THIS month is special in several ways, spiritual and mundane. December marks the birthdays of two men that have made great impression on many, both by their characters and accomplishments.

Were it not for modesty and the need to underscore the challenges of the moment, even in personal matters, Ilorin should have witnessed a robust outpouring of dances and songs, as we celebrated the birthday, just some 10 days ago, of our political leader and mentor, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

And the same factors would dictate that we rather mark the birthday of my principal and boss, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who equally became a year older this month, in a low-key manner.

But no matter the degree of quietness we are commanded to observe in marking the birthday, it is still definitely not out of place to celebrate Ahmed, who, like the leader (Saraki), is on the way to completing a second term in office as Governor of Kwara State.

Between the two is an uncommon understanding that has continued to exasperate onlookers and pundits, who easily expect the negative in similar circumstances.

Ahmed deserves commendation on a day like this for keeping the flag flying, unwavering and untiring in the expected commitment to the ideals and ideology of the political structure that brought his administration into office.

That ideology puts the wellbeing of the populace at centre stage and this celebrant has not only kept it at that, but also moved to the same stage with the people.

This commitment is noteworthy, given the array of betrayers around us, a greater majority of them doing so purely in the interest of their stomachs.

The commitment is also commendable, given the challenges that most states in the country have had to pass through in the last one year, and even more so, states not under the control, then, of the ruling party. Those without a heart of faithfulness would easily abandon ship and like foul lovers, enmesh themselves with the offers of another suitor.

Thus, if there is one lesson I have learnt from standing, walking and working with Ahmed, it is that of faithfulness to common ideology in making the people happy and satisfied. Such ideology stood out the late Oloye Olusola Saraki. Such faithfulness will sometimes demand great sacrifices from partners, which when done, brings greater joy to the greater majority.

Another great lesson I have learnt from Ahmed is unlimited humility highly uncommon with people in his shoes. Ahmed not only recognises that God gives power to whom He will, but he is determined to make the most use of it to the benefits of the majority of the citizens.

The governor knows that power is transient and ephemeral and therefore remains constant and connected to his long-standing constituencies, including his age-long friends. To the admiration, but amazement of those around him, he often forgets or ignores protocol while relating with friends, relatives and immediate staff.

This singular act ensures that the cabinet works more like family and remains united and committed to the common goal of the shared prosperity mantra.

It is not any secret that Ahmed faces one of the greatest challenges of governance any state governor had ever faced- the challenges of an unprecedented economic downturn, resulting from profligacy of the immediate past federal government.

But for a man from the private sector, schooled in Bukola Saraki's political economy of prudent resource management, he remained undaunted, resourceful, innovative and unyielding in getting positive results.

Kwara deserves greatness and surely that must be why God allowed a man like Ahmed to take over from an achiever like Saraki, notwithstanding the terrible war of attrition mounted by the few number in opposition during the last polls, who believed without casting their votes at home, Aso Rock would easily deliver Kwara to their laps. As we marked this birthday on Tuesday, December 29, last year, the story of Ahmed has given hope and confidence to every young person out there.

He was not born into affluence. He was not brought up in wealth. He was not trained abroad.