Imbibing Omoluabi Ethos, The Way To Achieve Mass Prosperity – Aregbesola

The immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on citizens to key into the ideas of Omolaubi Progressives group which he launched few months ago in Ilesa, Osun State. 

Aregbesola said the group is for all comers in the state, describing it as movement to renew commitment to the path of progressive ideology and politics as inherited from Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among other progressive leaders. 

The former governor of Osun State who spoke at a programme organized to celebrate his 67th birthday on Saturday, said the way to go in achieving mass prosperity for Nigerians is to abide by the Omoluabi ethos in governance and politics.

Aregbesola maintained that the core of an administration that is truly ready to serve the people is discipline, courage, character and competence in leadership.

He said: “We thank those who we started together, those who have joined us and those who will join us. We are inviting everybody to join the Omoluabi movement. 

“We make no discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, religion, occupation, economic status and any circumstance of birth, except in adherence to our core values and character. We are open to all people, young and old, rich and poor, educated or otherwise, traders and blue collar, landowners and tenants.

“The core of our belief is that political power should be deployed in service of the people.

"The way to go in bringing people out of underdevelopment is for the leadership in every strata of society to imbibe the Omoluabi ethos in its governance template and ideology.

"We cannot serve or lead the people to victory without ensuring that those governing rule with the fear of God, utmost dedication to the principles that put humanity first as well as embarking on projects that see to the continued prosperity of the mass in the society. That is simply the best way to lead.

"I thank you all for honouring me. You have all demonstrated courage and love for what we represent. I am indebted to you.”

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, celebrated Aregbesola’s ‘life of impacts and contributions to state and national building’.

Adeleke who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Teslim Igbalaye, noted that Aregbesola had painstakingly invested efforts and God-given wisdom over the years to make differences through the various public offices he had served.

The Governor described Aregbesola as an exceptional and charismatic leader whose imprints in the state and country, is standing the test of time.

Adeleke also noted that the celebrant remains a doyen in Osun politics, with the cult-like followership which is full of the movers and shakers of the political direction of the state.

The Governor said: "You are blessed. You only know a core politician with the calibre of people following him when he is not in power. For me to see the calibre of people that are here even without being in power at the moment, it means God is with you. It also shows that you are on ground.

"On behalf of the Osun State Executive Council, we are celebrating you, our party the PDP is celebrating you. Continue to do good to people. You are reaping the fruits of your legacy and impact in the lives of the people and I pray God to grant you many more years in good and sound health in service to Osun State."

The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, saluted the sterling attributes of leadership and commitment to humanity that the celebrant symbolises.

Oba Abolarin noted that the former Minister and himself share a common passion for the emancipation of the poor and the liberation of the people.

He said: He said "I can't write my history without mentioning Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. We've been together since 1980; we were together in activism and other ideological activities. 

"When I wanted to establish my school, I consulted Aregbesola. We share everything in common. Aregbesola will always acknowledge and appreciate good and quality ideas, and progressive thinking. He appreciates progressive projects. He encouraged me to do good things. 

"I don't know why I wouldn't not associate myself publicly with a person like Aregbesola."

The former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, described Aregbesola as a man of his words and one that always fulfils his promises.

Adeoti added the immediate past the two-term governor of Osun State earned his loyalty and support with his good character and love for the masses. 

The ace politician declared that he will rather quit politics than dissociating himself from everything that Aregbesola represents.

Adeoti said: "Aregbesola restored progressive party to government. After the 2003 governorship election defeat, the progressive was in disarray; Aregbesola came in 2004 and breathed life into the party. He restructed the party and picked up the finances of the party. He restored the progressive to government and performed well. 

"Aregbesola always wish everybody well and see to the upliftment and progress of everybody who works with him. Aregbesola is a core progressive and he's doing well. Those who were in government yesterday are betrayer. 

"I will rather resign from politics instead of betraying or dissociating myself from Aregbesola. I can do anything in support of Aregbesola. He's truthful and straightforward."

The Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, eulogised Aregbesola, describing him as symbol of justice, fairness and equity in leadership and public service.

Adesiji remarked that Aregbesola has continued to be a trailblazer and a relevant political figure in Osun and nationally.

"Aregbesola is a name synonymous with fairness, justice, and equity, and this is exemplified in his way of life as an unrepentant welfarist.

"As a governor in Osun, your people-friendly policies and programmes for the constitutional maximum tenure, have become points of reference for those who have occupied the exalted seat after your glorious transformation for higher responsibilities at the national level.

"Ogbeni, you remain a trailblazer everywhere you go, and without gainsaying, I can affirm you have continued to be relevant in your calling, even after exiting political offices you have held in the past."

Also speaking, a former Chief of Staff to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Elder Peter Babalola, praised Aregbesola, urging him to continue to impact the development of Osun.

Babalola said: "You have bequeathed a worthy legacy to the State and everyone is proud of you. I have worked with you and I can say that you are truly an icon of excellence in leadership. You remain a shining star in the annals of history. I want to appeal to you to continue to work for the progress and entrenchment of good governance in the state. That is where we need you the most as you turn 67."