'Odunmbakun Deserves To Be Celebrated'

The Chairmanship aspirant in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, Abayomi Ogunnowo, has described Cardinal James Odunmbaku, JP, a stalwart of the Ation Congress of Nigeria, ACN,as a visionary leader who still exudes youthfulness even as he turns 65 on 4 September.

Odunmbaku popularly called Baba Eto,  voted 2011 Action Congress of Nigeria Man of the Year, Lagos State, will be celebrating his 65th Birthday at Ibeju-Lekki, where a revival will be held on the 2 September at the Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Soul Winners International Ground. The celebrations will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service at the same venue.

Ogunnowo believes that Odunmbakun should be widely celebrated by all Lagosians because of his contribution to the state and mankind. He described him as a religious leaders and a prophet that has touched the lives of many people in different ways. “He is a people’s man, who loves having people around him all the time. He has very genuine intention laced with good sense of humour,” he said.

Ogunnowo who has been a long serving member of ACN said Odunmbaku had aged gracefully because of his love for those around him. He stated that the fact that he treats everyone equally has made him a popular figure among the commoners.

“If you go to him downcast, you will leave him feeling happy and hopeful. Whether you are rich or poor, there is no preferential treatment. He treats everyone equally and that is something that is rare to find this days,” he stated.

He added that Baba Eto’s behaviour is quite different to that of many rich men in the country who will either refuse to help the poor or associate with them. “He is a very generous man and willing to help. Many families have benefited from his kindness and hope others will emulate the humane nature of his,” he submitted.

Having served as the financial secretary of Oduduwa Movement in the United Kingdom for three years, Ogunnowo has contributed his quota to ACN in Nigeria and UK. In 2007, he campaigned for Babatunde Fashola in the Diaspora and made various souvenirs in 2011 to support the governor’s re-election bid.

Ogunnowo claims that his quest to become the next Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu is caused by passion. He stated that Agboyi-Ketu needs to benefit from the thriving democracy that is embedded in Lagos. He said it was time for a change and transformation.

“I intend to improve the well- being of my people. I criticise things a lot but this time I think it is time to champion a change in my LCDA,” he said.

He said that providing infrastructure, health centres, primary schools and good roads could be a Herculean task but his administration would be up to the task of delivering the dividends of democracy.

“We will work judiciously with the funds that will accrue to us from the government and go into private partnership that would not attract huge interest rates. These projects will help us create jobs as well,” he said.

He opined that the LCDA must consolidate the good job that the leaders of the party have started. He expressed the belief that the party has achieved so much in less than a decade because of the vision of the leaders. “Our leaders have a real vision to move Nigeria forward and we must put in our bit. I hope to play my role and add my quota toward this change,” he said.