Otunba Ahmed Gegele: Birthday gong to humble achiever
Inaolaji OLAYODE
Today is, indeed, a special day! It is the natal day of the ‘Ilorin Tiger’ who is gigantic both in stature and in achievement. Thus, the drums need be rolled out and be throbbed, the trumpet be blazed, the tambourine be shaken and sonorous song of eulogium be sung to celebrate the birthday of an unassuming humble man, business tycoon, youth ambassador, darling mentor and charming chief, Otunba (Ambassador) Ahmed Ibrahim Gegele.
Advertsiement
I join avalanche of well-wishers to heartily felicitate “Olojo Ibi” today. Doubtlessly, Gegele, as I used to call him in his absence, will be overwhelmingly gobsmacked seeing this piece of writing. Had it been he was intimated prior the publication, he might order not to do so but that’s my “surprise birthday package” for him.
I have not known Otunba for a long period of time but it is not how long but how well. My path crossed with Otunba Gegele June 2023 — the day he was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title as Otunba Akeweje of Okin-Apa by a scholarly monarch, Oba (Prof.) John Akinola Akintola. Although, his name rang a bell in my ear before then. Afterwards, the knot of my intimacy with him becomes tightened and relationship of “mentee-mentor” begins.
The event in discourse was extremely filled with glitz and glamour; it was graced with the presence of the crème de la crème within and outside the metropolis of Ogbomoso, the land of valiant. In fact, I can beat my chest in confidence that the story of his investiture can never be sentenced to oblivion when writing the history of Okin Apa, Surulere Local Government, Oyo State. Making him to join the league of beaded necks by Oba Prof. Akintola is like putting a round peg in a round hole, if crystal reality be unmasked.
It is pertinent to divulge the royal garland bestowed on him irrefutably rested on the rostrum of his relentless service to humanity and extremely good representation of the youths at various fora, in and outside his state of origin — Kwara State. His selfless service has also endeared him with the privilege of representing Nigerian youth in China in 2017 and in becoming the Chairman of Young Political Leader’s Forum of Africa Countries.
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In the space of less than two years that our paths crossed, I have known Otunba Akeweje to be a sheer personification of humility. He embraces people, especially younger ones, with open arms and never will he look down on anyone. He is indeed a humble, industrious and simple mentor who has engraved his name in gold in the hearts of numerous folks. Calling him a dove is to express the truthful reality. He is a silent achiever as well, hardly you observe he has attained such height in life.
He is a business mogul. He is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Volcanic Network Limited and the Director of Strategic Planning of Zephyrgold International Limited. His business network has bequeathed him the enviable chance or opportunity of dining and wining with people of high profile. His accomplishment as a business man indeed serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement to the young folks and this has made him an individual that one can consult for guidance and mentorship. Talking of achievements as a businessman, he is at the peak; describing his stature, he commands respects.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Otunba has intimacy with high ranking people as said earlier, to mention is the Co-Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (CTRN), the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II among others. Albeit, he may not have attained denouement as Arole Odua but he is strenuously striving to become one and I pray fortune smile on him as he continues climbing the rungs of the ladder.
Once again, I wish Otunba Ibrahim Gegele many happy returns of the day. May his star never go dim among the constellation of stars. You are indeed a cheery good elder.
Igba odun, odun kan o.
Olayode writes from Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
