Engr ‘Gbola Adegboyega: Cheers to a big brother at 51 || Sunday Ogunkuade
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By Sunday OGUNKUADE
Today, September 24, is the 51st birthday anniversary of Engineer Adegbola Isaac Adegboyega. Left to him, his birthday anniversary would have come and gone without drum and dance.
This is because he doesn’t really believe in celebrating birthdays. To corroborate this fact, two days ago when I wished him happy birthday in advance, his response was, ‘Sunny, after my wife, you’re the second person that reminds me that my birthday is in two days time.’ In this regard, therefore, I have taken it upon myself to give him a yearly publication of a tribute in his honour, in which I regularly tell his story of goodness to humanity. It has been a while that I have been doing this. This is because Engineer ‘Gbola Adegboyega has ascended to the level of such eponymous figures recognized on account of his phenomenal philanthropy, ideas and the noble values he represents.
Here’s a man whose residence at Oke-Afin, Ogbomoso has been likened to the Biblical Galilee where the needy throng into and get comforted any time he comes around in his hometown. Engineer ‘Gbola is the kind of person we need at the seat of governance. Unfortunately, he has repeatedly been quoted to have said he has no interest in politics. But if he decides to heed people of Ogbomoso’s voice in future, a vote or support for him is a yes for a greater, better and quality representation at whatever level of government.
I am, therefore, glad to be celebrating this gentleman, who is a brother whom I admired first from a distance and even more from the privilege of a personal relationship. We often meet people in a place, at a time and under conditions that are nothing short of an augury perfectly arranged by divine providence.
As we go on in life, we get to fully appreciate the impact these people made in our lives while they were around. They play different roles; some as mentors or models, some partners, some friends and some become brothers. I consider it a huge honour to be writing about one of such men who became a brother, though not a biological one.
Searching for a word to define ‘Gbola Olukumapa, as is popularly called, may prove to be a Herculean task in the context of his large-than-life persona. If I can describe him in just one word, a trait or quality, or attribute that stands him out of the pack is passion. The burning passion to serve and help the people especially the underprivileged, the vulnerable, and others is written all over him. He is, in fact, the hallmark of humanity and compassion. As he clocks 51 today, here is proposing a toast to a good brother, an Engineer of note, a man of deep intellect, a cerebral professional and man with large heart. Happy birthday, Bros. Gboly.
Ogunkuade writes from Ogbomoso. 08036142877
