By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The immediate past Minister of Interior, and former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Nigerians to key into the ideas of Omoluabi Progressives group which he launched a few months ago in Ilesa, Osun State to achieve mass prosperity.
Aregbesola said the group is for all comers in the state, describing it as a 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 who spoke at a programme in Osogbo organised to celebrate his 67th birthday on Saturday, said the way to achieve 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 masses 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.”
The Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, eulogised Aregbesola, describing him as a 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.”