As President Muhammadu Buhari plans to inaugurate his cabinet any moment from now following conclusion of screening of his ministerial nominees by the Senate, associates and friends of former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, have described the former governor as a versatile and talented go-getter who can do wonders in any ministry or department.
Aregbesola was among the 43 ministerial nominees sent by the president and have since been screened by the Senate.
Farouk, now a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), in his remark, recalled that as former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State, Aregbesola laid the foundation for the infrastructural transformation of Lagos, which is one of the world’s largest megacities.
He described the former governor as not only an outstanding administrator and leader but also a consummate grassroots man that would ensure the realization of the NextLevel policy thrust of President Buhari’s administration.
“From my close interactions with Ogbeni Aregbesola during our days in the AD, I see him as a catalyst that would make that much-needed difference that Nigerians yearns for under the Buhari administration. He has the experience and capacity,” Farouk maintained.
Ekamon, who is also a civil rights activist and a public affairs analyst, lauded the nomination of Aregbesola by President Buhari, described the former governor as a democrat and fiscal federalism advocate whose impact in government would not ignored, recalling his job creation efforts as well as other popular socio-economic programmes initiated by him in Osun State during his tenure.
“I recall that as governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Aregbesola was able to create 20,000 jobs in his first 100 days and went on to initiate other popular socio-economic and people-friendly programmes.
“This tells us that Nigerians would be the better for it with the coming of Ogbeni Aregbesola as a minister. His vast experience in government and skill would see him hit the ground running.
“He is not just a technocrat, and an astute manager of men and materials, he is also a pro-people politician,” Ekamon said.
Also Salihu said Aregbesola’s interest in politics was anchored on “delivering life more abundant” to the people, declaring: “With his versatility and capacity, he can fit into any ministry and perform creditably.”