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BY EMMANUEL AJIBULU
I joyfully celebrate with Hon. (Comrade) Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream in the 8th Assembly on the occasion of his 69th birthday anniversary today, Saturday June 1, 2019.
Hon. Akinlaja is an uncommon ‘institution’ with his face firmly fixed towards the people and adding far reaching and impactful value to thier lives especially the vulnerable segments of the society devoid of pecuniary gains.
Hon. Akinlaja has equally used his considerable experience, wisdom, tenacity and sincerity of purpose towards making the legislative business a people-oriented entity that elevates participatory lawmaking to an art.
As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he got his two-term of 8 years mandate from his constituents in Ondo East and West Federal Constituency at the lower Chamber of the National Assembly (2011-2019) to serve them that should resonate with political scientists and gladiators but his many landmark accomplishments, ranging from strategic engagements and peace talks and truce among relevant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to foster industrial stability, peace and harmony in the country; robust legislative oversight functions, introduction of Bills, Motions, Petitions in the interest of the citizenry, empowerment projects for his constituents across Units, Wards and Local Governments, creation of chains of investments in Ondo Town to create employment and promotion of rich Ondo culture and tradition (of over 400 years), both locally and internationally through community and mode of dressing, the list goes on.
That classic experience would also serve as a reminder of the many profound milestones that shaped his political journey as a responsible public servant which over the years have made him to rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe, political affiliations, sentiments or religion.
In Akinlaja, I have come to see a man who cares about people and who is a fountain of ideas for economic development and improving the situation of the common man. He is a true humanitarian and Nigerians appreciate his contributions to Nigeria’s and Africa’s progress. No wonder the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of NUPENG made him their life Patron and Technical Consultant shortly after he bowed out as General Secretary of NUPENG in 2004, an appointment and honour that had yielded many memorable fruits for the junior cadre of the oil and gas workers in the sector’s value chain.
As a frontline politician, astute trade Unionist and consummate technocrat, you have dispassionately built lasting political, industrial and socio-economic bridges and alliances across divides in the country. Your meritorious antecedents unequivocally proved you right as a devoted Christian, father and grandfather who is consistently known for endearing family values, loyalty, integrity and patriotism in the overall interest of your fatherland; you are indeed an embodiment of grace. May God grant you many more years of good health and service to Nigeria.
Happy birthday to you sir, ‘Ina Njo Ogiri O Sa’ even as I wish you all the success and happiness that you deserve with abiding fulfillment. May God bless your new age. Amen.
EMMANUEL AJIBULU
wrote from Lagos via emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com
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