The people-centred participatory model of the former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has been recommended for sustainable development in the country.
Political analysts stressed the need for the nation’s political leadership to toe the path of an ideological framework that will make humanism the forefront of governance.
The opinion leaders, including Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Comrades Femi Aborisade, Owei Lakemfa, Segun Mayegun, among others spoke at the 66th birthday colloquium in honour of Aregbesola in Osogbo, on Thursday.
The analysts described the former governor of Osun as an enigma and apostle of governance that works for the people, humanistic, driven by an unrelenting commitment to make their lives better.
Arogundade described the celebrant as a vibrant and dogged leader, whose leadership skills and attributes maintain his cult-like followership, even after holding a public office.
He said: “Comrade Rauf Aregbesola whether you disagree with him or not, is a very accommodating person.
“Aregbesola 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.
“There are things you can not take away from Comrade Rauf. One of it is his avowed commitment to the ideals of people-centred and welfarist programmes. That is why the people are with him.
“Being energetic, a workaholic, a good dancer, a courageous man, a fast thinker, grassroots mobiliser, he is proud of his culture and an unrepentant socialist stands him out and makes him worthy of studying and following his political sagacity.”
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 towards the growth of humanity. We are always proud of you. You are a man with a good heart,” he said.
In his response, Aregbesola noted that good governance is all about bringing all facets of society together for peace, progress, and development.
Aregbesola stated that the secret to the success of his administration in Osun and political leadership is the aggregation of all interests of the society, stressing that people will always identify with those who are 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 that he will forever remain committed to them.
