BY MUMINI ABDULKAREEM
The hype that heralded the event was nothing compared to the drama and razzmatazz that took place at the Arca Santa event Center, Ajase-Ipo road, venue of the official declaration of the gubernatorial ambition of former minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
Although officially slated for 11:00am, dignitaries from across the state and the country started arriving the venue as early as 8:00 with various political and musical groups entertaining the early callers to the venue.
The roll call of the guests which cut across the political, religious and government circles in the state include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Media and Communication, Dr Muideen Akorede, Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism, Femi Adebayo, chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Hajia Sarat Adebayo and immediate past National President of Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union (IEDPU)
Others include House of Representatives aspirants, Otunba Taiwo Joseph and Suleiman Warah, Chairman, Ekiti Local Government Council, Comrade Yinka Dallas, House of Assembly member, Mrs. Felicia Ebun Owolabi, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Ayinke Saka and former ambassador to the Netherlands, Hajia Nihinlola Akanbi as well as top personalities from the media fraternity in the state, including Editor–in-Chief and Managing Director, National Pilot Newspapers, Alhaji Billy Adedamola and the General Manager, The Herald newspapers, Alhaji Abdularaq Adebayo.
Invited guests were thrilled by male and female artists in the state in local and contemporary genres in Yoruba, Hausa and English including Femi Ogunleye of the Oshaprapra fame, Pele, Sly, Adisa Owala, Mukaila Coste, among others which made Bolaji Abdullahi danced to the various rhythms.
The event, which was the most elaborate so far by any gubernatorial aspirant in the state, has all the trappings of a political declaration marked with fireworks and musical display.
However, in his remark, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi sent the audience into reflective emotional ecstasy by painting a picture of his movement from grass to grace and how his mother used to sing for him when he return from hawking adding that it’s very important to get the narrative of the youth right.
According to Abdullahi, who spoke both English and Yoruba, his story epitomises a significant testimony that opportunity abound in Kwara for the children of nobody to and become somebody as opposed to allegation from the opposition for which they are castigating the Saraki dynasty.
“Those that are castigating Saraki, I have two responses for them. My father was a tailor and a farmer. Bukola Saraki did not ask about who my father was before he made me commissioner. He didn’t ask about the father of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed or Rasak Atunwa’s father before supporting them for Governor and House of Representatives respectively. Same for Zakari Muhammed and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sola Isiaka Gold. The opposition is saying they want to liberate Kwara, but they are only angry that God is using Saraki to elevate Kwarans irrespective of birth or status. There is no freedom anywhere in Kwara than within the Saraki dynasty”, he noted.
He solicited the support of the people for him to emerge as the next governor of the state adding that his administration, God willing, will solve the problem of the youth in the state.
Abdullahi who noted that the next gubernatorial election should not be about Saraki, challenged the opposition party and their aspirants to outline their blueprint for the people of the state rather than making the Senate President their focal point of attack.
“This journey started in 2003 when I joined the then government of Bukola Saraki. In all the years I served in the government in various capacities, one thing that is clear to me was that the biggest challenge and biggest asset for us in Kwara is the youth who constitute fifty-four percent of our population in the age bracket of between 0-19.
“What this tells us immediately is that the greatest investment the government can make is on youth development. My first, second and third priority is youth development and we must have a solution to that issue. If we don’t solve the youth problem, they will solve us and the state will not be settle unless we have answers to their problems.
“We can spend all the money in building roads and providing infrastructure but without finding solution to the youth, these things will not last.
“What do Kwara youth want, they don’t want to drive flashy cars or private jets but need just decent education and skills that can provide them with jobs and entrepreneurship skills that will keep them gainfully employed, they don’t want to beg. But we were the ones who disappointed and failed them. However, I am contesting this election based on this awareness”, he submitted.
“I want you to get hold of my manifesto and hold me to account on my promises by the time we are in government, in sha Allah”, he noted.
Earlier In his welcome address, former Board Member of Kwara State Broadcasting Cooperation and the chairman Omoluabi Campaign Committee, Engr Asanloko Abiodun said the “unique” event was an indication that Bolaji Abullahi remains the most prepared for the job
“I believe this is not an exaggeration to say this is the first gubernatorial aspirant that would be making available a manifesto even before he becomes a candidate. This is no doubt an indication of the good things in the offing for Kwara state and its people.
“Today, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi is not just presenting his ideas to anybody but to the people of repute, technocrats, people of high integrity, people of note who know what it takes to govern a state like Kwara. Only Abdullahi has made this type of arrangement and the only aspirant who has turned the occasion of his declaration of intent to a platform of engagement”.
In his goodwill message, the acting chairman, Kwara State Elders Forum, Alhaji Kola Yusuf noted that Abdullahi’s track record in all the portfolios he had served speak volume.
“The Saraki dynasty has thrived on two political ingredients which are trustworthiness and loyalty. The appellation of Omoluabi is a fitting narrative to Abdullahi’s personality. He has demonstrated that he is not a man of greed despite the towering heights he has attained in all the positions he has held in public service. He has demonstrated uncommon loyalty to the Saraki dynasty which earned him sack on two occasions from top juicy positions in the country”, he noted.
Shittu who doubles as the chairman of the Kwara South Elders Forum said they are happy with Abdullahi for being a man of honour and trust and has lived up to the appellation of Omoluabi.
Also a member of the Elder’s Forum, Alhaji Saadudeen Agaka said Abdullahi has not left anyone in doubt about his capacity and capabilities since he came into governance and advised him to stick to his belief in God and continue to rally support for the Saraki dynasty.
He said Kwarans should be wary of the antics of the opposition against Saraki and stand solidly behind him always.
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