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Fashola, Others Commend Ayobolu As He Leaves Lagos Exco On Health Grounds

Nov 30, 2009 - Lagos State on Monday showed class and leadership as it held a valedictory Executive Council Session in honour of a cabinet member, Mr Segun Ayobolu whose resignation as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy on health grounds took effect from November 30.

Speaking during the emotionally touching session, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) commended Mr Ayobolu, who opted out of the State Cabinet to attend to his health, for not being a desperate public officer.

The Governor who spoke at the Exco Chambers at Lagos House, Ikeja after the pouring of encomium by cabinet members on the departing member added that Mr. Ayobolu in tendering his resignation has shown his true colour as a patriotic and selfless public servant.

The Governor Fashola said he shares the emotions of Cabinet members about the departure of Mr Segun Ayobolu adding that his exit will leave a very big vacuum in the Lagos State team.

The Governor said when Mr Ayobolu told him of his decision to leave on health grounds, he could not go against it, because it would have been very unfair to insist that he continues in office against his wish.

He described Mr Ayobolu as a respected public commentator who has served the state for an uninterrupted period of ten years.

Assuring that Mr Ayobolu is not suffering from a terminal disease and would always be available after undergoing the best of treatment which the State would support him with, Governor Fashola said his action epitomizes the belief that people do not need titles to render service to the public.

The Governor added that he hopes the former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy would not abandon his monthly backpage treatise on Alausa Alert newspaper, adding it is a piece he enjoys reading regularly.

In his contribution, Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said Mr Ayobolu is a very conscientious and diligent man whom he was very happy to have worked with.

He added that already, the Ministry of Health, has initiated a memo to the council on plans for Mr Ayobolu’s medical treatment.

In his comment, Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Jide Sanwo Olu while wishing Mr Ayobolu the best of luck in his future undertakings noted that with his voluntary resignation, he has demonstrated what leadership should be about.

He said everyone should be able to ask him or herself if he is really giving his best at all times because: “Segun decided that he was not giving his best and bowed out when the ovation was loudest”.

Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru prayed that God grants Mr Ayobolu and all cabinet members good health in the service of their fatherland.

While also contributing, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Obafemi Hamzat described Mr Ayobolu as an extremely intelligent and humble man who has made his mark, praying that God be with him in his future endeavours.

Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr Lanre Balogun said the resignation of Mr Ayobolu who is a very close friend of his came as big suprise to him.

He described him as a very intelligent and kindhearted person who is always willing to share knowledge with his colleagues, adding that he would be sorely missed.

Also contributing, Special Adviser on Rural Development, Mr Paul Kalejaiye said by quitting at this time, Mr Ayobolu has demonstrated that the luxury of public should not come against dictates of personal well being.

He added that at a period when examples abound of several leaders who despite the limitations of ill health still continue to hang on, Mr Ayobolu’s courageous act should be commended.

He reiterated that he is a man who combines eloquence with admirable writing skills.

Special Adviser on Sports, Youth and Social Development, Dr Dolapo Badru described him as a very pleasant human being who was very nice to work with, wishing him well in all future endeavours.

The Special Adviser on Education, Dr Elijah Adewale described Mr Ayobolu as a humble gentleman in the Lagos cabinet with a complete mastery of English Language.

While also contributing at the valedictory Executive Council session, Commissioner for Transportation, Professor Bamidele Badejo thanked the outgoing Adviser for the enormous job he did for Ministry of Transportation in Lagos State, adding that he never failed the ministry.

The Head of Service, Alhaji Yakub Balogun who expressed shock at the development, said Mr Ayobolu is an upright and humane genius in his chosen profession and prayed that God grant him good health.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa said he got to know about the health challenges of Mr Ayobolu sometimes ago when he had to write a speech for the Governor on School Advocacy Programme.

He said he advised him against resigning because he considered the quality of contributions he made to the state, describing him as a strategist who helped the Transportation Ministry manage the press at all times.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Supo Sasore (SAN) who also spoke on the outgoing Special Adviser congratulated him for serving and leaving the public service untainted.

Describing the occasion as a very emotional one for him, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele commended the spirit of cooperation exhibited by Mr Ayobolu in ensuring smooth working relationship in the Ministry to other council members.

Mr Bamidele gave several examples of several things which he conceded to Mr Ayobolu to initiate in the Ministry, adding but he never took advantage of the situation and would rather seek his input before taking up any issue with the Governor.

He described him as a man who was always ready to work and contribute without claiming the credit or the glory for himself, adding that with his collaborative efforts, the face of Information management has been changed in Lagos.

In his response, the outgoing Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Segun Ayobolu said a few months ago, he sought audience with the Governor and intimated him with the health challenges he is facing in the optimal performance of his duties.

He said he came to the decision after asking himself some soul searching questions about how his health has been taking a toll on his performance in office, necessitating the need to take a leave to take care of his health.

He expressed his gratitude to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and his predecessor in office, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to serve.

He added that he would be eternally grateful to former Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to work in Lagos, adding that when he was invited by Asiwaju in 1999, one of the posers he raised was that he is from Kogi State and had also worked with the Obasanjo campaign team, but was still encouraged by Asiwaju to come on board with him.

Mr Ayobolu said the opportunity given to him by Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to serve has been very enriching, largely because of the cerebral, rich and qualitative service which has resulted in unprecedented progress being made by the administration.

He added that while being out of government he still intends to work with the tendency that produced former Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the incumbent Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

While describing what is happening in Lagos as revolutionary, he explained that it is a phenomenon that should be of significance to Nigeria where the larger percentage of media reports tends to suggest that people are already getting disappointed with democracy.

Mr Ayobolu reiterated that the Governor is using competence and transparency to help liberate Lagos while assuming an omnipresent image in the lives of the people.

He said it is not uncommon for people to peddle stories about Governor Fashola disguising at night, hopping on okadas to observe traffic on the Eko Bridge, of taking a trip to the General Hospital as an old man to observe goings on there.

He added that everywhere you turn, there is an eye of a caring leader seeing you and using power to benefit the people.

While thanking the media for the support he enjoyed while he was serving, Mr Ayobolu said Lagos is making giant strides which Nigeria has a lot to learn from.

He prayed that God gives the Governor the wisdom to continue to break new grounds and lead Lagos to a global mega city.

The session was attended by the Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan and members of the Council.