Not many fit into William Shakespeare’s definition of greatness: that some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them. For Prof. Adeolu Akande, Esq., a selfless leader, resourceful journalist, erudite academic, philanthropist of repute, barrister, and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Professor of comparative politics, and a top-level public servant, ticking that greatness box with grace, elegance, and candor have both been exciting and enthralling.
As we celebrate you today, we reflect on your uncanny ability and foresight to capture our collective imagination, inspire hope, and ignite a spirit of change. As an incredible man with a towering personality, you stand out of the pack, with your impact illuminating beautifully like a diamond in the sky.
In your remarkable foray into public service, you’ve continued to harness the spirit of resilience and the can-do spirit and embarked on a journey of outstanding success. Indeed, your aspirations are not confined to personal achievements alone; they are driven by a deep-rooted desire to uplift the less fortunate and make a lasting impact on society.
From a successful career in journalism and academia to a philanthropic trailblazer, your path has been extraordinary.
Quite unusually, you prefer to keep your accomplishments shrouded in silence. While your achievements are numerous and impactful, you humbly choose not to boast or seek public adulation or limelight. Instead, you quietly pursue your philanthropic and business endeavors, leaving a trail of positive change in their wake.
Working diligently behind the scenes, you make a tangible difference in the lives of the less privileged across Nigeria. Unassumingly, you help those in need, lift communities, and bring about positive change under the guidance of humility without looking for praise or admiration. In any case, your impact spread widely thanks to your far-reaching tactic, leaving a deep impression on the hearts and minds of those you touched.
Simply put, you exemplify the proverb that the greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it. Through your selfless service and dedication to making a lasting impact on society, you embody this philosophy with exceptional humility.
Essentially, what sets you apart is not just your philanthropy but also your wealth of experience and expertise in academics, journalism, and public service.
In a time when cynicism and skepticism about leadership are pervasive, you radiate the values we want to see in our public figures. With an unwavering dedication to improving society, you personify integrity, empathy, and an indomitable resolve to effect positive change. I must confess that working closely with you for the past few years, I have had an amazing opportunity to learn the ropes of public service from an exemplary figure. Under your watch, I have grown by leaps and bounds, expanding my scope of knowledge while also tapping into your wealth of experience. Words cannot describe my debt of gratitude. Always ready to lend a helping hand, you are just a man of many parts.
As we felicitate with you today, we are indeed grateful to have you as the sailor of our ship and the shepherd of our sheep. This is the day the Lord has ordained. We are indeed optimistic that what is to come is far greater than what has gone before. Here is to an even greater achievement as you inspire us and etch an unforgettable mark on the fabric of our nation.
Engr. Abass O. Yakubu MNSE, MNCS, MCPN, MNIICTE,MNIEEE
Personal Assistant to Prof Adeolu Akande Esq
