Colour Me Blue: A Birthday Tribute To My Principal, Oyetola By Ismail Omipidan

When I first authored a piece with the above title about two or three years ago, little did I know that one day, my Principal will preside over a ministry that has something to do with Colour Blue.

Colour Blue is a primary colour, which according to Wikipedia often symbolises “serenity, stability, inspiration, or wisdom.”

Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, the minister of Marine and Blue Economy possesses all of these qualities and more. As Osun State Governor from 2018 to 2022, he maintained the ethos of “Omoluabi” by ensuring that peaceful atmosphere prevailed in Osun. He stabilised payment of salaries and pensions as and when due. He inspired hope and demonstrated that Osun could be run in a depressed economy without inflicting additional pains on the people.

He built roads, schools and hospitals. He rehabilitated and revertilised 322 Primary Health Centres at a go. In order to secure the future of Osun, Oyetola applied wisdom and the 30 years experience he garnered in the private sector to successfully translate his skills into enduring government programmes and projects during his tenure as Governor.

For his remarkable achievements, he received several prestigious awards for being able to manage the state’s affairs without
resorting to borrowing while delivering substantial dividends of democracy.

Under Oyetola, Osun was honoured with the World Bank’s States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) award for Efficiency in Public Expenditure. Additionally, the state garnered the Award of Excellence for being the top performer
in Domestic Revenue Mobilisation among several others.

I am optimistic that as he did in Osun, he will deploy his leadership and managerial skills to lead the ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and help the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration realise its set targets for the sector.

My dear Principal, as you mark yet another birthday today, the first since becoming the minister, I pray to Allah to grant you the tolerance to deal with all the trials and travails that would be coming your way.

May Allah open His various ways of blessings and favour for you. He will protect you from all the evil tricks that emanate from Shaitan and his forces among men and jinn, overlook your shortcomings and show you grace and mercy. Amin. Happy birthday to you, sir!

Abeg, colour me blue!