By Tunde Alao
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat turns 60 today. But there will be no Red Carpets.
The celebration of this great and momentous occasion will be marked with little fanfare. Whispers indicate that the event will be typified predominantly with thanksgiving and supplicatory prayers.
The modesty pervading the entire gamut of the auspicious celebration will not be surprising to those who know the celebrant well enough. KOH, as he is fondly addressed by close associates and admirers, detests profligacy and flamboyance.
Whoever wonders why this great man, a quintessential public servant and an illustrious ambassador of the Hamzat clan, has preference for solemn celebration of the anniversary his birthday, has this simple answer – it’s something that has to do with his perception about life.
To those who are close to him, be it through filial relationships, workers in his office, his colleagues in the Lagos State Executive Council, including his political associates, one thing nobody can controvert about this highly-disciplined man is his embodiment of uncanny humility.
Those close to the Hamzat family clan would however tell you that KOH is indeed a chip off the old block and really behaving true to type as attributes of his straight forwardness, candour, humility and love for others were the traits inherited from his demised father. Late Oba Olatunji Hamzat of blessed memory, an accomplished politician since second republic, fondly called Baba Hamzat, by multitude of his admirers.
It’s no surprise that anywhere KOH features, the sobriquet ‘Bibiire kose fowora’ the saying that epitomises the Omoluabi ethos, sticks like glue on KOH.
To those who may not understand the phrase, Bibire kose fowora, it can be roughly translated as ‘you can’t buy good upbringing with money’ or ‘having money is not synonymous with good upbringing if you don’t have it, you don’t have it’. It is to this concept that the Yoruba attach great reverence to the Omoluwabi ethos.
Read Also: We are committed to making mining a viable revenue base – Alake
Working with the Dr. Hamzat has been a big honour and privilege. But how? This man, despite his intimidating resume, his humongous accomplishments and remarkable intellectual acumen, has never allowed these rare endowments to becloud his sense of empathy, consideration and appreciation for little services rendered. His demeanor, temperament and mien are cool and extremely inspiring.
Among other qualities inherent in Hamzat’s nature is that of honesty and integrity. As said by the 34th President of the United States (U.S)., D Wright. D. Eisenhower, “The Supreme quality of leadership is unquestionable integrity”, without which no real success can be achieved.
Honesty and integrity, said the late American leader, are two important ingredients which makes a good leader, and KOH has these in abundance.
In life, it is difficult to expect your followers to be honest when one lacks these qualities. No doubt, these qualities work for him, not only as the deputy bovernor, but as a private person.
Another distinct attribute that characterises KOH’s life is empathy, which is part of what he inherited from his parents. Coupled with this is his ability to offer a listening ear to complaints, no matter how trivial. To him, the issue at stake may look trivial, but to the complainant, it may have serious effects in the individual concerned, hence, his willingness to intervene and offer the soothing balm.
Dr. Hamzat, either deliberately or intuitively, expresses desire to know the plight of his subordinates. Perhaps, this explains why those that had worked with him, in the various ministries he had served, were always interested in relocating to his office when he was elected on the joint ticket with his amiable principal and ‘twin brother’- Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
It is same exemplification of humility that inspired the duo to drop the “His Excellency” title to be simply addressed as Mr. Governor and Mr. Deputy Governor respectively.
Commitment and passion are other traits required from a good leader. Also, these are not in short supply from the deputy governor. These two traits, said psychologists, help you gain the respect of your subordinates and infuse new energy in your team members, which helps them to perform better. If they feel that you are not fully committed or lacks passion, then it would be an uphill task for the leader to motivate his followers to achieve the expected goals.
KOH is passionate with his works and very committed to the welfare of his subordinates. He is a team player who is very meticulous and detailed oriented, hence most of us go the extra mile to ensure that assignments to be presented to him are error free as no one aspires to incur the wrath of the gentleman. But if otherwise, though, he may not complain loudly, but by the time he makes corrections on your works apart from the pain of the shame, one will also conclude that this man with bundle of talents is not only an engineer but a philosopher in his own right.
“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real”, says a writer, Thomas Merton. It’s surprising that when some people are promoted or elected to leadership status, they become proud. Whereas a good leader is selfless, always thinking about his or her subordinates, unlike Dr. Hamzat whose leadership style makes him a great and admirable leader. Instead of him to focus on self-promotion, he put lots of emphasis on problem-solving and team dynamics. Apart from having a futurist vision and ability to take the right decision at the right time, he is always thinking about how the ‘State of Excellence’ can attain the loftier heights in all spheres of human endeavours.
The general perception, even from afar, is that competence and unalloyed loyalty as the deputy governor is what is responsible for the trust Mr. Governor has in KOH for delegating to him sensitive state functions and responsibilities.
The memory of an afternoon in 2014 remains fresh in my memory during the inauguration of the refurbished Fatai Atere Police Station, Matori, when, as a Property and Environment Reporter from The Guardian Newspaper, after I had a brief interview on the project, Dr. Hazmat, then the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, enquired if I studied engineering to which I answered in the negative. I told him Sociology is my background and he thereafter remarked: “But you always ask questions like a professional engineer. Anyway, I want to contest for the governorship of Lagos State and I would want you to work with me”. Wow!
My digression to this memory lane for my friends and colleagues who refer to the deputy governor as “my friend” will have a clear understanding of how the trajectory of my relationship “with this wonderful and great man, my God-sent benefactor” began.
But one thing I will like to emphasise is that during his stint as Commissioner for Science and Technology, and later as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, reporters from various media organisations did cover his ministries’ events. I’m talking of men and women of great substance; great reportorial skills; of colleagues, whose intelligence and reporting skills transcend mine. But the the Bible has said it in Romans 9:16: “So then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
KOH believed in me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself. He has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration. His guidance, mentorship and unwavering support have helped me to grow both professionally and personally.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with a leader who sees beyond the surface and invests in the growth of others. Your leadership has created a ripple effect of kindness, empathy, and excellence that extends far beyond our team.
I appreciate a visionary leader who dares to dream big and invite others to join on the journey. I’m honored to be part of your team and look forward to continuing to learn from and grow with you.
Happy 60th Birthday to an extraordinary leader and boss -Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hazmat. Six decades of life, love and remarkable achievements are worth celebrating. His wisdom, guidance and dedication have made a lasting impact on our team and organisation.
As you mark this significant milestone, I hope you take pride in the incredible legacy you’ve built and the countless lives you’ve touched. Your leadership has inspired growth, fostered collaboration, and created a culture of excellence.
Here’s to many more years of joy, good health, and continued success! May this new chapter bring you happiness, fulfillment, and time to cherish with loved ones. You’re an inspiration to us all, and we’re honored to work alongside you.
Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a year filled with joy, love and all your favourite desires.
Tunde Alao is Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor