It was a day of encomiums and assemblage of who is who in Nigeria politics, as movers and shakers of the All People's Congress (APC), past and present political office holders gathered at the Jelili Omotola Hall, University of Lagos to celebrate one of their own, the pioneer Chairman of APC and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande at the public presentation of his book titled "The Bisi Akande Phenomenon?"
Addressing the forum in his opening remarks, the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Barr. Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister for Youths and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare described Chief Bisi Akanbi's life as a book, a politician, computer analyst, political thinker and a builder of men and institutions.
"This book is a documented testimony that will stand on our shelf for years to come, considering your courage, particularly when you strove to serve this country and was sentenced to 46 years in jail for not committing any crime but you came out stronger and better. I must say that your political stewardship remains a remarkable one, never to be forgotten" he said.
Mustapha said Chief Bisi Akande also known as "Baba omo keke"s book would stand in the shelves for many years to come, noting that his political leadership remained indelible in the history of the APC, acknowledging him as a pillar without which the birth of APC would never have been possible.
The Governor of the State of Osun and Chief host at the event, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola described baba Akande as a pride of Osun, whose life, politics, philosophy, leadership and dynamic lifestyle exemplified him as an outstanding "Omoluabi" and a phenomenon in nation's budding democracy .
He revealed that since his tutelage under the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Akande has remained a potent voice in politics, governance and the economy, adding that he was widely known as a bridge between the North and the South in a nation immersed in ethnic and rotational politics.
According to him, Chief Akande birthed the legacy of prudent and transparent management of men and resources, despite Osun's status as one of the resource-challanged States in the country, he employed his skills as a creative manager to build structures and institutions in a manner that dwarfed the achievements of resource- studded states in the nation.
The Chairman of the South West Governors' Forum and the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who spoke on behalf of the Governors , de scribed the celebrator as a rallying point of the progressives by bringing them together even when things were not normal.
Akeredolu said the book is a true reflection of realities unlike other books that always find beautiful things to say to massage politicians ego, noting that that was why most books do not get to the book shelf.
Chief Akande has shown to the progressive and other politicians not to be afraid to face difficult situations and has exhibited uncommon courage in the face of oppositions, while noting that Baba Akande brought Osun State to life.
In his presentation, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun eulogized Baba Akande as a true phenomenon who remained a leading light in and outside government, whose humility, unselfish concern for the welfare of others were part of the virtues that distinguished him among others.
Abiodun who spoke through his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele said baba's life is a crystal clear example of what governance should be, taking a cue from him adding that his administration was also committed to good governance and creating enabling environment to increase the personal prosperity of the people of Ogun state.
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