Civil society leaders, traditional rulers eulogise Aregbesola at 66

Some civil society leaders as well as traditional rulers have called on government at all levels to toe the path of an ideological framework that would make humanism the forefront of governance.

They made the call at the 66th birthday colloquium in honour of the immediate past Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday in Osogbo.

In his remarks, Mr lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of International Press Centre, Lagos, described Aregbesola as an enigma and apostle of governance that works for the people, driven by an unrelenting commitment to make their lives better.

Arogundade also described the celebrator as a vibrant and dogged leader, whose leadership skills and attributes maintain his cult-like followership, even after holding a public office.
“Comrade Rauf Aregbesola is a very accommodating person. He is a political combatant who is able to speak on issues with a very deep background and knowledge of how the government is supposed to work for the people.
“It is humanity that makes Rauf different from us.
“Let us start an ideology where humanism will be the foundation of every ideology. He is a different Marxist. Ogbeni is a real comrade who is deeply passionate about the people,” he said.

In their separate remarks, rights activists, Mr Owei Lakemfa and Segun Mayegun, said there was need for emerging leaders to embrace Aregbesola’s ideology of humanism.

“It is humanity that makes Rauf different from us. Let us start an ideology where humanism will be the foundation of every ideology.
“He is a different Marxist. Ogbeni is a real comrade who is deeply passionate about the people,” Lakemfa said.
“Aregbesola is practically minded. He is committed to seeing results. Our legacies are not bricks. They are the people. That is what Rauf stood for and what has made all of us celebrate him till today”, Mayegun said.

Also, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, eulogised the celebrator for his passion for the growth of humanity.
“You have a name that transcends the Federal Republic of Nigeria because of your passion, commitment, and resilience toward the growth of humanity.
“We are always proud of you. You are a man with a good heart. You say it as it is, and that is why all of us are behind you,” he said.

Similarly, Oba Olatunde Olusola, Onikun of Ikun Ekiti, showered encomiums on the former governor, saying that “If Rauf had got political power in the last 20 years, he would have liberated a lot of people.”

In his response, Aregbesola said good governance was all about bringing all facets of society together for peace, progress, and development.

He noted that the secret to the success of his administration in Osun and political leadership was the aggregation of all interests of the society, saying that people would always identify with those who were keenly passionate about them.

“Governance is not rocket science. It is all about putting the interests of the people at heart.
“We included every strata of the society in our government. This is why the people trooped out to receive us after 54 months of completing our tenure,” he said.

He thanked his supporters, friends, associates, and the people of Osun at large for believing in his political ideology, assuring them that he would forever remain committed to them.