The story of Segun Adesanya tells of a young man with a humble beginning with lofty dreams to turn challenges to opportunities. August 31 is a day to remember in the life of Adesanya.
A Yoruba proverb says: “Anyone who knows how to think critically will always know how to give thanks.” Another Yoruba proverb also say that an ingrate is akin to a robber that makes away with one’s goods. Adesanya has a lot to be thankful for: the sheer gift of life, sound health, a happy family, a prosperous populace and a promising future.
His inspiring story is akin to a garden of endless harvests, a cavalcade of feats and heights attained. It is quite an impossible task to abridge the compendium of Adesanya’s remarkable accomplishments and achievements. By now, it ought to be clear that whoever the Almighty God has destined to wear a crown will do so. For him, perhaps the course of events has also been influenced by his name Adesanya.
Before I met him, I have always wondered from a respectable distance what manner of man this irrepressible administrator and leader is; his simple visage and demeanour when you move close to him belies his startling bluntness, frankness. He gave me tremendous support and push especially in my career, and I do hope that someday I will chronicle his life events in a book for many to read and get to know about his amazing personality.
Looking back over the span of the decade that has followed, it has occurred to me that it was a providential meeting – one that altered the course of my life and spawned a richly fulfilling professional and personal relationship. On Adesanya’s birthday, I find it appropriate to celebrate not only the man, but my relationship of many years with one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever met.
I count myself lucky to be within Adesanya’s circle of trust and space of authenticity, and can confirm that he has no facades – what you see is what you get. He exhibits a consistency of character that extends from his personal space to his public persona. There is no contradiction between private convictions and his public persona, which is a rare trait among public figures.
For those who have followed Adesanya’s trajectory, in his characteristic exemplary leadership style, he has pitched his tent with this history-making camp. It comes with a price: courage.
On different occasions, I’ve had to learn from his wealth of experience, and equally, he has had to humbly confide in me and also sought for opinion(s) on issues. One instance is when Adesanya made the fateful plunge into partisan politics, I knew it was going to be a tough terrain.
Adesanya’s migration from the sidelines into the trenches of politics was intriguing. It seemed an experiment to test the widely held theory that honest and competent Nigerians cannot survive the quagmire of politics. This is the theory that has kept many good people of our generation, and that before ours, out of politics for fear of being tainted and consumed. Adesanya has negotiated the turbulent waters of partisan politics without losing his humanity.
For obvious reasons, Adesyanya’s pathway to political power has been paved with thorns. That is not fortuitous; gold, before it becomes refined, must pass through fire. At the heart of this achievement lies Adesanya’s moral compass. He is first a man of deep convictions, and an administrator driven by concrete principles rather than situational ethics.
For instance, when Adesanya was appointed as Chairman, Bariga Intervention Committee by the quondam chairman of Bariga Local Council, Hon. Kolade Alabi, he confronted his assignment with customary rigour, immersing himself in reaching to the downtrodden and the well-deserved beneficiaries. He demonstrated a clear determination to leave a legacy.
Adesanya’s dreamy, rolling eyeballs behind his simple frame gives you the mistaken impression of quietude. His alluring simplicity cloaks astute managerial, even administrative skills as a leader, a fine thinker and a passionate humanitarian — attributes which he has brought to leadership. Interestingly, I’m still in awe over his style of uncommon leadership; a man who is more concerned with serving than engaging in unnecessary politicking.
During one occasion, he stood ramrod and made his remarks with panache. His voice bellowed with resonance, passion, and conviction. He was speaking from the depth of his guts and his eyes were on the prize. He earned the hearts of many especially in Akoka community and Bariga at large. Adesanya commands people’s respect because he is devoted to worthy causes. No wonder he was nicknamed the “Mayor of Akoka”.
He is one of the very few people I know that can never be blindsided or fazed by any eventuality. His calmness and infinite optimism even in the face of life’s greatest odds are inspiring and worthy of the respect and aspiration of coming generations.
His favourite line which he will always say with a soft-spoken voice, “Aanu mi a se yin” is a testament to his humane and humble personality. He is imbued with nonpareil intelligence, a clear-thinking, analytical mind, quick wit and sheer oratorical skills.
As he marks the historic date of his birth today, August 31, the occasion, no doubt, transcends the mere ticking of years; it is a remembrance of a life dedicated to progress, inclusivity, and the indomitable spirit of a people yearning for transformation.
