Date: 2014-07-19

"Blessed are with the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Bible

Today marks the golden jubilee anniversary of my friend and brother, Mallam Yinka Aluko. Unfortunately, I am not going to be around for the celebration. But as you clock 50 today, my heart and soul abundantly draws you closer. Your first 50 years have been pretty amazing, one can only imagine what you'll get up to if he sticks around for another 50!

In the past eight years or thereabout, Yinka had been playing the role of a sheet-anchor in the life of Dr. Bukola Saraki, and of course Kwara State, albeit Nigeria as a whole, dealing with difficult situations. From the complex to even the very mundane, Yinka ensured that the security of the state under his watch never faltered. While he held sway, cultism became almost practically non-existent in the state (the situation actually deteriorated as soon as the next person took charge). Unlike now that the state has become the epicenter of human rituals, kidnapping and brazen hooliganism, Yinka ensured that the necessary security loopholes were mended without fear or favour. That is Yinka as a professional!

Now to Yinka, the astute politician; he symbolizes the strength of principles, of character and of courage in the face of intimidation. His courage and determination is a lesson in how not to give up the struggle for truth, fairness and justice, no matter whose ox is gored. Unfortunately, his greatest personal trait as a straight forward, blunt technocrat who suffers no fool gladly is ironically his biggest flaw as a politician. Politicians are naturally untruthful; it always seems that they are licenced to lie. This perhaps, is the reason why the greatest liars are usually the best of politicians!

What about Yinka as a humanist, a family man, a friend and a community leader? If truly, the measure of a good life is in the amount of goodness that one extends to other people, the level of selflessness that one exhibits to others, the number of people into whose faces one puts a smile, then Yinka at just fifty, is already a fulfilled man.

Without meaning to flatter or even blaspheme, I am sure even God himself will be somewhere this morning on his high throne, smiling to know the immense good Yinka has accomplished and encouraged in others. In a world of suspicion, hostility and conflict, he worked tirelessly to build consensus, mend fences and inspired many to emulate those values. He is a man of compassion and tolerance, representing the very best in humanity.

For us, his friends, his associates, we are hardly ever surprised that he exhibits such unbelievable dynamism, such strength, such humility, such power. We have gleaned the manifestations of these traits right from the beginning of his life; as a young vibrant man, who aspired to the sky and on reaching the sky, now makes the sky his starting point!

The central characteristic that has helped him thrive so well and so quickly is that, Aluko has an amazing efficacy, razor-sharp memory, an almost unrivalled ability to ease complex situations and build consensus. This is a feat that no one, even among us his contemporaries, has equaled till today.

Dear Eso, you may not be a saint to all persons, but you are certainly a brave technocrat, who did what he had to when he had to do it; you are a loyal viceroy at the point raw loyalty was rare and scarce; you are a good 'sojourner' who left when the ovation was loudest, and less I forget, you are a caring father and loving husband.

Certainly, he who takes care of little things is bound to be assigned greater responsibilities.

This is why I urge you to reflect upon your life for the past fifty years, and then look into the future with great light. But what will be more delightful is if you do not allow the burning light to go aglow; if you not do allow the gains of fifty years to fizzle out on the altar of momentary setback. The future is yours to grab.

Since you are naturally driven by challenges, there is no better time to actively rededicate yourself to the service of your own people than now. There is no better time to seriously listen to the clarion call of your own people, who have yearned for true leadership for long but have got none!

You have dutifully served principalities for years, now, it's time for the people to have their share of such service. The gods are waiting in the wings to propel you to higher grounds. Please listen to them, for the voice of the people is the voice of the gods! You should never miss this golden chance to serve the people, to inspire generations of Kwara youngsters, who look up to you for guidance and support.

Eso, without sounding immodest, I can assure you that my life is better for knowing you and I have no iota of doubt that the world is a better place for having you in it for the past 50 years.

This is therefore wishing you a fun-filled 50th birthday. Although, I am told you are celebrating the day privately with your family, but certainly, there is no need to be thrifty now that you're 50. You've racked up the miles for fifty straight years, so party in style buddy; it's about time to get naughty!