Oyetola: The Quiet Strategist At 72, by Abiodun KOMOLAFE

We are celebrating the 72nd birthday of an outstanding leader who, coming from the small town of Iragbiji in Osun State, has made his mark and elevated his hometown.

Born on September 29, 1954, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola’s efforts cannot be overlooked in the siting of the Federal University of Agricultural Sciences and a proposed cassava-derived ethanol plant for the town. This particular plant, when operational, should be defining.

Unlike Thailand, the world’s largest exporter of cassava, Nigeria has yet to fully develop a cassava derivatives base, a sector capable of generating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The proposed plant is therefore more than a local project. It is a marker for the future, and there can be no doubt that Oyetola lent his encouragement and connections to it.

The celebrant studied Insurance at the University of Lagos (1974-1978) and went on to found Silvertrust Insurance Brokers in 1991, an enterprise now recognized at the forefront of the brokerage industry. The firm has established a reputation for technical capacity, good corporate governance, and integrity, all of which are key ingredients for success in the sector.

A man of unflappable mien, Oyetola gravitated towards politics as a self-effacing, behind-the-scenes player during Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as Governor of Lagos State (1999-2007). He subsequently served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (2011-2018). His administrative efficacy in that role helped pave the way for his election as Governor of Osun State in 2018.

During his tenure, the state was associated with stability and public order. Progress was in steady supply, and harmony among the government, civil society, organised labour, and the informal sector was never a scarce commodity. This must be stated because Osun is politically sophisticated and, if handled insensitively, can become combustible.

Oyetola is clearly highly thought of, which is why he is currently the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The sector should actually be considered a more important portfolio than even the almighty Ministry of Petroleum Resources, because the vast majority of our crude exports pass through Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.

The quiet strategist has recently been involved in a series of big-ticket projects and groundbreaking negotiations, such as the deal with the British government for the reinvigoration and modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Ports, to revive Nigeria’s ailing port systems. We also have ongoing negotiations to develop the deep seaports in Ogun Waterside. Undoubtedly, projects such as these are make-or-break for the nation’s economic future, just as it was in the First Republic, when the Nigerian Ports Authority served as the key engine room of the economy.

As Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Oyetola retains a key political responsibility. Standing at the forefront of rediscovering the party’s founding ideals, he is uniquely positioned to read the political tea leaves and lead its revitalization. This means bringing home the aggrieved and the disgruntled – even the prodigal sons and daughters – under one big, accommodating tent with unified purpose, clear targets and firm timelines. Why did I say so? Ademola Adeleke holds the seat today, but as I have recently commented, the battle for the post-Adeleke succession on the progressive platform ought to have started on August 15, the very day the last Osun governorship election was won and lost. Fortunately, the hour is not yet past!

May God grant His Excellency, Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, robust health and strength in the years ahead!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

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