Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has paid glowing tribute to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, describing him as a loyal friend, courageous leader and dedicated public servant.
In a heartfelt birthday message shared on Friday, Fani-Kayode reflected on more than five decades of friendship with Gbajabiamila, recalling their childhood together in Lagos and London and tracing his rise through Nigerian politics.
According to Fani-Kayode, their friendship dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when they grew up alongside friends including Folabie Caxton Martins, Wole Atunrase and Deremie Ajidahun.
He praised Gbajabiamila for his unwavering loyalty to childhood friends, saying he had never disappointed those who knew him from an early age.
The former minister also reminisced about their early political experiences, recalling Gbajabiamila's criticism of the late Chief Bola Ige during debates over the "newbreed politicians" initiative introduced in the early 1990s.
Fani-Kayode recounted several milestones in Gbajabiamila's political journey, including his return from the United States with his wife, Salamatu, in 2004, his entry into the House of Representatives and his steady rise to become Speaker before his appointment as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu.
He described Gbajabiamila's loyalty to President Tinubu as steadfast, noting that he remained committed through the NADECO struggle, Tinubu's tenure as Governor of Lagos State and his eventual emergence as President.
Fani-Kayode also praised Gbajabiamila's devotion to his family, particularly his late mother and his wife, saying these qualities revealed the compassionate side of a man often perceived as stern.
Recalling memorable moments between them, he spoke of Gbajabiamila's speech at his 47th birthday celebration in 2007, where the lawmaker praised him while boldly criticising the government of the day. He also remembered delivering a speech at Gbajabiamila's birthday in 2011, predicting that he would one day become Speaker of the House—a prediction he said eventually came true.
Beyond politics, Fani-Kayode described the Chief of Staff as a man of integrity, humanity and uncommon courage, saying he had consistently demonstrated the ability to speak the truth, even to close friends.
He commended Gbajabiamila's years of public service, stating that he had served Nigeria with distinction and continued to make those who knew him proud.
Reflecting on how far they had both come, Fani-Kayode noted that while they grew up together in Lagos, they are now neighbours in Maitama, Abuja, describing it as evidence of God's faithfulness.
He concluded by praying for many more years of good health, peace, prosperity and greater service to the nation, expressing confidence that Gbajabiamila would continue to achieve even greater heights.
Abuja Network News
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