Kunle Adelabu
A respected community leader in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Elder James Alabi, JP., popular called ‘Pope’, has joined numerous others in celebrating an uncommon personality and representative, Rep. Babajimi Benson on his 53rd birthday.
He recalled his encounter and community development relations with Rep. Benson over the state of the former Igbe Road (now Jimi Benson Road), when the stretch of the road that turned out to be the first road that was fully rehabilitated and commissioned by the federal lawmaker.
He has since facilitated the rehabilitation and construction of about 100 other roads since then.
In his tributes to the celebrant, Elder Alabi described the lawmaker as a man of grace, honour, integrity and distinction whose words are his bond.
“A Man of Grace, a Man of Honour, a Man of Integrity and of Distinction.
“What he wouldn’t or cannot do, he wouldn’t promise you. His words are his bond.
“Today, I recall with nostalgia, his promises to us when we (the nine (9) CDAs on the then Igbe Road), were battling with the rehabilitation of our dilapidated Igbe Road, the man Honourable Jimi Benson, came visiting several times, in company of the LCDA Chairman, Builder Sesan Daini, and at one of his visits was enthralled by the depth of our commitment and ‘there and then’ promised us at the Oreyo end of Igbe Road that he would ASPHALT THE ENTIRE STRETCH OF IGBE ROAD’, the community leader recalled.
Elder Alabi further said:
“And, he did, fulfilling not just that promise, but reconstructing the entire stretch with drainage, and capping it with BEAUTIFUL STREET LIGHTS,
“Today, more than five (5) years after, the reconstructed Road, which the sceptics condemned/criticised that it wouldn’t last six months, is still STANDING GIDIGBA, LIKE THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, BEAUTIFÙL AND SHINING.
“Those are the virtues and values of the man whom we are celebrating his birthday, today. A man of honour and distinction,” Elder James emphasised.
He congratulated Rep. Benson, expressing that the entire Igbe residents are very proud of him.
“Our dear brother and leader, as you celebrate your date of birth today, May you continue to grow more in grace, sound health, wisdom, excellence, and creativity, in Jesus name. Amen.
“Indeed, We Are VERY PROUD OF YOU,” the community leader said.
