Kunle ADELABU & Wale JAGUN
-Gov. Ambode, Sen, Durojaiye, Sen. Ashafa, Hon. Benson, Hon. Agunbiade, others grace ceremony
His Eminence (Asiwaju) Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, J.pil, the first Secretary to the Lagos State Government, former Commissioner for Education and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, on Saturday, October 20, 2018, marked his 80th birthday with the launch of his biography titled, “Paramole K’oro Iwosi”.
The biography, which was written by Pastor Soji Omotunde, the General Manager, Corporate Services, Training and Development of The Nation Newspaper, was launched at the Mikkson Onas Event hall located on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Igbogbo, during the grand finale of the birthday celebration.
A 116 page special compilation of speeches delivered by Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun between 1988 and 2018 was also presented along with the biography.
The chairman of the occasion, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, who was represented by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said Basorun put public interest above personal gains.
He said the politician’s contribution to nation-building will remain evergreen, while his admirers would benefit from his exemplary life.
According to him, the Octogenarian has not changed from the credibility he is known for.
“This is a man who I have known for a very long time and who I consider to be deserving of all the encomiums poured on him. Our path crossed in the 1970s when he worked as an Assistant Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)” Senator Durojaiye stated
“Immediately he saw me as a Nigerian who valued service to the nation far above any pecuniary interest, we stuck together. Severally, he had to travel to the far end of the country at very short notices.
“He did this without grumbling or complaint. Never minding there was little connectivity via bus, this means he had to connect where he was heading via routes that put him at risk.
In his goodwill message, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode extolled the sterling qualities of the celebrant, stating that he has traversed the political and corporate terrain with indelible legacies.
The Governor was represented at the event by Mr Adeshina Odeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office/Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
He also eulogized his administrative acumen and commitment to issues that he believes in.
“It is not how long we have lived that matters but how much impact we have made on the people in our environment.
“The Government and people of Lagos State join the family, friends and admirers of the celebrant, His Eminence Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, to celebrate his 80th birthday with a book launch documenting his lifetime activities and achievements, especially his commitment to serving the cause of his people despite challenges”, Ambode stated.
“I am humbled by the life of “Baba Aladura”, His Eminence Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, which has been largely spent in edifying God and championing the cause of our people in all sectors of human endeavor.
“He has traversed the entire terrain of the political and corporate firmaments with indelible legacies which are still relevant in our contemporary times”.
Gov Ambode, while stating that he felt the celebrant’s impact when he was a young civil servant, described Asiwaju Basorun as an administrator per excellence.
“As a young Civil Servant, I felt his impact in the process of governance when he served as the Secretary to the State Government because he was an administrator per excellence.
“His administrative acumen is clearly visible in his lifestyle and commitment to whatever cause he believes in. He has also been very effective in building our party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in the state and particularly within the Lagos East Senatorial District where he is a strong pillar”.
The governor stated that the book would encourage young ones in pursuing their dreams and attaining success.
“I commend the book being launched today to commemorate his 80th birthday to encourage, especially the younger generation whom I strongly believe would be greatly inspired and motivated to pursue their dreams with determination and hope to achieve success”, MrAmbode stated with conviction.
Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule, the deputy governor of Lagos State, was represented at the event by Mrs Fadipe, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor.
Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, described the celebrant as embodiment of hard work, service, integrity, dignity of labour, justice and fairness.
“You would agree with me that today’s celebrant is a man whose values are those to be emulated by all.
“He is an elder statesman whose name has become synonymous with hard work, service, integrity, dignity of labour, justice and fairness. Also, he is a man whose faith in God is palpable and cannot be shaken.
“Considering his life span as a lawyer, banker and Second Republic Secretary to the State Government in the civilian administration of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983, his wealth of experience is worthy of study.
“On this note, therefore, I must thank him for taking the pains to document his journey in the service to humanity and God so far in life in the book we are gathered here to launch. I am confident that this book would serve as a reference point for both the young and old to learn from. Indeed, he is a man whose continuing legacy is worthy of emulation.
The Senator, who also thanked the celebrant for supporting him during the just concluded APC primary which he lost, added that, “His wisdom and direction were very key in stabilizing our campaign and the political situation of the entire Lagos East Senatorial District”.
Mr Omotunde, the author of “Paramole K’oro Iwosi”, the book would assist those who want to understand the path the elder statesman took to be a celebrated man in life.
“The book marks a new milestone in the life of this leader. The fact is that God has a purpose for him. That is why He kept him alive at 80. We should give thanks to God for him” he said
“In writing the book, you have to understand the man very well: his journey, battles and triumphs. That is to say you must study, read about the man. In doing that, I have learnt a lot about the journey of life.”
Member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Benson, presented the eight chapters book with 159 pages.
Other dignitaries at the book launch anchored by Comrade Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, were Alhaji Mutiu Are who represented Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision- making body of the APC in the state, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former deputy governor of the state, Chief Dele Olowu, chieftain of APC, Princess Aderenle Ogunsanya, former Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Nurudeen Solaja, member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development and Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Also at the event were HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Prince Oyebola Ologijo, chieftain of APC, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government and Hon. Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA among others.
