By Olayode Abdurasaq Oluwole
Hurray! Hurray!! Hurray!! To the glory of Almighty Allah, our mentor, father, role model, big brother, political icon, a three-term member of the House of Representatives and Baba Adinni of Yewa land – Alhaji Asiwaju Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, the golden fish and the game changer of Ogun State politics – turns 53, today, March 21.
Wow! I am excited to celebrate this enigma and one of the celebrated faces of democracy in the politics of Nigeria. Akinlade is an indefatigable, religious, resolute revolutionist and, most importantly, the hope of the youths of Ogun State with his brand of politics.
With the birth of this extraordinary shining star on a bright 21st day of March 1967, to the famous family of Yusuf Ajisafe Akinlade of Owode Yewa/Ado odo, Ogun West has never been the same. That date marks the birth of this visionary and egalitarian change-agent; he is a radical but respected pragmatist, a humanist, an accomplished administrator par excellence and exemplary leader.
On all shades of assessment, Abiodun Isiaq is a special gift from Allah who has maintained a remarkable, memorable, historical and epochal approach to the service of humanity.
In the process of keeping to his purpose, he has carved an evergreen persona on the minds of the people of Ogun State, as his positive perception of politics has brought joy to all and sundry in Ogun State.
Though his both parents are of blessed memory, I am convinced that wherever they are, they will be proud that through them one of the finest and unassuming political strategists was born and he is making impacts in the lives of humanity.
Abiodun, the Asiwaju of Owode Yewa had always found himself saddled with challenging leadership positions that would task his skills, and no doubt, those opportunities have prepared him for today and indeed for the future.
Akinlade and his brand of politics
On the political sphere, Hon Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, popularly known as Baba Omo kekeke for his employment drive has become a brand in Yewa land in particular and Ogun State in general as he has facilitated employment for over 500 graduates into several agencies of the federal government, an achievement that is unique and unprecedented in the history of Yewa Awori land and Ogun state in particular. How he is getting these done is still a mystery that even researchers might still have to explore.
Other notable and impactful projects/programme he has carried out include but not limited to;
- Establishment of the Hon Abiodun Akinlade free ICT training center where over 6,000 has benefited.
- Hon Abiodun Akinlade Scholarship Scheme for indigent students
- Facilitation of projects in the nooks and crannies of Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency which has boosted the socio-economic activities of the area in no small measures and increased youth employment opportunity.
Another milestone from Isiaq Akinlade is the facilitation of the establishment of The First Science Park, located in Owode Yewa, where we presently have four (4) Federal Government Agencies, namely:
- National Bio-Technology Development Agency–Bio Resources Centre Owode Yewa
- Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) – Agro Processing Centre Owode Yewa
- National Board for Incubator Technology Centre – Owode
- National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure – Reverse Engineering Center.
Across the length and breath of the Gateway State, Hon Akinlade has his finger in the state.
A run-down of some of his projects include, the Akinlade Abiodun Exhibition Hall at Incubation Technology Center, Onijaganjangan, Abeokuta; ICT center powered by Solar at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta; ICT powered by Solar at Army barracks Alamala Abeokuta; full ICT powered by solar at Abeokuta Sport Club where he was later honoured with Vice Patron of the Club. Akinlade, also facilitated the establishment of Incubator Technology Center at Odogbolu; ICT center powered by Solar in Tai Solarin College of Education Ijebu Ode in Ogun East only to mention a few. The humble and ever smiling Hon Akinlade has touched the lives of many, not only in Yewa Awori land but in Ogun State at large. He is a man with a magic touch.
This piece will not be complete without drawing knowledge from the words of some dignitaries and notable personalities on their perceptions about the highly revered Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq:
Senator Ibikunle Amosun: For the immediate past governor of Ogun State now Senator representing Ogun Central said: “As a politician and Member of the House of Representatives, representing Yewa-South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, your Contribution to the development of your constituency, Ogun State and the nation at large are exemplary. My prayer is that Allah (SWT) further strengthens you so that your constituency and our dear State will continue to derive benefits from your representation and experience.
On his part, the then Speaker of the National Assembly and now Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, FCA, Governor, Sokoto State, said this to say about the celebrant, “Your good character and sacrifices to your community testify to your commitment and philanthropic life as well as your immense contributions to the development of your community, state and humanity in general .’’
Others said:
“Your commitment to the development of your constituency as an Honourable member of the Federal House of Representatives for 12 years is worthy to note by our people. You have become a role model to the younger generation especially our youth in Yewa Land, and that hard work and Steadfastness as some of the greatest virtues of success is not in doubt” – HRM, Alayeluwa Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle. The Olu of ilaro & Paramount Ruler of Yewa land.
“This special recognition is a testimony of your tremendous contributions to uplifting the religion of peace and also affirms the courage, honesty and hard work which you have exhibited In your various calling to serve your people, these sterling leadership qualities stood you out as a charismatic personality worthy of great honour ” – His Excellency, Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FNAEng Fmr. Governor, Ogun State.
“Biodun Akinlade epitomizes the concept of Omoluabi in every sense of the word. A man blessed with an expansive appetite for service to humanity and particularly towards the good people of Yewa Land and Ogun State in general . His passion for anything he is committed to is exemplary. He is without a doubt a man of history.” – Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Fmr, Nigeria Ambassador to Ghana. Fmr. Minister of State for Defence
“You have displayed exemplary political leadership as an elected political office holder in National Assembly through the numerous opportunities facilitated for youth empowerment in your Federal Constituency. I am particularly elated by that feat and my prayer for you is that Almighty Allah continue to bless and honour you.” – Alhaja (Chief) Salmat Makanjuola Badru. Fmr, Deputy Governor, Ogun State
“As someone whom I have worked closely with over the years , I attest to your high sense of responsibility, loyalty, maturity and level headedness, these and many guided you on the slippery path of politics with veritable proofs. I testify to your exemplary and selfless service to your immediate community and Yewa Land. Senator Buruji Kashamu.
Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara former Speaker, House of Representatives also expressed his opinion … “Hon Abiodun Akinlade has indeed added value to the lives of so many. He is not just with repute, but a man of velour, a selfless public servant who is highly patriotic, a man filled with integrity, an astute politician, a resourceful, reliable and resolute leader.”
Conclusively, there is no doubt that Akinlade still has much to offer his people in terms of service, especially with the repeated clarion calls on him to continue to represent them. But like he always say, Almighty Allah determines times and seasons.
On the home front, Hon. Akinlade is responsibly married to the love of his life, Alhaja Olabisi, an educationist-per-excellence, and they are blessed with lovely children.
For everyone opportune to come in contact with the celebrant, they have sweet tales of humane, kindness and love to tell about him. He has built and developed leaders.
Hon. Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq, the man… the bridge… the game changer is a grassroots mobiliser, a colossus, a complete gentleman in every instance and the peoples man. He has stand out of the crowd and he is a man of destiny.
Clearly, the life of this illustrious son of Yewa Awori ethnic nationality could have only been written by the Divine finger that crafted him.
Akinlade has been able to build influence across the state and country, and his influence and enthusiasm is not waning as he enjoys a cult-like popularity despite not presently holding any major political office.
Finally, I wish this our role model, leader of leaders, mentor and father, more fruitful years to enable him to continue his services to humanity and accomplish his divine drive for a better Ogun State.
Happy Birthday to the great leader!
- Olayode Abdurasaq Oluwole, Ogun state
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