It is that time of the year again when people from different parts of the world come to celebrate the birthday of an icon, the Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In the rain of accolades that never ceases to fall at this time of the year, it is easy to run out of words, as friends, followers, mentees, associates and even opponents compete to shower praises on the man who has become the face of progressive politics in Nigeria.
For some, he is a mentor, others he is their political leader. Some celebrate him for his accomplishment as the Governor of Lagos State, others for his capacity to groom leaders. He is celebrated for his exploits on the political turf, taking his party from the control of one state to becoming the party in power at the national level. He has been described as the defining factor of Nigerian politics, a visionary-leader extraordinaire who not only sees the future ahead of most, but finds a way around whatever challenges might encumber the promise, to ensure the realisation of the vision.
For some of us, Asiwaju Tinubu is all of that, an uncommon leader, who is not only politically astute but a sagacious development champion. He is not only my mentor and benefactor, he is my Leader and Father. His greatest success must be that he has raised many successors who are not only making their marks in the different offices and positions they now occupy, flying the Asiwaju flag highly but are ready and willing to prove themselves in other assignments that they might be deemed worthy of.
While it has become our custom to roll out the drums and have a celebration at this time of the year, in his great humility and astute leadership, he saw to the cancellation of all such celebrations as the country and indeed the whole world battles the COVID-19 pandemic.
I salute my mentor, a Leader nonpareil, the Jagaban of progressive politics and the Asiwaju of the people of Nigeria. May Allah grant him long life, good health, peace and the desires of his heart. Amin.
*Engr. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu
Honourable Member Representing Eti-osa Constituency 02
Lagos State House of Assembly
