Mr. President, welcome to Ogun State.
Aare Ago of Egbaland, welcome home to the land of Efunroye Tinubu that formidable matriarch whose legacy still resonates across generations. It is perhaps worth recalling that Efunroye was the daughter of Keesi, with maternal roots in my own homestead. History binds us in ways that should guide both memory and responsibility.
Let me commend you for the bold and necessary work you have embarked upon. The task of redirecting a nation’s developmental trajectory is neither cosmetic nor immediately gratifying. It is often misunderstood by those who lack the depth to appreciate processes still unfolding. It therefore falls on those with maturity and clarity of thought to steady the ship to encourage patience, insist on discipline, and reinforce the necessity of sustained execution.
We are beginning to glimpse the early signs the dew of promise even as we await the inevitable rain of abundance. My earnest counsel is simple: do not relent. Press forward with firmness of purpose. Show empathy where it strengthens the social fabric, but be resolute even unforgiving when reactionary forces seek to exploit ignorance and destabilize the nation. That must never be allowed, regardless of the noise or pressure. The future demands courage, not concession.
Nigeria must be great. At this moment in history, you bear that responsibility. Play your part with conviction. When the baton is eventually passed, some of us stand ready by the grace of the Absolute Sovereign to carry it even further.
On a more immediate matter, Mr. President, permit a word on the Ogun governorship. As we say in Yoruba: “E ma ru erin si ori ki e ma fi ese wa iho ire o.” Do not carry an elephant on your head while searching for an ant hole with your foot. The people of Ogun State must retain the dignity and responsibility of determining who succeeds Governor Dapo Abiodun who, in my considered view, has performed commendably.
The Gateway International Airport you have come to commission today stands as a strategic economic asset a growth pole whose impact will echo for generations. It is a legacy decision.
I must also express appreciation for your approval of the Eba Oil Exploration initiative. However, we must now go further. Ogun State has viable oil deposits, particularly in Tongeji Island. I urge you to grant the necessary approvals to bring this exploration fully on stream. Nigeria must maximize all available resources as we prepare for the future.
Once again, Mr. President, welcome home. I wish you a productive, pleasant, and memorable stay in Ogun State.
Otunba Segun Showunmi
Odofin Keesi
The Alternative
