Marine and Blue Economy minister Gboyega Oyetola
By John Dike, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, and the state chapter of the party have felicitated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on his 72nd birthday.
Oyebamiji described Oyetola as an exemplary leader, mentor and father whose contributions to public service and humanity had left enduring imprints.
In a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Osogbo on Monday, Oyebamiji praised Oyetola for what he described as an impressive record of selfless service in both the public and private sectors.
He expressed appreciation to the former governor for his fatherly role, mentorship and benevolence, which he said had significantly influenced his personal and political development.
Oyebamiji previously served as Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL) and Commissioner for Finance under the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Oyetola.
He was later appointed Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy before becoming Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Reflecting on Oyetola’s career,
Oyebamiji recalled his service as Chief of Staff to Governor Aregbesola, his tenure as governor of Osun State and his current role as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He described Oyetola as a leader who had demonstrated integrity, discipline, loyalty, commitment and dedication to public service.
Oyebamiji also commended the minister’s contributions to the maritime sector, particularly his efforts towards improving Nigeria’s revenue profile and developing the country’s blue economy.
He said Oyetola’s impact extended beyond political leadership, describing him as a compassionate leader with genuine concern for humanity.
Oyebamiji said, “With a heart full of joy, praises and gratitude, I heartily rejoice and felicitate my boss, our leader, mentor, father and destiny-helper, the former Governor of our dear State and the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Dr Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.
“My boss, I salute your courage even in the face of adversity; you remained unperturbed. I equally treasure your avowed commitment, dedication, astuteness, forthrightness, genuity and unconditional love for me in particular and humanity in general.”
The APC chieftain said Oyetola’s contributions to the growth of the party and the development of its members could not be quantified, adding that his experience and leadership had impacted many people.
He congratulated Oyetola’s family, political and professional associates and well-wishers, while praying that Almighty Allah would continue to uphold him and his family, grant him good health and longevity, and enable him to continue rendering service to humanity.
“Congratulations, my leader and mentor. Happy Birthday, Sir,” Oyebamiji said.
Similarly, the state chapter of the APC congratulated Oyetola, describing him as “a great achiever of all time, an accomplished statesman and a distinguished servant of the people.”
State chairman of the party, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, stated this in a birthday message issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, on Monday.
Lawal said Oyetola’s 72nd birthday provided an opportunity for the people of Osun State and Nigerians to celebrate his years of public service, which he said had been characterised by discipline, humility, competence and achievements.
The APC chairman said Oyetola’s contributions to the development of Osun State remained significant, while his current role as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy had provided another platform for him to contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
According to Lawal, Oyetola’s stewardship in the Marine and Blue Economy sector had demonstrated his capacity for strategic leadership, particularly in maritime development, revenue generation, port reforms, indigenous shipping and the expansion of Nigeria’s blue-economy potential.
“Alhaji Oyetola is a great achiever of all time. His life is a testimony to what discipline, patience, competence and dedication to public service can achieve.
“From Osun to the national stage, he has continued to leave enviable footprints wherever responsibility has placed him,” Lawal said.
The party chairman further described Oyetola as a leader of uncommon composure and enduring values, adding that his humility was one of the qualities that had distinguished his leadership over the years.
Lawal prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the former governor long life, sound health, greater wisdom and continued strength to serve humanity and contribute to the progress of Osun State and Nigeria.
“On behalf of the Osun State APC family, I celebrate our leader, His Excellency, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
“May Allah continue to bless you, preserve you and grant you many more fruitful years in the service of our people and our nation,” Lawal prayed.
