Today, Engr Muftau Open Salawu, the Babalaje of Ogbomoso land and Chairman, Opinior Engineering Ltd, marks his 50th birthday.
In this interview by Tribune’s Adewuyi Onigbinde, he shares his experiences and speaks on sundry issues.
How do you feel attaining the age of 50?
First of all, I give glory to God Almighty for the grace to attain this age. A lot of my mates did not make it to 50. It is not my making but the grace of God. I pray God to grant us all long lives with good health. I am very happy about my golden birthday.
What have been your experiences in 50 years?
I have seen a lot getting to this point. Growing up in a developing country like ours comes with its challenges. Basic things that are supposed to be provided by the government are not present; you have to do many things by yourself. So, making it to this age amidst the challenges is by the grace of God. Given the life expectancy of the average African, particularly Nigerian, definitely, people like me must have come across many things in the journey of life. But I thank God because many people still consider people like me very privileged and lucky in life. That is why we must not forget where we are coming from.
How do you plan on celebrating this special occasion?
Most people celebrate their golden birthday in very elaborate ways and it is worth it, but mine will be a low-key affair for reasons best known to me. I work very hard and therefore most times I forget my birthday, but 50 is quite a wonderful figure. I wish I could celebrate it as big as many people do but I won’t. One of the reasons I won’t celebrate it in an elaborate way is because I want to use the occasion to bring succour to my relatives. I think I should use the occasion to further help the needy, especially among my relatives. I want to make them happy first and then other things can follow.
Where were you born? Tell us about your growing up and education.
I was born in Bida, Niger State, on the 10th of May, 1973. I grew up in Bida. My primary education started in Bida and continued in Osogbo, Osun State, where my Mother hails from. There, I attended a Catholic boarding school. I then attended Government College, Bida, for my secondary education. I proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, for my National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering. Then I proceeded to the Federal University of Technology, Akure for postgraduate studies in Civil Engineering. I bagged a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, with a specialisation in Structural Engineering. Also, I attended Harvard University for an executive course in Civil Engineering. I have been practising as a civil engineer for quite some time. I am a businessman, a politician and a community development enthusiast. That has given me the privilege of being conferred with several traditional titles in Bida, Ogbomoso, Ibadan and several other places in the country. l believe the honours are in recognition of my contributions to society.
As a politician of note in Oyo State, how would you compare the current administration in the state with the past administrations?
First and foremost, there are no two administrations that are exactly the same. We should keep that in mind. It is our expectation, however, that every successive government will do better than the last one. If you want to evaluate the progress Oyo State has witnessed in the last four years, it is tremendous, and Omituntun 2.0 will come up with more impactful projects because Engr. Seyi Makinde, having spent four years as governor of the state, is now better and more experienced in handling the affairs of the state. I believe we are going to witness more development projects from this government, given the kind of person the governor is. Oyo State had never had this kind of total-package governor, a person the Yoruba would describe as Omoluabi. He is simple, calm, articulate and focused. You will agree with me that he comes with a lot of the characteristics of Omoluabi. He has extended his hands of followership across the country. He has demonstrated that he is an engineer and I believe that Omituntun 2.0 a san wa si rere.
Why are you in politics?
To serve my people better.
You were close to the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. You also close incumbent Governor Makinde. What brought about that closeness?
I was also close to the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala. Maybe I am just a pleasant person to be with. The truth is that I am a committed and principled person. If am with you, I am with you 100 per cent. Governor Makinde and former Governor Ajimobi are different characters, and the circumstances are different.
You and other politicians worked hard for the re-election of Governor Makinde. Why do you think the people of Oyo State chose him again?
There was a collective effort for his re-election, which was made easier by the governor’s good performance. Again, Ogbomoso used to be one-way traffic in terms of voting patterns. We were able to deflect this. We of the PDP scored overwhelming votes against our rivals in Ogbomoso.
If you have my kind of relationship with Governor Makinde, you can’t afford not to be loyal to him.
As a businessman and politician, how do you relax?
Before I started active politics, I relaxed more. I think politics is taking more from me in terms of relaxation, but in my house, I have a swimming pool and tennis courts. So, I play tennis and swim regularly. I socialise with my friends. However, I have realised that I do not enjoy privacy anymore as much as I would want but I consider it part of the price for being in active politics.
As a community leader, as the Babalaje of Ogbomoso land, what has been your contribution to the development of Ogbomoso?
Before I became the Babalaje of Ogbomoso land, the late Soun must have seen some qualities in me before he bestowed such a title on me, given the performance of the last Babalaje. I see my community as a place that requires development. I have businesses around the town and I am also looking at other prosperous businesses that we can go into. I support the people in my own little way with the establishment of businesses in Ogbomoso.
What is your advice for the younger generation?
They should have the fear of God. They must not pursue ungodly wealth. They should be focused, determined, patient and hard-working. With hard work and prayer, the future is bright for them, and I wish them well.
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