Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday praised the leadership qualities of Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti.
The spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Shettima made the commendation during the traditional marriage of Toluwatimi Oyebanji and Ayodeji Akinyemi, held in Ibadan, Oyo State,
Shettima, who noted that true leaders achieve success through humility and foresight instead of an insatiable pursuit of power, wished the newlyweds a happy married life.
He extolled Oyebanji’s ability to unite his predecessors, noting that “he was able to unite four past governors under the same canopy.”
” That goes to show a lot about his personality,” he said.
Taking a leaf from the 16th President of the United States, Shettima noted: “Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Most men can survive the extremes of adversity, but if you want to see a man’s true character give him money and power.”
” I was fortunate to know Governor Oyebanji when he was Secretary to the State Government.
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” He exuded humility, and I intuitively felt he would be the next governor of Ekiti . And the rest is history today,” he added.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships beyond political office, pointing out that “when you are in power, your friends know you, but when you are out of power, you know your friends.”
Shettima also commended Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership approach, saying ” what you do speaks so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying.
” You don’t need anybody to tell us about his persona. Here, we have all his predecessors and their spouses.
” He was able to unite the four past governors under the same canopy; that goes to show a lot about his personality.
“I want to thank you for sustaining the relationship with your predecessors; that is what leadership is all about – the ability to accommodate and embrace each other.
” All of us here have a lot to learn from you.
” I believe you have a rendezvous with destiny; you have more rivers to cross in the future. You have the ability to reach out,” he said.
Speaking directly to the new couple, Shettima said: “On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, we wish you marital bliss.
” We hope and pray that this marriage will be blessed with children and, most especially, patience. On behalf of the President, I congratulate you.”
Also, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, urged the couple to always remember the prayers and good wishes of everyone who attended the marriage and learn to forgive each other and pray together.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Wole Olanipekan (SAN), urged the couples to “always remember the qualities and number of the personalities who attended their wedding and learn a lesson from them.
“The presence of these personalities demonstrates three crucial elements: respect for family values, unity of purpose, and national cohesion,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Shettima attended the wedding fatiha of the sons of the Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas.
The Vice-President, who landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, was welcomed by Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Gwarzo and former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasir Gawuna, among other dignitaries. (NAN)
