Immediate-past Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Abuja-based real estate mogul,Rt.Hon.(Dr.)Yusuf Buba Yakub,has described Rt.Hon.Femi Gbajabiamila as a leader that is always committed to pursuing “greater glory” for Nigeria.
Buba, who noted the above today in a birthday message to the former House Speaker and current Chief of Staff to President Tinubu,also prayed for the renewal of wisdom and strength to carry out the responsibilities that accompany the former lawmaker’s new office.
In the statement
made available to newsmen in Abuja earlier in the day,Buba emphasized that the former Speaker was always consistent in his message that leaders must rise above personal gains and expectations to promote national cohesion, brotherhood across the seas and the type of leadership that is all-encompassing in region and religion.He also extolled Gbajabiamila’s virtues as both a leader and mentor to many people across the country.
The rest of the text reads:
“For several years you have stood strong, focused and fully persuaded that our nation is headed for greater glory and that you will remain committed to being part of actualising this greater glory…
“For several years you have remained consistent that we must live above personal gains and expectations to promote national cohesion, brotherhood across the seas and leadership that is all-encompassing in region and religion, both of which characterize our diversity…
“In the last eight years through which I have associated closely with you and have personally drunk constantly from the well of your wisdom and sagacity in leadership, I have willingly joined millions across our country to say, indeed, you are not only just a Leader, but a Worthy and Consummate Mentor…
“So, as the bells chime this day to usher you in to 60+1,I write to re-iterate the best wishes that I have always reserved for you in my heart for the things you have made me see, feel, touch, dream and continue to nurture for the good of our nation…
“On this day of your celebration, moreso the first in your now enlarged coast of responsibilities,I,who have,like many,grown and benefitted under your kind tutelage and close attention these past years,have come to celebrate what you mean to us and to say that your best years still lie ahead.
“For myself and on behalf of my family, Your Excellency, Leader, I pray for more wisdom, greater strength and health of mind and body in the pursuit of all that your heart holds dear as you attain this new age of 61.
“Once again,Sir,I congratulate you on this new milestone and wish you a Happy Happy Happy Birthday celebration and even many happier returns,”the text concludes.
Born Oluwafemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila in Lagos ,Nigeria,a lawyer by training and long-serving Representative for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency,he was first elected in 2003 to the National Assembly.He was again re-elected for five more tenures through which he served at various times as Minority Leader, Majority Leader and finally as Speaker. His last re-election to the House of Representatives was earlier this year from which he resigned after the inauguration of 10th Assembly to take up the position of Chief of Staff to Mr President in the new Tinubu Administration.
Nkem Anyata-Lafia
Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Former Lawmaker
Sunday,June 25,2023