53 Garlands To Abiodun Akinlade, A Trailblazer, A Rare Gem

By-: Olayode Abdurasaq oluwole

Hurray! Hurray!! Hurray!! To the glory of Almighty Allah, our mentor, Father, role model, Big Brother, Political Brand, A 3 times Honorable member of the house of Representatives and Baba Adinni of Yewa land–Alhaji Asiwaju Hon Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade , the golden Son of Ogun State politics – turns 53.

Wow! I am so excited to celebrate this enigma and one of the rare faces of democracy in the politics of Nigeria.
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. Abiodun isiaq is a special gift from Allah who has maintained a remarkable, memorable, historical and epochal approach to service.
In the process, 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 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.

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 as he has facilitated employment for over 500 Graduates into several Agencies of the Federal Government, A dynasty that is unique and unprecedented in the history of Yewa Awori land and Ogun state in particular, how he does it and is still doing it is a mystery to all , with this figure continuously increasing till date.

*Established Hon Abiodun Akinlade free ICT training center where over 6,000 had benefited.

“Hon Abiodun Akinlade Scholarship Scheme for indigent students

• He also facilitated 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.

Akinlade facilitated the establishment of The First Science Park, located in Owode Yewa, where we presently have four (4) Federal Government Agencies, namely:
1.National Bio-Technology Development Agency–Bio Resources Centre Owode Yewa

2.Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) – Agro Processing Centre Owode Yewa

3.National Board for Incubator Technology Centre- Owode

4.National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure – Reverse Engineering Center.

He has projects across the length and breath of Ogun State. i. e 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, And 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.

What Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq Is to some bigwigs in Ogun state & Nigeria at large

The former Governor of Ogun State now Senator of the federal Republic of Nigeria, *Senator Ibikunle Amosun CON,FCA.

“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.

*While, the then Speaker of the National Assembly and now Sokoto State Governor, who worked hand in hand with Hon. Akinlade and must have known him well, *RT. Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, FCA , Governor, Sokoto State* had this to say about him.

“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 .’’

And others said thus about him-:

“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) Salimat Makanjuola Badiru. 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.”
Finally, I will like to state that many of those that where opportune come across or serve under this enigma both during his time in the private sector and in government are potential leaders today via the leadership dream he shared to them because he believes that dream will help his followers to know themselves and where they are going in life.

His philosophy in life is that, “for you to be big in life, you must be a dreamer.” Hon. Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq does not hesitate at any given time to display a personal relationship with his followers, that is why the good people of Yewa Awori where he hails from love him

Let me conclude this eulogy by quoting these 3 great minds.

“Your sterling qualities as a great mentor to the youth and your immense contributions to the development of law making in Nigeria have bought succor to your people in Yewa Land in particular and Nigeria at large. Working with you for many years as a federal legislator has been very rewarding” .
Senator ( Professor) Robert Ajayi Boroface, Deputy Senate Majority leader.

“Having interacted with you over the years through the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology which you chaired, we have found you to be exemplary in character, dutiful, amiable and firm with the zeal. You have also set examples worthy of emulation in education sector. Your secondary School has emerged as one of the best in Nigeria and you have touched several lives through the provision of scholarships and other support system for indigent students.”
Professor Peter A. Okebukola, OFR. Former Executive Secretary National University Commission

“As a person, I don’t think I can asked for a better colleague or friend. He is very straightforward man, hardworking and very dependable. In this world you need a very dependable and reliable people to be beside you. Sincerely, Hon Abiodun Akinlade is one of such “. Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Representatives

Hon. Akinlade Abiodun Isiaq , THE MAN.. THE BRIDGE.. THE GAME CHANGER is a grassroots mobiliser, a fashion monger for the stronger sex, colossus, a complete man in every life’s ladder as was opined by a renowned author, Hans Anderson, who in one of his books stated that, “Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s finger.” With his often manicured, iconic regardless Akinlade stands out in a crowd. MAN OF DESTINY

The future of this illustrious son of Yewa Awori ethnic nationality can only be written by the Divine Fingers that crafted him.

Finally, I wish this our Role model,mentor and father Allah’s stead and more fruitful years to enable him to continue his services to humanity and accomplish his divine drive for a better Ogun State. Happy Birthday the great leader! Happy Birthday a former House member extraordinaire Happy Birthday to The Asiwaju of Owode Yewa and Baba Adinni of Yewa Land, Happy birthday to one of the best products of Ogun State!!!