My Birth Was Full of Challenges – Aregbesola

By Olabode Abolaji

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday said his birth and life journey was full of “challenges which prepared him for leadership position.”

Aregbesola stated this in an address at the 2nd edition of the Raufnomics in the transformation of Osun Colloquium to mark his 60th Birthday in Osogbo.

The governor avowed that the process leading to his birth about six decades ago as well as his sojourn from childhood showed signs of destiny for him to be great in life.

He attributed his success to God, family, Political Mentors like Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu among others.

Aregbesola who highlighted various achievements by his administration to change the fortunes of the state since assuming office in 2010, commended the state civil servants for their perseverance that has sustained the relative peace in Osun.

“Most especially, I want to thank the public service workers for their understanding which has kept the state running. I want to assure you that as the economy improves, we will settle your arrears, and even increase where necessary.”

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by Hon James Faleke described Governor Aregbesola as a “leader per excellence, symbol of development, one of progressive politics and of progressive emancipation, we thank God for your life, I congratulate the Osun people for having him and giving him all the support he needs for the transformation of Osun.”

Also speaking, the first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Chief Bisi Akande, eulogized the celebrant and prayed God to grant him long life.

The state deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori described he Governor as a true leader, boss, teacher and mentor who has transformed Osun in the last six and a half years.

She said the birthday which was organized by friends of the Governor was because of his humane attributes and passion for the development without taking a dime from the coffers of the state.

“The Governor is indeed a humane individual who did not allow any newaspaper advert for his birthday but insisted that the monies be donated to the needy.

“The colloquium is an opportunity to celebrate the governor’s academic passion as topic chosen is to broaden the scope of many on the true ideals and tenets in the development of the state”.