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By Samuel Adegoke
Lagos and Osun State governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Adegboyega Oyetola have congratulated Chief Bayo Adelabu on the occasion of his 50th birthday.
Adelabu was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State in the 2019 election. He retired as deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to contest the election.
While commissioning a new hotel and an estate in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, Oyetola and Sanwo-Olu commended him for his achievements and commitment to contributing meaningfully to the economy of Nigeria through his business chains that employ hundreds of Nigerians.
Oyetola noted that the project will meet the yearnings of jobless youths in the state and Nigeria at large.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, also hailed Adelabu for his strides in the banking industry, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, before his foray into politics. He described him as an astute banker who knew his onions and should be commended for his willingness to bring experience to bear in politics.
Speaking, Adelabu said losing the last governorship election was a blessing in disguise for him, saying he has become wiser and has had more time to devote to his businesses.
He said he was already fulfilled because God has answered his three major prayers in life. He said the additional experience he has gathered losing the last election would definitely make him a better governor in the future.
He said: “The last election has made me wiser and it has made me understand the rudiments of progressive politics much better. So, my loss in 2019 was a blessing in disguise.”
He pointed out that his projects served as rededication of service to humanity through provisions of employment to the youths.
“The two new projects have employed many indigenes of Oyo State. One does not have to wait till becoming governor or hold political office before contributing to the progress of the state.
“Over 90 per cent of my businesses are located in Ibadan. I also have Bayo Adelabu Foundation which caters for all the widows and the less privileged people in the state and beyond,” Adelabu said.
Dignitaries at the event include former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo; Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; Hon. Akeem Adeyemi; Hon. Segun Odebunmi and Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal.