Akinlade @52: A Quintessential Symbol of Service
Raheem Ajayi
I join others in wishing Hon. Abiodun Isiaka Akinlade a happy birthday. Akinlade, a three-time member of House of Representatives (2003 – 2015) is an epitome of humility and service to the people. I met him towards the end of 2002 when he was seeking the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to represent the good people of Yewa South and Ipokia Federal Constituency which he eventually won.
In fact, he was elected for the same position on three consecutive times during which he facilitated many projects to Ogun State. What I admire in him most, among many other things, is his unflagging, unwavering and unflinching drive to better the lots of his people: he has facilitated Federal jobs for a record over 500 young people from his constituency including others who are not from his place!
Akinlade, who was the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology between 2007 and 2015 through his networking, has also been able to facilitate Federal Government agencies to his Constituency as well as other parts of Ogun state; among which are National Bio-Technology Development Agency–Bio Resources Centre Owode Yewa.
Others are Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) – Agro Processing Centre Owode Yewa and Ipokia, National Board for Incubator Technology Centre- Owode, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure – Reverse Engineering Centre Owode.
Also inclusive in these centres/projects in Yewa land are the National Institute of Building Road Research- Multipurpose Vocational centre, Agosasa, Owode Yewa and the ongoing centre in Ilaro. Project Development Institute (PRODA) – Garri Processing Centre in Army Barrack Owode, Ilaro, Ipokia, Ilashe, (ongoing).
He has touched lives of many, including old and young, men and women. His philanthropic gesture cuts across both Christians and Muslim communities. No wonder he was made Baba Adinni of Yewa land.
Despite the fact that he didn’t succeed when he sought the ticket of our party, All Progressive Congress, APC, to become the gubernatorial candidate in the just concluded 2019 elections, he nevertheless proved to be a factor.
It’s not by coincidence that the top three contenders for the number one seat in the state share his name. Adekunle Akinlade of APM; Gboyega Isiaka of ADC and the eventual winner, the Governor-elect, Dapo Abiodun of APC all share names with him. Abiodun Isiaka Akinlade is truly the man, the bridge and the quintessential symbol! You then want to ask yourself: what kind of name do you give your child?
52 hearty cheers to my egbon, brother, friend and leader as he turns 52 today, March 21. I wish you continuous service to our father land. Many more years in sound mind and health. I pray for Rahma, Risqu, Ridwanullah plus all your heart desires. All the best always, all ways.
Raheem Ajayi wrote from Imashayi, Yewa North of Ogun State
