Politics
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has described a former Governor of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande, as a prominent architect of Nigeria’s progressive movement.
Tinubu stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan during the 85th birthday ceremony of Akande, who is also a former national chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
He described, his long time political ally, as a committed democrat, die-hard progressive and prudent, yet compassionate, leader of men.
The president, who was represented by Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos, said that the octogenarian was one of the leading forces behind the progressive movement in the country.
“Baba Akande remains one of our own respected elder statesmen; a man who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our country for effective governance.
“I have benefited immensely from Baba Akande’s fountain of knowledge and perspective on a wide range of issues as it affects Nigeria and South-West zone.
“For me, Baba has been and remains a close friend, an ally and advisor through the years.
“Perhaps I wouldn’t be where I am today as president of this great country without the help and support he has given me.
“Countless other people will also affirm that he has had the same positive impacts on their lives as he has had in mine,” he remarked.
While congratulating the former governor, Tinubu commended him for his outstanding contributions to democratic governance in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice-President, Kashim Shettima delivered a lecture, entitled: ‘The Leadership Qestion: Prospects for Nigeria’ at the occasion.
In the lecture delivered on his behalf by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, the vice-president urged Nigerian leaders to live up to their responsibilities.
According to him, expectation is the right of citizens and anticipation is the responsibility of leadership, adding that when expectation meets anticipation, there will be social peace and stability.
He maintained that in a situation where leaders failed in their responsibilities, the country would end up with migration of ideas and strengths to places where they could flourish better, now popularly known as ‘Japa syndrome’.
“When people continue to believe that the past of a nation is better than its present, it is a strong call for reassessment of leadership and the mutual responsibility of citizenship in nation building through identification, selection, election and development of quality leaders.
Shettima listed the characteristics of a leader to include: strong confidence, strong communication, management skills, creative thinking, perseverance and willingness to take risks, among others.
He called on leaders to be prepared for their responsibilities.
The vice-president also urged citizens to always choose quality leaders, as leadership was about responsibility, trust, listening and service delivery.
In his remarks, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State congratulated Akande on his birthday and equally commended the organisers of the event for choosing Ibadan as its venue.
Makinde urged political elites to do more in their efforts at bringing development to the country.
NAN reports that Adebisi Akande Foundation (AAF), which was unveiled at the occasion, was established to ensure the sustainability of Akande legacies..
According to Prof. Olu Aina, Chairman, Board of Trustees of AAF, the foundation is to foster productivity and empowerment, particularly among the youth and women.
“The foundation is our commitment to ideals and a promise to uphold and propagate them for the betterment of our society.
“We aim to cultivate a new generation of responsible citizens and future leaders who will continue to drive our nation toward prosperity and progress without counting the cost as Akande is known to have been,” Aina said.
In his remarks, Akande appreciated Tinubu, Shettima and all the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
The octogenarian admonished the nation’s political leaders to be wary of some people he described as ‘vagabonds’.
According to him, the vagabonds will tag politicians as corrupt in order to carry out their selfish agenda.
He said these vagabonds were now close to many politicians, adding that political elites should be at alert because they (the vagabonds) would want to fight them.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included: Govs. Lucky Ayedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Abiodun Oyebamiji (Ekiti).
Others were Osun Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi; former Ogun Governor, Olusegun Osoba; Babagana Kingibe; Tanko Yakasai; Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola and Sen. Gbenga Daniel.(NAN)
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-January 17, 2024 @ 6:32 GMT|
Tags: Bisi Akande President Bola Tinubu
