A salute to Governor Amosun at 60

His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, by the special grace of Allah, governor of Ogun State, is a great man, a leader, a mentor and a great blessing to many, including myself. No cult hero, no home-grown or “foreign” born prodigy, no imported or installed genius has done more in and for Ogun State in eight short years of being at the helms than Senator Amosun, CON, FCA. His Excellency’s achievements have set a benchmark for others to follow.  Governor Amosun has out-performed some of the greatest politicians ever in his pursuit of Ogun State’s cause. Into the bargain, he has played a crucial role in advancing the cause and progress of Ogun State.

When he became governor, he took on the challenges confronting a state desperately seeking to refine its order and recreate itself. With his incredibly sharp, vigorous and rigorous mind, he did not remain passive in the face of these challenges. He offered his intelligence, energy and devotion to duty into nursing the state back to normalcy. Ogun State and Nigeria owe him a debt of gratitude for that service. Gov. Amosun’s influence on Ogun State’s fortunes has been enormous and he has provided indigenes of the state with innumerable memories and misty-eyed reminiscences. His selflessness elevated Ogun State into one of the top modern states in Nigeria.

In his time, there have been more fun and more functions because he treasures happiness; a fate that comes to virtually all genuine political leaders. He has made us dream of Ogun State’s future glory and ultimately, has become the professional politician that started the process of making the dream a reality.

He has achieved much to set the tone for future leaders. One legacy that His Excellency should be most proud of is the peace he returned to the state which marked the beginning of a new “Era of Good Feelings” for indigenes of the state. He has worked hard to improve the state’s infrastructure; he presented himself as a man of the people, the kind of governor you would like to sit and have amala lafun with, despite his actual wealth and power.

Honestly, his legacy extends far beyond his age. More than anything, Governor Amosun will be remembered for his charisma which revived an office that was beginning to seem problematic and ineffectual. Amosun inherited a very messy Ogun State, but he has helped soothe an angry state and country by ending the various crises involving all the three arms of government in the state. He expended efforts to strengthen Ogun State’s internal security, eliminated wasteful government spending and, as a voice of “change” before the word became a national phenomenon, began the process of a well-ordered government reform in the state.

As you turn and celebrate 60, we remain dedicated to Ogun State and the country in the light of your words: “I’m not ready to quit yet.” So, we will continue to honour you as a Nigerian patriot; a true Ogun State political legend; and one who has demonstrated extraordinary service to our nation and our State.

You have, time and time again, demonstrated bravery, dedication, extremely capable and selfless service. You risked both your life and your political standing, but never have you risked your honour and that is the stuff of which revolutionaries are made.

The statistics of Ogun State’s development during Senator Amosun’s tenure can be debated but not contested. As he celebrates his 60th birthday today, the moment is right for a full and proper appreciation of a governor whose legendary status in Ogun State will remain untouched by mother time.

Sixty sounds old but when we look at you, all we still see is the youth in you. You have become an erudite inspiration with your zest for life. Today, we celebrate you. Remember that getting to 60 is a great blessing and gift from the Almighty. Ogun State is blessed because your loyal subjects have learnt so many of life’s valuable lessons from you. May you enjoy today and every day to come. May all good things come your way this year and in the years to come. May you live to blow thousands of candles and to cut many more cakes.

Happy Birthday, governor; you are, indeed, a special one!

• Odebiyi is Chief of Staff to the Ogun State governor