AS MINISTER OF INTERIOR, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA COMMISSIONS THE PASSPORT OFFICE IN ILESA, THE HOST GOVERNOR ADELEKE, OSUN, PAYS WORTHY TRIBUTE

A frenzy of  "Omoluabi" panoramic activities reverberated at the venue of the  Ilesa Passport Production Centre and Passport Front Office, Iyemogun Road, Ilesa,  State of Osun, where the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commissioned the edifice amidst the coloration of pomp and pageantry that often characterize party political carnival activities. The exchange of banters and goodwill messages from their horse's mouth to eulogize the virtue of the two political icons from their different political  divide while rendering their speeches belied the testament of the general insinuations in the fractionalized treacherous quarters that feud and rifts should encapsulate political firmament

What vividly played out in their speeches was the highest level of camaraderie which could be likened to the history of what transpired between Melchizedek, the King of Salem, Priest of the most high God, and Abraham the father of Righteousness in the 1st century AD in the scriptures. It was a story of "give and take" in the administration of policy of continuity from one government transiting to the other government without minding the party both of them were operating from.

In Aregbesola's remarks, he appreciated the governor for gracing the event, noting that his disposition to him despite their party differences was worthy of note. "I am grateful for your presence, Governor Adeleke. Without making a personal call to him he chose to honor us with his physical presence and that of everybody in the governor's office. It is indeed remarkable as my predecessor only attended my official engagement in the state once throughout his tenure. This is my first assignment in the state after you assumed office which you have come to grace". He posited.

In his response, while rendering his speech, Governor Adeleke, of the  State of Osun, on Tuesday assured the Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the State government's support in sustaining and entrenching his lofty policies and programs. 

Adeleke said Aregbesola is always welcome in the state with a pledge to complete all the projects initiated by the former governor, for the growth of the state. The governor pledged this at Ilesa at the official commissioning of the Ilesa passport front office and production center. He opined that governance should be above political interest and party lines and should be focused on bringing progressive development to the citizenry" The governor stated.  "Mr. Minister, I am assuring you that this is your State nobody can chase you away. This is your state, you are welcome anytime. Even you can come around to the government house. when I complete all the structures I am currently working on at the government house, I will invite you to come and commission them." "No matter the party you are, if you are progressive, in as much as you are doing what the people want". He said, "When he was governor, he loved the people and the people loved him. All the projects Ogbeni left were abandoned for years. I promised the people during my campaign that I am going to continue the project. That is what I am doing"

From the synopsis of what the passport office is all about and the quality of the passport and the waiver given to that category of emergency travelers on medical grounds, Ogbeni spoke elaborately about them. 

The highlight of the event came when the members of G 21(Osun Network) presented a framed and well-designed work of art that bears the inscription "G21 Grand Patron Certificate" award to the Minister. It was an Iconography presented by the President, Yussuf Tajudeen ( Pablo); Vice President, Waheed Adeagbo; Secretary,  Lawal Adebowale; and some members of G 21, who came to the VIP side after the Iyaloja group had come to pay homage. Femi Siyanbola, (the PRO of the group) designed the prestigious Artwork. 

A great number of works were done by the intervention of the Minister in Osun as federal minister, one of which is the employment of thousands of citizens into Federal Ministries and agencies, apart from the numerous projects completed and commissioned. 

A large crowd came to witness the occasion from the arrays of Immigration staffers from the highest rank to the lowest. Members of the incumbent Governor's Cabinet especially, the SSG, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff. Hon. Kazzem Akinleye and Hon.Kolapo Alimi. Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon.  Timothy Owoeye with his members. The defunct leadership of Top ;The G 21, members; The members of the Blue Movement; The various Kabiyesis; Chiefs; Ministers of God; and Clerics;  Alfas and Imam; Security operatives from Abuja; and Osun commands were also in attendance. Illustrious Sons and Daughters of Osun also graced the occasion. It was also an occasion where small chops and assorted drinks were served to those people who were not fasting and who had a swell time.

Photo Credit : Anifowose Mutiu