𝐘𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈 𝐘𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈, 𝐊’𝐄𝐍𝐈 𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄 𝐌𝐈 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒆

𝐘𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈 𝐘𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈, 𝐊’𝐄𝐍𝐈 𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄 𝐌𝐈
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝑺𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒆

The Yoruba have a saying:
“Nítorí adùn tí aráyé ń rí mú lára ìrèké ni wọ́n ń pè é ní igi.” Meaning, It is because of the sweetness that people enjoy from sugarcane that they call it a tree.

In other words, people will praise you when you benefit them, and quickly forget you when you don’t. Sycophancy is real.

Yet, in all this, one truth stands out: when the righteous rule, the people rejoice. Leadership is not a seat of comfort or selfish ambition. It is a call to service, to selflessness, and to sacrifice. Leadership thrives more in action than in mere words.

As I often say:

“Far beyond the wall of your countless affirmations and lofty promises, the world awaits the manifestation of your actions. A true leader is not measured by words, but by the impact of achievable deeds.”

If we cannot appreciate the good deeds of a man, regardless of his status, then we become the reason his heart may grow weary of our cries and our unending pain.

A heartfelt thank you to Senator (Dr.) Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR, who, out of sheer goodwill, rendered remarkable humanitarian support to the wife of a bricklayer who gave birth to triplets in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government. The woman had been abandoned by her husband, overwhelmed by fear and poverty. Yet, the senator stood in the gap — a rare act of compassion in these trying times.

Let’s not deceive ourselves, Nigeria’s current economic hardship is crippling dreams and devaluing efforts. Many hardworking people are rendered helpless and invisible. But when a leader sees beyond the noise and lends a hand, not for applause, but from a heart of service, it is worth celebrating.

And this is not an isolated act.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has continued to work tirelessly for the growth and transformation of Ondo South Senatorial District. His efforts are not driven by tenure, but by vision and impact.

Among his notable contributions are:

The Bill establishing the Federal College of Education at Igbekebo, which, upon completion, will be the first federal college in Ese-Odo Local Government.

The Bill establishing the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery at Ode Irele, a much-needed addition to our educational and health sectors.

The Bitumen Development Commission Bill, a revolutionary effort toward tapping into the rich bitumen reserves of our region.

These are not just proposals gathering dust, they’ve progressed to the third reading in parliament, which means real results are near.

Beyond national service, Senator Ibrahim represents Nigeria with distinction on the international stage as 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀, taking part in global discourse and offering solutions on business, governance, education, and humanitarian matters.

To every leader across Nigeria, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s example is a clarion call. True leadership is not defined by power or position, but by the courage to act, the compassion to feel, and the commitment to serve. In a time when many retreat into silence, he has chosen to rise and respond. His acts remind us that one leader’s decision to care can restore hope to hundreds. May his footsteps become a path others are inspired to walk, for when leaders lead with heart, the nation heals with hope.

There’s a Yoruba proverb I cherish:

“Náání, náání, ohun a ní là ńnáání; ọmọ àgbẹ̀ a máa náání ewùrà; ọmọ aṣègità a máa náání èpo igi; ọmọ alápatà a sì máa náání eegun ẹran.” Meaning, We adore what we own, the farmer loves aerial yams, the firewood seller values bark, and the butcher treasures bones. In essence, we love our own.

Dear Honourable Senator, we love you. We value all you’ve done. But more than that, we remind you, there is still more to do. Please, do not grow weary. Your people still need your strength, your wisdom, and your passion.

Thank you once again, our ever-active and visionary Senator. May God bless you with more grace to lead, both locally and globally, until Ondo South becomes a beacon of development, exploration, and excellence to the world.

Egbodofo Tope from Sabomi Ese odo local government