Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has described the immediate past Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a father figure whose leadership has positively impacted lives.
In a congratulatory message on Senator Ajimobi’s 70th birthday issued by his Media Office on Monday, Mr. Dare stated that the former governor’s leadership strides and acumen put Oyo State in the front burner on effective governance without a doubt as he ensured that the he left the State better than he met it, for which there are records to verify.
The statement reads, “To capture the essence of His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past governor of Oyo State in few words with is to embark on an uphill task. This becomes more difficult when one realizes that he means different things to different people.
“To some people, he is a mentor, to others, he is a benefactor and to the generality of the people, he is that governor who, after spending eight years to steer the ship of Oyo State, laid a solid foundation for its modern development. All these are true and many more that could only be captured with a close study of the person of His Excellency, and you cannot be sure you would have a complete picture.
“For me, he is a mentor, father figure and role model that I have always looked up to. I met him several years ago and I was able to further concretize my relationship with him through his friendship and relationship with Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“He is someone who has a firm grasp and understanding of human nature. This has proved him in good stead in his interaction with those who have had the fortune of coming across him. I can say, from my dose relationship with him that he is a man of deep foresight, his understanding of what he wants for his immediate constituency as governor was never in doubt and this Impacted positively on his actions and work rate when he was governor. Not only that, his relationship with the leadership of the party, the All Progressives Congress, at the national level has also shown that he is a detribalized Nigerian.
“His leadership strides and acumen indeed put Oyo State in the front burner on effective governance without a doubt. He ensured that he left Oyo State better than he met it, and the records are there for all to verify.
“Though we might not have had the opportunity to express our unalloyed gratitude for his selfless service throughout the years, on this occasion of his 70th Birthday, our thoughts and prayers are with him and his beautiful family.
“The indelible mark he established would continue to serve as a source of inspiration for millions in the years ahead. I celebrate him on attaining this age in good health and a sound mind. The years ahead shall be filled with God’s grace in good health for him to continue to render invaluable services to humanity and our father’s land.
“As he clocks the milestone age of 70 years, I can only wish him good health and well-being as he continues to serve his people and the fatherland, Happy birthday Sir,” the Minister said.
