4th March, 2011
“The platform of ACN is important because of the progressive nature of our struggle. When Bola Ahmed Tinubu was to vacate office, people thought that he may not have a good replacement but today Lagosians can see that Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who took over from him, remains the best Governor in terms of performance in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“By this, we can see that Tinubu is a man of foresight, a man of focus, a rear gem in the field of politics, replicating the feats of Awolowo in terms of leadership,†said Otunba Yomi Ogunnusi at an event.
The Chartered Accountant and industrialist is preparing to contest for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria.
As candidates take to the political turf for the April elections, it is intriguing to contemplate how they would approach the electorate to earn their votes, against the backdrop of the nation’s electioneering history in this regard and the current resolve for credible polls.
No doubt some old guard politicians would resort to the time-worn approach of distributing food or outright cash for vote. But for Otunba Yomi Ogunnusi, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for the Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency seat, individual antecedence and personal pedigree count.
This is because when the nation took steps to return to democratic government in 1999, Ogunnusi was among those who took the lead to rebuild an enduring democratic culture in Lagos State as a grassroots mobiliser in the progressive culture of the South-West. He was one of those who did everything possible to support the growth of Nigeria’s fledging democracy in Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency. At the state level, he is equally known politically and has helped to build and nurture the ACN.
He made his way up in life through dint of hard work rewarded by the grace of God. Growing up, he attended Odogbolu Grammar School and later University of Lagos and University of Ibadan where he bagged a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Today, he is a Chartered Accountant and an industrialist.
Ogunnusi’s interest for the less privileged is legendary. This is probably due to his background and simplistic view of life. He has a lot of love for his neighbours and has always preached love. As to why his heart is always tuned to giving, Ogunnusi says he believes that “givers never lack,†even as he often tells his friends and associates that the poor and the rich are inseparable because both groups constitute the society.
His contributions in the last 15 years have endeared him to his constituency and to show appreciation, the long Isheri Road in Ojodu was named after him five years ago by the local council.
He has equally been involved in health care programmes as well as vocational training and security in his community. He has single-handedly donated vehicles to the police as well as refurbished all broken down police vehicles in his area to help the police in the proper discharge of their duties.
He has also awarded scholarships to indigent students and donated computers to schools in his immediate environment.
After over 20 years of selfless contribution to humanity, Ogunnusi was summoned by his community to run for office this year, as his antecedents is enough proof that he would provide quality representation for them at the National Assembly.
Having secured the ACN ticket, Ogunnusi has been on the campaign train canvassing for the people’s votes in the April polls.
The ACN is the winning team and has performed very well in Lagos. Ogunnusi is in the race to keep the flag flying, especially by joining the indefatigable and dynamic Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, towards the development of the state.
His bid for the Federal House of Representatives is to attract more federal presence to Lagos State. He is firm believer in the servant-leadership style.
His views on education are quite strong. For this, he has continued to build supportive classrooms for government schools in his immediate environment.
Recently he was approached by the principal of Omole Junior Secondary School that the school needed more toilets. He not only built toilets for the female and male students, he also provided the school with new and modern computers.
Ogunnusi identifies with the youth. To him, “it is only when the youths are catered for that we can have a safe environment.â€
Ogunnusi has built on the philosophy of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the ex-governor imbibed and built on the legacies of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“The generation of the Yoruba race are indeed grateful to have a man like Bola Tinubu. He is the political icon of our time; patient, innovative and tactical. Tinubu is likeable, loving and caring. For his tenacity of purpose, as followers we have every reason to queue behind his leadership. In politics there must be leadership and the people of ACN believe very much in the leadership of Asiwaju,†Ogunnusi stated at an event.
•Alfred Idowu writes from Ifako in Lagos