By Emmanuel Ajibulu
Birthdays mark the beginning of one’s life on earth, it also reminds one to live life fully without regrets. Besides, birthday reminds one to learn from previous mistakes and plan for better things ahead. Interestingly, the Holy Bible finally nailed it precisely in Psalm 90:12, which says, ”Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
It won’t therefore be out of place to celebrate an iconic brand, Hon Joseph Iranola Akinlaja who epitomizes dignity, integrity, loyalty, thoroughness and thoughtfulness. As a rare gem that he truly is, he is already fulfilling destiny and it is expected more, that he will achieve more milestones without smear. Your strength will not fail you because you are doing a great service to humanity especially the vulnerable segments of the society.
Born in Ondo town, Ondo state on 1st of June, 1950 into the family of late Elder Badejo Akinlaja and late Chief (Mrs.) Bolamitinrin Badejo Akinlaja (nee Akinwande). He had his primary and secondary school education in Ondo town before proceeding to the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos where he bagged a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Electronics Engineering. He thereafter followed this up by attending several local and international training that covered Management, Leadership, Politics and Unionism, Alternative Dispute Resolution among others.
The name Joseph Iranola Akinlaja is obviously the best thing to have happened to Ondo East/West Federal Constituency as far as quality and efficient representation are concerned. This two term federal lawmaker in the House of Representatives has impacted thousands of lives of his constituents through the instrumentality of his office. It is on record that he has given economic as well as career lifelines to hundreds of his constituents through numerous empowerment initiatives. This highly revered Nigerian has also helped some of his constituents to secure gainful employments in Federal Ministries, Departments and Parastatals.
Commendably, the leadership of National Assembly appointed him as Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream, having identified his meritorious and indelible service in the Nigeria oil and gas industry for more than fourty years and also as industry unionist, who rose to the position of General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Deputy National President of Nigeria Labour Congress, under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past Edo State Governor. Impressively Akinlaja is bringing to bear his wealth of experience and knowledge to drive the affairs of the committee in its legislative functions and responsibilities.
With no shred of doubt, Hon. Akinlaja is a seasoned administrator known and respected to be a versatile politician and a renowned strategist whose abilities have been tested and proven. He is an uncommon breed that is committed to integrity and whose words are always his bonds. Akinlaja has done very well for himself in business by attaining enormous successes. He currently sits as Chairman of the Board of Akiavic Nigeria Limited, Akiavic Blue Roof Hotels Limited, Ondo and the Padocab Finishing. Added to these enviable feats is the fact that Akinlaja is the Grand Patron and Technical Consultant to Petroleum Tankers Drivers branch of NUPENG.
As a ranking parliamentarian, Hon. Akinlaja has consistently presented himself as a very vocal voice making valuable contributions at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. His quality and impactful representation through bills, motions, oversight functions etc, have graciously earned him several laurels since his inception to the Parliament.
Consequently, the evident qualities of astuteness, doggedness and cerebral approach of Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja to issues got him this sobriquet in local parlance, ”Ina Njo Ogiri O Sa” by his political associates. Here is a man that is very much celebrated in political circles for being a grassroots man, kind-hearted, generous and nonviolent politician. He maintains a strong connection with his constituents, thereby making it easier for him to feel their pulses and identify where shoes pinch them, with an unfailing readiness to always apply soothing and appropriate balm of solution.
Akinlaja is a man with an uncommon sense of appreciation and propagation of Ondo culture. This much is daily and evidently demonstrated in his mode of dressing within and outside of Ondo Kingdom. He is also a man with an irreversible commitment to the socio-economic and human capital development of Ondo Kingdom. He manifested this rare commitment with the location of Akiavic Blueroof Hotel in Ondo town as against economic feasibility reports which according to experts favoured quicker and higher returns on investment if sited in cosmopolitan cities of Lagos and Abuja. Kudos to this unrepentant respecter of family values, who is happily married and blessed by God with responsible and successful children as well as healthy and promising grand children.
His steady progress did not just start today, those of us who knew him well can attest to that. Out of my personal convictions, I write to express my warm felicitations to him on the landmark occasion of his 68th birthday anniversary. As he deservedly celebrates this glorious day, it is my prayer that Almighty God, who has richly prospered him and ordered him every step this far will continue to bless him with good health and fulfillment in many more years of worthy service ahead of him. Happy birthday to you sir and congratulations.
The post Golden Garlands for An Icon At 68: Hon Joseph Iranola Akinlaja appeared first on Pearl News.
