Humans they say provide a better covering than clothes. More than my words can fully describe, I am most touched and honored to realize that I am surrounded by a community of people who truly love me, my family and all that I stand for.
My sincere appreciation goes to everyone for the success of the burial ceremony of my late father-in-law, Engr.(Dr.) Chief Benson Akinola Otegbeye.JP who lived a life worthy of his calling. He lived a life where he gave his all to ensure a better life for everyone around him and it gave us immense pleasure that you all rose to the occasion with us, making it possible for us to give him a befitting burial ceremony.
While we give thanks to the Almighty God for giving us the grace to give our dear departed father a befitting rite of passage, I cannot but appreciate the presence of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who led other members of the Green Chamber to celebrate with us.
Special thanks to my mummy and the first lady of Ondo State Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, your presence meant a lot to the family Ma. May I also sincerely appreciate the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the Hon. Minister of State of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Donald Omotayo Alasoadura and the Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Effiong Akwa and Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi as well as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo.
I also appreciate the amiable deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who led the state entourage in their colors to celebrate with us.
Ondo State Party Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin, your presence was soul lifting. Once again, you have proven to us all that you are a good father to the APC family in Ondo State.
To my APC caucus in the House of Representatives led by our caucus leader, Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, we say thank you. Your presence meant a lot to the family.
My gratitude also goes to the Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale and all commisoners and members of the state executive Council
I must also celebrate our Royal Fathers, led by chairman, council of traditional rulers in the state who is also the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, it was indeed an honor to have you all present. I am just but a man, one whom you have all found worthy to be called your son.
I cannot but remember my daddy, the Asiwaju of Okeagbe Akoko, Otunba Solomon Oladunni and the former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi whose presence made the ceremony glorious.
My gratitude also goes to Engr. Babajide Akeredolu, Director-General of Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit in Ondo state; Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, Chairman Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and my own daddy, Chief Erastus Akeju. Thank you so much.
I appreciate all members of the State House of Assembly present.
Local Government Chairmen were also present led by Hon. Augustine Oloruntegbe, Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) as well as our host, Chief Rotimi Ibidapo Chairman Best Western Plus/Mydas Hotel and Resort. Thank you so much.
To our foremost party man and party Chieftain, Chief Olusola Oke, your support cannot be taken for granted.
Ondo State Party Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Fatai Adams as well as the former Chairman, Hon. Clement Faboyede. it’s indeed refreshing to note that your large heartedness cannot be limited by political divide.
Also to my wonderful family, this is indeed a proud moment for us all. I salute your selfless efforts and commitment to seeing that we give our father, a befitting burial ceremony. I am rest assured that we all can always look back with a sense of pride and fulfilment, one which comes with honoring our ancestor.
And to the good people of Akoko North East/ North West Federal Constituency, you have not just given me the mandate to represent you at the Green Chamber, you also gave me your unwavering support and love. Seeing you come out in your numbers was indeed an humbling experience for me and my family. This is a great motivation to do more for our dear people because I know that I am not only loved, I also know that I am a part of you just as you are a part of me.
To friends, associates and well wishers too numerous to mention, your support and presence made the ceremony special.
The experience of last week has sent me into deep reflection and I have a conclusion that it’s the people you love that make you rich. Your love has made us wealthy.
The month of February is here, and I say with all confidence and assurance that with our unwavering commitment, diligence and consistency, goodness shall follow us all through this new month and the ones to follow.
