By Peter Oriyomi
Former Osun State governor and immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has assured supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State that the party will be strengthened.
He disclosed that the leaders of the party will soon traverse the length and breadth of the state to visit party members and rally them for strengthening the APC political base in Osun.
Aregbesola spoke on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital at a homecoming reception and 66th birthday anniversary celebration organized for him by Friends of Rauf Aregbesola (FORA).
Rauf Aregbesola and wife, Alhaja Sherifat
Accompanied by his wife, Sherifat, he said: “I am deeply grateful to you, all. You have all shown me uncommon love, backing and the strength, unity of purpose and the reassurance that you are indeed with us.
“We are grateful. We will not let you down. We will soon begin a statewide tour to see all of our people and to assure them that we are fully back to see to their welfare. We are fully committed to strengthening the APC.”
The occasion was used by his loyalists, well wishers, family members, friends and associates to honour and celebrate his accomplishments as a public officer and political leader with a difference.
Dignitaries including traditional rulers, politicians, religious leaders among others were in attendance at the colourful event held at the De-Distinguushed Multi purpose Hall beside Aje Market along Osogbo-Iwo Road.
Aregbesola’s homecoming greeted with a rousing welcome
Earlier in the week, a series of programmes were held in Rauf Aregbesola’s honour, part of which include his 66th birthday colloquium.
Those, who spoke about Aregbesola, said he is a leader with a large heart, accommodating spirit, resilient mind and a dogged democrat.
They described him as a rare gift to humanity “whose passion for excellence and character in leadership cannot be quantified.”
Speaking about Aregbesola, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the programme and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, explained that the ex-minister is a man of many parts.
He said Aregbesola in the last twenty four years of public service has shown compassion, diligence, uncommon loyalty and determination to improve the lots of the populace.
The former Speaker said Aregbesola remains a window of reference in Nigeria’s political landscape because of his “undying passion for mass prosperity and the emancipation of the younger generation.”
Also many others, including his former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi; an Islamic preacher, Sheikh Yusuf Babatunde (Oko-Iya Eleko); Mrs Yemi Akande and Senator Mudashiru Hussain, spoke glowingly about Aregbesola’s virtues.
According to Alimi: “Oga is a rare gift to humanity. He combines service to God and people so well. As a commissioner, governor and minister, he was unrepentantly committed to the cause of the people and the leadership that works for the people.
“He is kind to everyone. He has the golden gift and foresight of excellence and service in governance and administering the affairs of men and women in politics. We are all very grateful to have worked with him and share in his common vision.
“He is forever our legend and icon of dynamism in public service. We are proud of your achievements and we are indeed lucky to be associated with you.”
In his remarks, Aregbesola expressed gratitude to his followers, loyalists, friends, well-wishers and associates, for their unflinching support and for making his homecoming event a success.
He also thanked the people of Osun, the State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, traditional rulers, groups and associations, among others for their unrelenting support for him and his ideology.
In attendance were the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Abioye Oyebode; Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kelani Oyedare Adekeye, and his wife, Olori Bose; Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, II; Asiwaju of Osogbo, Chief Ajadi Badmus, representing the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; among other royal fathers.
Also at the event were the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Adebiyi Adelowo; for Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Mineral and Natural Resources, Hon. Tunde Ajilore; former Osun State Commissioner for Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sikiru Ayedun; Former Osun State Commissioner for Youths, Sports, and Special Needs, Dr. Biyi Odunlade; former Osun State Commissioner of Regional Integration and Special Duties, Hon. Bola Ilori; former Osun State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lani Baderinwa; among others.
