BTO: Once a rejected stone, now a shining ????
By Femi SALAKO
The stone which the builders rejected didn’t just become the chief cornerstone overnight, it went through a process before the Lord crowned its effort and made it the envy of all stones. This aptly describes the story of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the lawmaker representing Akoko Northeast/West Federal Constituency of Ondo State at the House of Representatives.
Olubunmi’s rise to grace is a story full of thorns and dejection. It was a hectic journey no one would have wished for. It is the type of story that has turned out as blockbuster movies.
Not so many of his admirers and followers are familiar with this story. BTO, as he is fondly called by his admirers, is not given to too many words, he hardly let out his mind, cool, calm and not one fond of saying it all.
He let the cat out of the bag at the weekend during a civic reception organised for him by his constituents. His inspiring yet heartrending story moved many guests at the event to tears on Sunday. BTO himself could not hold back tears, it poured out like torrential rain as he recounted his ordeal and hurdles through the school of life.
Rising through dejection, penury, struggle and the several pebbles life pelted him with, BTO came out strong and he could stand tall to share his story to inspire others now that he has become a light to Akokoland and Ondo State and it’s just a matter of time before he eventually takes his place as a shining light nationwide.
He rose from nothing to the man being celebrated today, with young and old admiring the man BTO, only if they knew the furnace the boy BTO went through.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who led 80 other lawmakers to the reception held for BTO at the weekend spoke glowingly about Olubunmi and how he has been making laudable impacts in just a few months at the Green Chamber.
A jewel cannot be hidden, its treasure would speak forth and attract recognition.
Gbajabiamila was proud to have quickly spotted the enigmatic figure as he described him and fixed him to head a committee where hardwork is needed – the committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) – and BTO would forever be grateful to the Speaker for seeing the treasure in him.
The Speaker said, “Rt. Hon Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is an enigmatic figure and has his job well cut out for him. His constituents should be patient as he unveils his goody bags filled with impactful, meaningful and life touching projects.”
He also commended BTO for the ongoing road rehabilitation he facilitated in Akoko.
“The ongoing rehabilitation of the 7Km Arigidi-Oke Agbe road courtesy of the Rt. Hon in his capacity as Chair of the House Committee on NDDC is a welcome development,” Gbajabiamila added.
“Upon completion, the road will improve commerce, movement of people and will further open up the LGA to the world because that road is strategic in that it connects with Omuo Ekiti and Lokoja.”
From nothingness and obscurity in Okeagbe, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has become the chief cornerstone.