By Musa Bakare
It is heartening to witness numerous well meaning Nigerians come forward to recount the many impactful initiatives and socioVeconomic empowerment programs championed by Hon. Rotimi Makinde during his tenure as the representative of Ife Federal Constituency, Osun State at the House of Representatives in Abuja.
Makinde’s legacy is marked by his commitment to uplifting the less privileged. He has transformed lives through scholarship schemes for brilliant yet indigent students, financial support for small and medium scale business owners, and the provision of barbing kits and hairdressing equipment to numerous barbers and hairstylists. Moreover, he facilitated the distribution of buses, tricycles, motorcycles, and cars to vulnerable segments of society, thus improving mobility and economic opportunities for many.
One of his most remarkable gestures, transcending religious boundaries, was the construction of a church to replace the old one led by the late Pastor Akinola, who was tragically assassinated on the eve of the 2011 elections, an election Makinde eventually won.
This church was erected in memory of the fallen pastor to honor the church leaders, the widow, and others who lost their lives to senseless violence.
Alongside the church, Makinde also provided a two bedroom flat for the widow, Prophetess Akinola. The church, which cost over ten million Naira at the time, was officially inaugurated on October 27, 2014. This act of giving back embodies Makinde’s deep commitment to his community and his constituents’ welfare.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Prophet Elijah Makufota remarked:
> “Only a liberal Muslim by faith can build a church. Today, we celebrate a remarkable philanthropist, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, whose generosity knows no borders bridging mosques and chapels, uniting hearts across faiths. His vision reminds us that love, compassion, and service are the truest expressions of any religion. A rise La ri ka.”
Indeed, fairness, kindness, and justice are the ultimate measures of a good heart, not religious labels. When we evaluate people by the content of their character rather than the doctrines they follow, we dissolve divisions and focus on our shared humanity.
In a society where individuals are judged by how fairly they treat others, by their compassion in daily interactions, and by their integrity behind closed doors, we build a foundation of cooperation rather than conflict. Let us place emphasis on these uniting principles, fairness, empathy, and justice, and use them as the true yardsticks of a person’s worth.
A kind deed is a universal prayer; a fair decision, a lasting legacy. Hon. Rotimi Makinde remains a shining light in Nigeria’s political landscape, and without doubt, posterity will honor his contributions.
Leadership of quality and distinction is defined not just by authority but by the ability to inspire, guide, and support others. Such leaders are self aware, communicate effectively, delegate wisely, and foster strategic thinking. These traits enable the creation of motivated and productive teams. Hon. Rotimi Makinde epitomizes this kind of leadership.
A proud son of Ile-Ife the cradle of the most vibrant Yorùbá race, he undoubtedly has a destined path toward continued positive influence in Nigerian politics.
Political stakeholders and decision makers ought to take heed of this stalwart. A loyal party man, patriotic to the core, and uncompromising in his principles, Makinde has repeatedly sacrificed personal convenience for the benefit of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and particularly for Osun State.
He has demonstrated resilience, a strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence in all tasks assigned to him, coupled with high moral integrity.
I wholeheartedly wish him the very best in his ongoing political journey. May God bless Osun State, our leader and mentor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and our beloved country, Nigeria.
Hear Makinde himself, "As I reflect on my own path, I pray that my sincere intentions for the progress of Ile-Ife, Osun state and Nigeria, and my steadfast commitment to serving this land guide me.
Born and bred in this sacred soil, I am driven not by personal gain but by a genuine desire to be an agent of change, championing peace and prosperity. With a proven track record of heartfelt service, I remain an advocate for welfarism.
May my passion for service be recognized and my aspirations rewarded with success".
This tribute reflects the profound impact of Hon. Rotimi Makinde’s service and the enduring legacy he continues to build for his community and Nigeria at large.
Musa Asiru Bakare
Political Analyst | APC Foundation Member
Lokoja, Nigeria
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Opinion