The former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and immediate past President, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), for their significant roles in his achievements and political success.
He said this during a civic reception organized in his honor by concerned Muslim scholars and clerics in Oyo town, Oyo State,
Aregbesola acknowledged that the support he received from both leaders played a pivotal role in enabling him to accomplish his feats. He attributed his accomplishments in politics to their guidance and assistance, emphasizing the impact they had in paving the way for his achievements.
He said, “I am thankful to those who make the achievements that facilitated this grand reception possible. I start with those who mentored me in Lagos, who facilitated my emergence in Osun, and who made it possible for me to do the little things that the Oyo people are celebrating me with. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former President, Buhari.
“If any appreciation and gratitude could be given to me, I want to believe greater gratitude and appreciation should be given to those two people I have mentioned because, without their support, it would be pretty difficult for me single-handedly to achieve the heights I have attained and render the services for which the people are commending and appreciating me.” He stated.
In his address, the Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Community, Kunle Sanni said, “Aregbesola’s major interventions in this state include the passport front office and the fire service facilities among other varying developmental projects to the state. He has continued to shine his light on the world. I am happy and the entire Muslim community is happy to associate with him.”
In their lectures, Professor Sarafadeen Kareem from the Federal University of Agriculture, Ogun State and Associate Professor, Abass Alade of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, admonished him not to relent in doing his best for humanity.
The duo who spoke on the topics, “The Stewardship of a True Servant” and “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected,” further urged him to remain grateful to Allah for his benevolence, one that has kept him in the public sphere for over two decades, with resounding successes.
The Amir of Jamatul Tawunn Muslimeen and the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, Daud Molaasan, stated that the event was organized to celebrate Rauf Aregbesola for his consistent support and identification with Islam and Muslims throughout his political career.
High Chief Yusuf Olayinka, representing the Oyomesi-in-Council, expressed gratitude to Aregbesola for the significant developments he brought to the town of Oyo. The Basorun of Oyo kingdom acknowledged the former minister’s contributions and their positive impact on the community.
The convener of the program, Khadeemul Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Daud Tijani (popularly known as Igi-Ogun), described Aregbesola as a person of integrity and righteousness, both in religious and political matters.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the acting Chief Imam of Oyo, Sheikh Abdullateef Abdulazeez; the former Secretary to State Government, Osun State, Moshood Adeoti; Federal Commissioner representing Osun in National Population Commission; Senator Mudashiru Husain, former All Progressives Congress Chairman in Osun, Lowo Adebiyi; clerics; members of the Oyomesi; political stakeholders and other eminent Nigerians.
