Former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Oludaisi Elemide, and members of All Progressives Congress, (APC) including members of Ogun State Women in Politics celebrated former Governor of the state, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who turned 85 on Monday.
Ambassador Sarafa Isola, Elemide and the State Women group from all the state’s three Senatorial districts who converged in the Ibara GRA residence of Osoba, described him as a quintessential politician, dependable leader and an octopus who has contributed immensely to the making of Ogun State and Nigeria great.
Speaking on the octogenarian, Amb. Sarafa extolled his virtues, saying the former Governor is an epitome of honesty, dedication and service.
He said his contribution to the restoration of democracy remains highly indelible while praying for a healthy and longer life for him to witness better Nigeria.
In his remarks, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Daisi Elemide said Baba Osoba remains a good rallying point and a true democrat and member of the progressive camp, who has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria.
He described him as an advocate of good governance, and true federalism in Nigeria.
He urged the organiser of the birthday batch to be patient with the government saying that Aremo Osoba has always been a man of peace and anytime he addresses his followers, his message has been that of peace.
Elemide prayed for more years for ex – governor Osoba so that the State and Nigeria could continue to benefit from his immense wisdom and experience.
Also, Chief Mrs Abosede Akande leader of Ogun State Women in Politics in her remark commended Chief Osoba’s leadership qualities of transparency and honesty, saying he practised politics without bitterness.
She said the event was put together to celebrate Osoba who has touched their lives in different ways.
“Osoba has touched and impacted many lives in so many positive ways as well as played very critical roles in the life of Ogun State, Yorubaland and indeed Nigeria nation,” Akande said
“Baba Osoba remained a rallying point in Ogun State politics, he is a man with a large heart and of many parts, who accommodates all, irrespective of political lineage.
“Baba, over the years has shown to us that being consistently principled in public life is possible; you have demonstrated sterling leadership qualities, transparency, dedication, accountability, trustworthiness and tenacity of purpose as a great leader.”
While speaking on the impact of Chief Osoba at encouraging women to participate in Politics, Chief Akande said, “Baba Osoba, has been encouraging us to take the bull by the horn and as women, we must take our rightful place back, we must start to obtain a form for all elections and stop supporting men folks.
Also speaking, a former House of Representatives member for Ifo Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Hon Adeyemi Adekunle thanked all who came to celebrate Chief Osoba on his 85th birthday.
He describes Chief Osoba as his mentor and benefactor while extolling him as a frontline and fearless journalist and consummate Politician of the Old Stock.
“Hon Adeyemi describes Osoba as a pride and a source of inspiration to the present generation…and hope to the unborn,”
