Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, expressed his eternal gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu for the successes he attained in his political career.
During a civic reception organized in his honor by Concerned Muslim Scholars and Clerics in South Western Nigeria in Oyo town on Sunday, Aregbesola acknowledged that it was through the support and guidance of Buhari and Tinubu that he achieved the accomplishments that led to the grand reception and the admiration he receives today.
Aregbesola attributed his political growth to Tinubu, who mentored him in Lagos State and played a crucial role in his emergence as the Governor of Osun State.
Furthermore, Aregbesola highlighted that the establishment of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport office, Firefighting office, and Agro Ranger Office in Oyo town, for which he received praise, was initiated by President Buhari and executed under his leadership as the Minister of Interior.
He said, “If any appreciation and gratitude could be given to me, I want to believe greater appreciation should be given to the two people I mentioned.
“Without their support, it would be pretty difficult for me to single-handedly achieve the height I am now and be able to render the service to good people of Oyo.”
He expressed deep gratitude and felt privileged by the reception arranged by the residents of Oyo town, acknowledging their warm reception.
Imam Daud Tijani, the host of the event, explained that the decision to celebrate Aregbesola’s notable accomplishments as a public servant stemmed from his exemplary character in various aspects.
Tijani emphasized that Aregbesola has consistently shown loyalty to the betterment of society, displaying a strong commitment to human welfare, infrastructural progress, and the optimal utilization of societal resources for the advancement of the people.
Tijani said., ”He is vastly in Knowledge and has a way of relating with people inoffensively and this has earned him the loyalty and admiration of the masses and entire Yorubaland and the nation at large.
”He never compromised his integrity and faith in what he believes to be right.
“Aregbesola is so dear to the Muslims not only because he is a practising Muslim but because he consistently present himself as a good ambassador of Islam through good deeds in and outside governance.
“The people of Oyoland will continue to show gratitude to Aregbesola for moving Oyoland to status of a town to a city with the establishment of significant federal establishments.”
During his presentation, Associate Professor Abass Alade characterized Aregbesola as a fortunate and privileged individual, highlighting the various political positions he has held.
Alade encouraged Aregbesola to maintain humility and express gratitude to Allah, his parents, and society as a whole.
He advised him to remain close to Allah, connect with the masses, and persist in providing assistance to the people.
Contributing to the discussion, Chairman of the occasion Senator Mudasiru Husain commended Aregbesola for being a dedicated, compassionate, and exemplary leader, urging others to emulate his style.
Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Community, lauded Aregbesola’s bravery in speaking the truth while in positions of authority.
Sanni emphasized that Aregbesola made valuable contributions to the advancement of Islam and humanity during his tenure as the Governor of Osun State and as Minister of Interior.
He called on Muslims aspiring to enter politics to adopt Aregbesola’s admirable character as a role model.