On Monday, 3rd of July, July 3, the people and residents of Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency rolled out Red Carpet along with drum and trumpet to honour their illustrious son, Honourable AbdurRaheem Olajide Jimoh popularly called and addressed as Jide Jimoh or simply JJ at a reception organised to welcome him back from Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, where he has represented them for two consecutive terms.
Jide Jimoh, is viewed in the Lagos political circle albeit, in Nigeria as a unique grass-roots politician and he is no doubt qualifies to be seen so. He was in the Lagos State House of Assembly for two terms from 1999 to 2007 before going back to serve his people as Local Government Chairman. He served them in that capacity also for two terms before his party, (AD, AC, ACN and APC) and his people promoted him to the National House of Representatives for two terms (8th and 9th Assembly), before he voluntarily decided to leave the stage for others to also contribute their quotas to Nation Building.
So, on Monday, July 3, JJ as he is fondly admired ran into a crowd of political stalwarts, party chieftains across board, Man O War personnel, students’ body, community leaders, associations of artisans, Road Transport Workers, academics and professionals waiting to welcome him back at the Banilux’s Event Hall, at Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.
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After the normal dancing and singing praises of their illustrious son who went to Abuja, saw and conquered, JJ then addressed the August audience quoting Chapter 14 verse 7 of the glorious Qur’an where the Almighty Allah requests for appreciation and gratitude from whosoever he bestows His favour upon with the promise to do more for such appreciative soul. Jide Jimoh, against the above quoted verse therefore gave thanks to Him for the series of opportunities given to him to hold numerous posts and helped him to succeed.
He also seized the opportunity of the grand reception to remember his mentor, former Lagos State Governor and the current President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he described as the Tutor-General of the Nigerian Politics “for all his love, assistance and opportunity given him to realise his political ambitions.”
The man of the moment did not forget the invaluable motherly role played in his political career by no other person than the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yeye Asiwaju Tinubu Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He prayed for her success in her new position as mother of the nation.
His speech runs thus:
“I give thanks to Almighty God, the Ruler of Heavens and the Earth. I thank you all for this honour!!!
“I am immensely grateful for this remarkable and significant reception organized by you the chairmen of Lagos mainland and Yaba Local councils to honour me for my service to humanity in our Local councils of Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency. This being the first of its kind ever done in the political history of Lagos Mainland and Yaba for our Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency.
“I feel so blessed, humbled and privileged to have a multitude of truly appreciative friends, associates, political followers and kinsmen like you. My family and I are thankful for your time and effort just to celebrate me.
“In all of my years of service at various levels and tiers, everything that we achieved was because you stood by me. You displayed a sense of belief in our missions, visions and objectives. I will never forget the sacrifices you made and the unwavering support you provided me. Special gratitude also goes to the leadership of the entire Lagos Mainland Federal constituency.
“Permit me at this juncture to utilize this opportunity to appreciate all you invited guests who came; Clerics, political stalwarts, community heads, traders, women groups, student associations, professionals and other stakeholders for their attendance.
“The impressive turnout and success of the reception is a proof of your love and support to me. For this, I adore you all. All your inspiring words of commendation, interesting memories and heart-warming testimonies regarding my efforts are all appreciated.
“I wish all of us a better future. Thanks and God bless.”
Jide Jimoh.
In his goodwill message, a respected party leader and one time member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Osun commended Hon Jide Jimoh for a job well done saying, “we are very proud of you for not disappointing us,” enthusing that, “as things stand now, we can beat our chests to say that Hon Jide Jimoh is still there for us for national responsibilities at higher levels.”
Hon Tayo Oyemade, former Chairman of the old Mainland Council when Lagos had only 12 Local Governments, also had good things to say about Jide Jimoh, saying, “One can rightly describe Jide Jimoh as a born administrator, fantastic team leader with political acumen and uncommon grassroots mobilizer with Midas touch.”
According to him, “Jide Jimoh is a humble personality, trustworthy ally and loyal disciple who one can assign with any task, no matter how challenging it is and go back home to sleep because he will deliver perfectly beyond expectations.”
It is interesting to note that Jimoh served with Hon. Oyemade as a Councillor and Deputy Council Leader in 1990. That Mainland Local Government has been split now to Mainland, Yaba, Surulere Coker-Aguda, Itire-Ikate, Apapa-Iganmu and Orile Local Governments.
There were also goodwill messages from the cream de-la creams of the society who graced the colourful occasion. They include Chief Tayo Soyode the father-in-law to the immediate past Vice-President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo among others.
Having watched the event online, one of the mentees of Hon Jide Jimoh, Hon Able Abel (JP), who once served under him, sent in his welcome speech on behalf of the people:
“Congratulations to Honourable Abdulraheem Olajide Jimoh, the immediate past member of the House of Representatives, who represented Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency!
“On behalf of the numerous Lagos Mainland indigenes and residents, I express our belief in you as an exceptional individual, as evidenced by the genuine social contracts we have signed with you over the past 20-plus years to serve our local government at various levels.
“I have had the privilege of knowing you since the Social Democratic Party (SDP) era, where you diligently served the party as the LGA Secretary. Since then, you have risen through the ranks to become the esteemed representative of our people in the green chamber. Your dedication and achievements are commendable, and we applaud your success.
“During my six-year tenure as a member of your cabinet, I had the opportunity to learn extensively from your profound knowledge of governance. Every member of the cabinet and legislative council can testify to your exceptional leadership skills. You fostered a collective government where the Executive Committee served as a valuable learning platform. If one could effectively defend a proposal, approval was practically guaranteed under your guidance.
“I distinctly remember a conversation where you emphasized your commitment to never seek a third term in office. Your integrity and adherence to your word are truly commendable, and they serve as a testament to your character.
“Once again, congratulations on your remarkable achievements, and we appreciate your unwavering dedication to serving our constituency and the people of Lagos Mainland. You went and came back alive, Oluwa seun.”
Some other notable guests at the reception were the new Senator that replaced the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu at the Senate, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, Hon. Wale Hamed (Agege House of Representative), retired Permanent Seretary (PS) Alhaji wasiu Akewusola, Chief T. Fadare, Seriki Egba, Hon. Lanre Oshun, Chief Lolu Elemide, Mr. Bamgboye. (P/S rtd.), Hon. Adekanye Oladele, Hon. R. Shabi and Mrs. Adefisayo Folashade, immediate past Commissioner for Education, Lagos State.
Others included but not limited to Hon. Ganiyu Sofolahan, Mrs. Omolola Essien, Chairperson, Lagos Mainland and Dr. Kayode Omiyale, Chairman, Yab, the Professionals led by Comrade Awobodu, vice chairmen, councillors, market men and women, political Associates, Doctors, Nurses, Man o war as well as community leaders.
