A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Mohamed Sanni Musa, have described Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji as one Nigerian Governor that has achieved true consensus across all segments of the society.
The two leaders stated this in Ikere- Ekiti on Saturday during the 28th edition of the annual Wole Olanipekun Foundation scholarship scheme and empowerment programme.
Chief Olanipekun who is the founder of the Wole Olanipekun Foundation, hailed Governor Oyebanji for fostering unity across political, cultural, and social divides in the state, which according to him, is a rare example of harmony and collective purpose in governance.
While emphasizing that the Governor’s administration enjoys backing of various political tendencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, civil servants, artisans and other critical stakeholders, the legal luminary noted that this broad-base support is as a result of the Governor’s humility and inclusive approach to governance.
He maintained that Ekiti now has a Governor who has bridged divides and built a consensus that remained unmatched anywhere in the country.
Intimating the chairman of the occasion with the sterling performance of the Governor, Chief Olanipekun said: “Senator, you are a member of APC, hear what we are saying about the Governor, you know me, I have being your lawyer, am not the Governor’s lawyer, you have being my client, the Governor has not being my client, I did not give this gentle man anything, but he has chosen to respect elders. Two days ago, the Minister of Education said he is the best Governor in Nigeria, he is a good man and this is perhaps the only Governor in Nigeria today where we have what is called consensus among all the cross sections of the society.”
Speaking further, Chief Olanipekun said the empowerment programme was his way of giving back to the society and uplifting those in need which reflect his belief in sharing blessings with others.
While urging those in privileged positions to embrace service to humanity as a pathway to divine fulfillment, the legal icon charged the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity provided by the empowerment programmes , not only for their personal growth but also become a blessing to their community.
Validating Chief Olanipekun’s stance on Governor Oyebanji’s exceptional leadership qualities ,the Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Sen Mohamed Sanni Musa described the Governor as a blessing not just to Ekiti alone but the country at large.
The senator hailed the Governor for his exemplary leadership, which has garnered admiration both within and beyond Ekiti State. Describing his humility as a rare and essential quality in leadership, Senator Musa also noted that Governor Oyebanji’s ability to connect easily with the people had earned him widespread respect.
“Governor Oyebanji is one Governor that God has blessed the state with, it is not only the people of the state that see him as a beacon of hope, in Nigeria we also see him the same way. His humility and commitment to the sovereignty of Nigeria not only Ekiti State is something that is highly commendable”. The Senator said.
Governor Oyebanji, in his remarks, described Chief Olanipekun as a legend and a blessing not only to Ekiti people but to humanity.
While describing Olanipekun as a pillar of support for the state and a beacon of hope for the younger generation and a leader who derive joy in putting smiles on the faces of the downtrodden, the Governor said the foundation has given scholarship to over 3,019 students across the country empowered 500 aged and widows as well as 550 youth in entrepreneurship.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote development and empower the people, Governor Oyebanji urged other privileged Nigerians to emulate Olanipekun’s spirit of service and dedication to humanity.
“You are a gift not only to Ikere, not to Ekiti State alone, not to Nigeria but to humanity. Thank you for being a selfless leader, thank you for your love for your people and thank you for always identifying with them” .
“What Chief is doing in Ikere, Ekiti State, Nigeria, and Globally speaks to a man that loves God. A man that wants to share his blessings with the less privileged and I commend him and his family for the support”. The Governor said.