Vice President Kashim Shettima has shared some lessons about true leadership, saying true leaders achieve success through humility and foresight instead of an insatiable pursuit of power.
Senator Shettima who made the observation in close reference to the character of Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, praised his sterling leadership qualities and impact on the state's development.
Speaking on Saturday when he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the traditional marriage ceremony of Toluwatimi Esther Oyebanji and Ayodeji Kenny Akinyemi at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, the Vice President also wished the newlyweds a happy married life.
VP Shettima extolled Governor Oyebanji's ability to unite his predecessors, noting that "he was able to unite four past governors under the same canopy; that goes to show a lot about his personality."
Taking a leaf from the 16th President of the United States, the VP noted: "Abraham Lincoln said, 'Most men can survive the extremes of adversity, but if you want to see a man's true character give him money and power'. I was fortunate to know Governor Oyebanji when he was Secretary to the State Government. He exuded humility, and I intuitively felt he would be the next Governor of Ekiti State. And the rest is history today."
The Vice President emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships beyond political office, pointing out that "when you are in power, your friends know you, but when you are out of power, you know your friends."
Commending Gov Oyebanji's inclusive leadership approach, he continued: "What you do speaks so loudly that I can't hear what you are saying. You don't need anybody to tell us about his persona. Here, we have all his predecessors and their spouses. He was able to unite the four past governors under the same canopy; that goes to show a lot about his personality.
Speaking directly to the new couple, VP Shettima wished them marital bliss hoping and pray that the marriage will be blessed with children and, most especially, patience.
Also, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, urged the couple to always remember the prayers and good wishes of everyone who attended the marriage event and learn to forgive each other and pray together.
In his address, chairman of the event, Chief Wole Olanipekan (SAN), who recalled the array of personalities who attended the event, urged the couples to “always remember the qualities and number of the personalities who attended their wedding and learn a lesson from them.END
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