By 
By Ibrahim Sheriff (Gold)
On occasions like this, I do prefer celebrating characters behind a personality to hyping individuals based on what they have, or that they have become or what I benefit or stand to benefit from them. The reason is simple; if I celebrate you for being rich, powerful or influential today, they are transient phenomenons that may not last through your lifetime, talk less of outliving you.
Some of us, who ardently believe in the LOM – Rebirth ideology are no idolizers of affluence or respecter of sociopolitical status, but valuers of mutual respect, team play, mutually beneficial friendship and growth oriented relationship.
I marvel at how people who do not know the dexterity of my relationship with you talk about your kindness and to substantiate what I used to think was exaggerated about your generosity, I have seen how you’ve redeemed hopes of many hitherto hopeless people; that you silently set humanitarian standard spanning decades, that everyone wants to meet today.
Today, l specially celebrate a personality that possess Anthony Tjan’s five (5) category of mentors every man needs to triumph; craft master, cause champion, the copilot, the anchor and reverse master.
LOM is a master craft with vast experience in the banking, financial services, entrepreneurship and business development sector and as fate would have it, coincides with the area of my academic interest – finance. He’s always a motivation towards pursuit of greatness on my career path and also encourages me to widen my horizons by looking beyond my certificates and leverage on developing my talents into profitable venture.
As a young Kwaran with trackable record of years of active involvement in the cause of Kwara liberation, I make bold to say LOM is a longstanding champion of Kwarans cause and quest for a truly prosperous Kwara that works for all. His active participation, investment of time, resources and goodwill in the cause of Kwarans sociopolitical liberation suffice in this regard. He is a champion of my cause, the Kwara people’s cause.
Notwithstanding the very wide status gap between myself and LOM, as a mentor, he readily makes himself available as a copilot, always ready to discuss collective and personal growth and progress issues, devoid of bossy tendencies that limits engagements and its consequent productivity.
LOM is an anchor, is a damn good confident and sounding board in periods of adversaries. He has, on several occasion proved to be a reliable shock absorber, who will not only support but give psychological lift to those around, or privileged to meet him when they hit speed bumps or encounter life uncertainty.
Lukman also fits into what Djan described as a ‘reverse master’. He never believes he knows it all, he never sees his mentees as inferior, he share thoughts, ideas and opinions with them and consult even the least unexpected person in decision making process. This is beyond exhibition of humility, but also, subconsciously exposing us all to tapping ideas from our inferiors and tapping knowledge of sound and consultative decision making process.
I celebrate the Lukman in our Captain at the Kwara Rebirth Movement. History will be kind to you and your sincere efforts to see the realization of a truly Rebirth Kwara, socio – politically and economically, that we can all be proud.
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