transcendental projects of common good all through his years in public service. With no career or degree in diplomacy, his sagacity and tactful management of crisis are matchless.
After many years of his leaving office, many unprecedented projects that he undertook remain historical landmarks that they have earned him the acclaim of being the best ever Saki-West Local Government Chair. For being a politician that prioritises both human and environmental developments, the Ahmadu Bello University-trained architect and former Oyo State Accord Party Chair stands tall among the movers and shakers in the politics of Oke Ogun, and generally in Oyo State. As the Executive Chairman, Saki West Local Government between April 1997 and July 1998 under the Congress for National Consensus (CNC), Alhaji Bashiru Lawal, constructed the popular Sanngo Modern Market with 156 shops, primary healthcare centres, warehouses and 19 public toilets across the local government. A visionary leader, no doubt, he paid 50% cost of WAEC fees of 531 final year students in the local government for the year 1998 and he sponsored Bilikisu Yusuf to the 1998 Olympics in Athens.
Bash, as he is fondly called, is resilient, honest and a strong believer in teamwork. He contributed to the emergence of Alhaji Rasidi Ladoja as governor, under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). As the Caretaker Committee Chairman, and later as the Executive Chairman, of Saki West Local Government, he served as the Oyo State ALGON Chairman between 2003 and 2007. During this period, he constructed 31blocks of three classrooms; he drilled many boreholes and tarred many roads, including Aibinu Street, Oke Oro – Isale Efii – Jangbadi Road and Oke Sunnah-Oke Alaafia-Local Government Secretariat Road. Moreover, Hon. Bashiru Lawal sponsored the participation of Saki West Football Team in an international youth league in Norway and he built the State of Arts Legislative Chambers. Also, he provided tractors, many bags of fertilizer and improved seeds to farmers; and he provided a speedboat for easy movement of people and goods on Opara River at Okerete.
As the Director General of Senator Solagbade Lanlehin Governorship Campaign Organisation (SOLANCO) in the 2019 general elections, he represented the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in merger efforts that midwifed Engr. Seyi Makinde’s victory at the poll. Bash’s much potential and ideals are needed for community and national development, especially when Nigeria’s numerous human and material resources are expected to be pulled together for genuine change in the country. His wealth of experience and good knowledge of ground game are ingredients of quality representation and good governance. Thus, we expect our people to take the rare advantage in no distant time. We felicitate him. We wish him long life, sound health and everlasting happiness as he continues to advance democratic norms and humanity in general. Long, live Bash! Long, live Oyo State! Long, live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Qasim Aliu-Afonja writes from Saki in Saki West Local Government Area. He can be reached via qaliu87@gmail.com.
