By Omolere Omoetan
Senator Rashidi Ladoja
A thousand words are not enough to write about Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja. A man of no mean repute who, from a humble background, rose to become a colossus. He is like the proverbial small Acorn seed that grew to become a mighty Oak Tree which provides shelter for all.
Indeed Senator Ladoja, in his 70 years on earth, has gone through thick and thin. He faced and surmounted very difficult challenges that could make a lot of men lose their minds or give up on life completely. Not “Wolu” as he is fondly called by his numerous admirers. He stood tall because he is a man with an indomitable strength. Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja is a man that is made of more.
A man of high integrity, if he says it is going to rain, you had better get yourself an Umbrella. If Wolu tells you “I have your back”, he means just that. Even at the risk of personal injury, he will not eat his words. His reputation always precedes him. He does not have to say “I am Senator Ladoja” as everyone knows he is Senator Ladoja, because his integrity has defined him as a man made of more. Born to be loved, he is a man who stood up when others stood off.
“Systems should work and not personality. I can’t sleep in two rooms and eat more than I should because I am rich. I believe wealth is to empower people and not to live an extravagant lifestyle. Being a governor is not an ambition for me, I have been already. However, one can never be too old nor too rich to serve his people”. The exact words of a servant of humanity. Wolu, a man made of more.
Most men who had confronted him in either business or politics with the impression that Senator Ladoja is a man like every other, made of bones and flesh, quickly discovered they are in error. He is a man that you will hear and see coming, but cannot stop him. More than anything, he retains the capacity to shock his political opponents through his deft maneuvers. This is because Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja is a man made of more.
Though he is 70 today,his mental prowess is as strong as ever, his vision flawless, and still out doing younger men in farming chores, you don’t want to go to the farm with Wolu during the cashew season, once he starts picking, he doesn’t know how to stop. Senator Rasidi Adewolu a man made of more has truely been blessed by God with good health.
A man who has tasted success and continues to pleasure in it without drinking from the cup of vanity. Visiting his residence, many have been left awe struck, that Senator Ladoja leaves a spartan life style,though a mighty man of means he is. While he was governor of Oyo state between 2003-2007, Senator Ladoja did not acquire a new car for himself, nor a single brick for a house, he is contented with what God has given him, because he is a man made of more.
In his competency ratings, he has ticked all the boxes for positives. “Use yesterday experiences to project and plan for the future”, he is fond of saying, demonstrating that he has the character and clear ideas to solve the seemingly intractable problems besetting Oyo state.
Obviously, it was in acknowledgment of these priceless traits in him that made the leadership of the recently- concluded National Conference to make him Chairman of the Energy Committee. Clearly, they concurred that a man with his experience was required to help find solutions to the lingering problems of energy in Nigeria. Wolu has an eye for details and he is never too busy or in a hurry to be patient.
After the mal-administration of the Pacesetter State by pseudo-democrats and false progressives, the people are eager for an administrator that would work as efficiently as a Swiss Watch. This efficiency in governance is what Senator Ladoja is determined to offer the people of Oyo state once again. As he marks his birthday today, my prayer for him is that God would bless him with long life and quality health so he can set the train of Oyo state, that has been derailed, back on the track of progress.
Your Excellency! Akanmu omo popoola ashoro to wo bo bi apo ehin, Igba Odun! Odun Kan. Happy Birthday to you, Sir!
Omolere Omoetan writes from Ibadan, Oyo State
