In whatever we are doing in life, we should strive hard to be doing good. Of course, money can buy countless things, but it cannot buy good character.
This is a true reflection of what I saw at the birthday party of Chief Engr. Dotun Sanusi Okanlomo Odua and Gbonka Olubadan.
Before the arrival of my boss, Hon. Olajide Royal Umbrellas, at the bus stop where I was waiting for them to proceed to Ilaji Resort for the birthday celebration of Engr. Dotun Sanusi, I had already lost count of vehicles finding their way to Ilaji Resort. I began to be curious to ask further about the character of Engr. Dotun Sanusi from those selling items around where I sat. They said, “Thank God for Engr. Dotun Sanusi” in our life and businesses — his presence in our community has contributed positively to our business.
As at the time I was enjoying the testimony, my phone rang, and I was asked to join the vehicle to proceed to Ilaji Resort. As we were going, I saw a queue of vehicles dancing “Makosa” on the abandoned Bad road that leads to Amuloko, Akanran. I began to ask myself that if not for the love for the celebrant, the vehicle owners and those inside would never dare to come to that area.
From Olorunsogo down to Amuloko, Akanran, it is an abandoned project. I wonder how residents living in those areas cope whenever it rains.
Interestingly, the bad road doesn’t discourage well-wishers from identifying with the celebrants, as over 100,000 people converge at Ilaji Resorts to celebrate with the birthday man.
While we were trying to maneuver our way to Ilaji Resort at exactly 2pm, I had already seen the advance team of Senator Sharafadeen Alli at our back, which indicates that the APC Oyo State Governorship Candidate is already at our back, but there’s a need to clear the way for him.
When we got to a junction that led to Ilaji Resort, I saw eminent personalities with their security details trekking from that junction to the main venue where the event is taking place. For those familiar with Ilaji Resort, will agree with me that the distance from the junction to Ilaji is never a short mile, and if one has already ate “Fufu” or “Eba” I am sure it will have digested before getting to the venue. Countless vehicles blocked the way.
Of course, as we found our way to the venue, I saw countless canopies competing with each other, accommodating different groups across the States. I saw them dancing and singing. Then we got to the Main Hall, meant to host eminent personalities; I saw state-of-the-art decorations. A newly constructed hall that is sparkling like a star. I have been to many event halls in Ibadan, but this newly constructed hall is superb and unique. The architectural design was done to accommodate one big hall and 3 mini halls upstairs. You can be doing an event in your hall without disturbing other guests at the other halls.
Fast forward, when we enter the hall, I was already searching for where the celebrant is sitting, but I couldn’t see him. Then, it dawned on me that he will be busy with groups outside as a grassroots mobilizer he is.
And the man entered the hall; I was expecting him to put on “Abeti Aja” with “Sanyan” or “Multibillion naira Agbada” with “Big Necklace” and Golden Shoes. Imagine this: the man casually wore “Jalamia” to the hall. And this is where I was reminded that ”Aso nla, ko ni eyan nla” dressing extravagantly doesn’t make you a rich man”.
He was just walking around the hall with a smiling face to his guests. You will not even know that he is the man called “Engr. Dotun Sanusi”.
He is indeed the Okanlomo Odua. Happy Birthday once again, Sir.
OLAWOYIN Edris Busayo, anipr
Public Relations Professional,
writes via olawoyin4u@gmail.com, 07055443318
