By; Temitope Muhideen Convydence
February 3rd, I tuned my television to watch Arise TV Morning show anchored by Dr. Ruben Abati and Rufai. My phone rang, alas it was my old time friend Abdullahi Samson on the phone, he called to inform me about the completion of his third degree and to ask me questions on the opinion I wrote regarding GRS. Samson was my friend way back from Kwara state polytechnic Ilorin in 2011. He is the Personal Assistant to Solomon Ishaya, the executive director Federal Ministry Of Transportation. In our usual manner, we jokingly cursed each other before Sam dived into the real business of the day.
Convydence, I read your opinion about GRS, at a point I thought you were paid to write such, then I remember that you only write for money as a content writer, he laughed. I quickly affirmed to his statement of fact that I only write for money as a content writer, Sam went on to narrate his encounter with GRS at the ministry, he told me how GRS won’t compromise in any deal that will tarnish her image during her stay in the ministry, it’s not a secret, I am revealing this because Sam gave me the permission to.
In Sam’s word “Gbemi is exceptionally diligent,she does things in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations of the ministry, she was at a point tried to be silence by the big wigs in the ministry, but she restricted with her exceptional services delivery, he concluded”. When the circular surfaced that GRS will be leaving for another ministry, some of them felt sober because of her excellent performance while overseeing the ministry, despite restrictions from the power that be, others were happy to see her leave, life is a two sided coin, he added. Reading your opinion about her totally convinced me on the credibility that runs in her veins, I pray God will continue to guide her moving forward, he finally concluded. We jokingly cursed each other and we call it a day.
January 4th, a strange number called me on whatsap, I declined , the same number called my line directly , when I picked he asked that I have any relationship with GRS, I told him I have never seen nor meet GRS before, I told him my opinions are always my validations on people and their environment. He narrated his story, he told me how GRS intervention returned him back to school in 2006, he is now a graduate of Sociology, the rest is history.
Graça Machel was a minister of education in Mozambique, a position she held from 1975 to 1989. Regarded as one of the most powerful and historic woman in Africa, The Graça Machel Trust promotes women’s empowerment and leadership, child rights, and good nutrition. Known affectionately as Mama Graça, Machel says impact is much more important than power. In 2016,during her interview with Forbes she said “I struggle to understand this issue of power because, speaking for myself, I do not care [about] being powerful. I care more about impact,”. Senator Gbemisola Saraki is a process, a continuous one, attestation to her impacts on the lives of the people she represents knows no limits, it’s on the lips of the people, from Adewole to Agbaji to Ojaboro,Gambari, Eruda et all, her wigs spread across board.
It’s important to note, like I put in my previous opinion that she is an Amazon, an Amazon produce, uplift and protect her people, that’s the story of GRS, she gives people platform to fly, she monitor and guide them, a friend told me his story few days ago. Nigeria is a nation with few percentage of women in politics, GRS is one of the opportunist, she is one of those using their office to influenced the lives and change the story of their communities to better the lives of the citizens. What amazes about GRS? Much work and silent noise, that’s what an achiever does, in Gandhi’s word “let your results speaks for you not your noise and explanation.”
Another interesting thing to know about GRS, from 1999 till date, no case of money laundering, looting or corruption has been trace to her name, she has shown over time that she is a rare quality from the emirate, she understand the culture and tradition of the emirate, born by a political colossus , she is writing her story for generations to come , to read, learn, unlearn and relearn from. Like I put in my previous opinion, GRS may the sun not set now.
Temitope Muhideen is a member of Greenfield Library, Atlanta Georgia, USA.
