Osun Speaker, Najeem salaam @ 52

By Lawal Lukman

“Great Men Are Born. They work hard, break milestones, put more effort and become the best in their generation. Leaders are born, they are made through a dint of hardwork, resilience and perseverance to make it to the top.”

All these accolades and encomiums are for a man described by many as a bridge builder, community leader per excellence a progressive politician to the core.

To many people who did not know him possibly before he became the Speaker of the Osun State of Assembly, Najeem Folasayo Salaam was just a political scientist that gave out free drugs to the needy and downtrodden in his immediate community, Ejigbo as a Patent Medicine Shop Owner.
When he won his first election as a councilor in his native town of Ejigbo, Najeem as he is fondly called has been a core humanist, a lover people who is always passionate about the success of his people.

Born on August 8, 1965, Najeem Salaam, had his primary and secondary education in Ejigbo between 1975-1986 before moving to Oyo state College of Arts and Science in year 1987-1989 for his Advanced Level (A Level) certificate proceeding to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife (1989-1993) and graduated with second class Upper in Political Science. He also has a Masters Degree in the same discipline from the same university.

With the Nigerian situation, Salaam did not get a white collar job after school but became one of the most prominent businessmen in his hometown due to his magnanimity, courage and zeal for human development, His Patent Medicine enterprise became a rallying point for people especially those who were financially handicapped to get drugs giving them out for free.

His philanthropic gestures endeared him the more to the people and that was why he was elected to represent his people from Ejigbo State Constituency to the Osun State House of Assembly in 2007 but was sent packing through judicial processes.

Undaunted, he came back in 2011 defying all odds and rising through the ranks to become the Speaker. Since then, he has exhibited character, generousity, team work and leadership in all ramifications. Perhaps, that was what brought the name “IWALOYE” meaning Good Character Makes You a Leader.

Since his assumption of office, he has mediated a process of legislation that has fast tracked development in the State of Osun. The Osun House of Assembly under his watch has been a model contributing to the multi various developmental achievements of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration. If not the only House of Assembly without crisis in recent times, it is among the first five in the country.

Salaam has midwifed various bills and laws that are in one way or the other beneficial to the all-round transformation of the state. He has championed motions and helped to salvage situations that have today made Osun one of the most peaceful states in the federation.

A strong member of the Ruling All Progressives Congress he is, cutting across corners and divides even with opposition members in the House acknowledging his leadership and administrative ingenuity.

In ensuring that his people enjoy the dividends of democracy, Hon Salaam has organized various programmes to make sure the people that voted him to power realize the true benefits of having efficient and effective representation. Notable among them is the CBT Training organized for JAMB/UTME candidates in his constituency to ensure their success in the examinations.

The Speaker also facilitated free medical treatment for people with high blood pressure as well as the distribution of free eye glasses to those visual impaired. There is also an annual quiz competition, inter house sport competition and the provision of borehole for all schools in Ejigbo State constituency under his backing.

The laudable achievements of Hon. Salaam also moves to the Hospitals as relief materials are provided occasionally for Health Facilities in his Constituency.

Without mincing words, there is no doubting the fact that this progressive minded politician is a force to be reckoned with in and beyond the annals of Osun having served as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State House of Assemblies in Nigeria.
Although, his party lost the last Osun West Senatorial District By-Election where he was chairman of the party’s campaign, it is no understatement that Salaam has worked relentlessly and is still passionate about the progress of his party, APC.
As he marks 52 on the surface of the earth, One Cannot But wish this politician of repute and leader with a midas touch a Happy Birthday and Best Wishes For the Future.
IWALOYE!!!!!!!! Long Life and Prosperity.