Shekinat Abubakar
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has commended renowned writer, poet, and photographer, Toba Ojeniyi, for authoring a groundbreaking book aimed at rediscovering the essence of leadership for nation-building.
Oyebanji, represented by the Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Omotosho, stated this, on Saturday, in Ado-Ekiti, at the launch of the book titled “Son of the Soil.”
He described the author as a creative youth of Ekiti State, who was inspired by the quality leadership of his administration adding that his outstanding professional achievements is worthy of emulation to the youth and entire Ekiti people.
Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Olayemi Oyebanji, who wrote the foreword, said the book is a clarion call for Nigerians to rediscover the essence of leadership, unity and responsibility in the scared task of nation-building.
She said: “It is a book that does not merely entertain the imagination, it engages the conscience, stirs the heart, and presses the reader to see beyond the familiar borders of tribe and tradition into the vast landscape of shared humanity.
“Dedicated to Governor Oyebanji, whose leadership echoes the lessons of Iwalade, this novel ‘Son of the Soil’ is not just a fiction, we are compelled to ask ourselves uncomfortable but necessary questions: What role am I playing in the healing of my community, my state, my nation?
“I commend the author for this profound and timely contribution. I believe it will not only inspire readers but also provoke meaningful conversations about leadership that serves rather than exploits, about citizenship that builds rather than destroys, and about the future of Nigeria, which must be founded on unity, integrity, and love for the common good”.
On her part, Omotosho hailed the literary exploits of the author, who is a member of the technical staff in her office, stressing that she is blessed with creative staff members.
According to her, “Going by the content of the book, it shows that the author has been inspired by the quality leadership style of Governor Oyebanji including his background.
“The author is a very creative individual and I am blessed with very creative staff members. He is very tenacious and very committed and I am not surprised he is doing this. If a young person could do this, it means that there is hope of restoring the reading culture among our youth in Nigeria and also in Ekiti State.”
The author revealed that the leadership qualities and exemplary personal life of Governor Oyebanji inspired him to write the book, centered on the need for Nigerians to eschew personal aggrandizement and politics of bitterness but of love, togetherness, and a shared destiny.
His words: “Most times when I want to write, I will think of the title. I tried everything possible to tailor my writing towards the governor because he is the one that gave me the clear vision which is leadership for nation-building and participation in politics.
“We refer to Governor Oyebanji as ‘BAO-Metric’ methodology of politics which actually brings about different people irrespective of their tribes and religions.
“The book talks about the religion part of life, the political part of life that we should not do politics with bitterness. We can see all those examples in our governor’s life and his way of governance.”
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Chief Ronke Okunsanya, renowned Professor of Philosophy, Tony Aladejana, representative of the Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, political office holders, religious priests, leadership of students’ bodies, literary minds, among others.
Ojeniyi, a graduate of English and Literary Studies from Ekiti State University, has authored several literary piece including, ‘The Heartless Woman,’ ‘Masquerade Idea,’ ‘Behind the Smile,’ ‘Sonibare,’ among others.
