HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KENNEDY PERETEI @ 60- Tribute.
By Success Odogbo, Esq.
Today I feel elated to join myriads of family members and political associates to wish a man whom I have enormous respect, and who circumcised me into politics turned sexagenarian a happy birthday.
On this auspicious occasion of your birth, silver and gold I do not have to give you. I may not also have the resources to pay for full page advert on National Dailies to rejoice and celebrate you. However, I am glad the social media provided enough space and platform for me to honour you on this historic day.
Birthdays are very significant to us as Africans. It provides the opportunity to reminisce how far one has gone or achieved in life. It also give the privilege to re-appraise ones existence in life and forecast the future. Such is the significance of birthdays.
Today is another opportunity to evaluate how much you have impacted into lives and how life has reciprocated in returns. It is no doubt, that life is not worth living if you have not impacted into the lives of others, this is the essence or the philosophy behind our creation. Your success is not assessed by how much you have achieved in life but how much you have contributed into the lives of others. This is the trajectory of the history of this special celebration today.
Infact, I am happy to witness you clocked 60 and to tell your good story while you are alive in sound health. 60 years represent so many things in life. In the civil service in Nigeria, when a civil servant clocked 60, he retires to enjoy the fruit of his labour for the rest of his life. However, being a politician, I do not think politics has a retirement age, but your truck loads of experiences over the years will remain inexhaustible and useful to the younger generations, who have chosen same as a career.
Life at 60 is worth celebrating for so many reasons; it is a celebration of knowledge, hard work and wisdom. It is a time to shed the limitations of the past and embrace the boundless potentials of the future. The history of old age for me starts at 60, when one will be automatically qualified as member ‘Elders’ Council’. It is also accompanied noticeable prestigious gray hair which tells a story of overcoming challenges, becoming a reservoir of knowledge, adapting to life’s ever-changing landscape and wisdom, which no man can achieve, at young age.
Peretei is one of the few politicians, who will never be stranded because he is not in government. He has always been a very meticulous and proactive person.
As a quintessential leader with reputable character, the man Peretei is worth celebrating on this auspicious day of his 60th birthday. His immense and selfless contributions to the giant strides in Ese Odo LGA remains indelible.
Peretei made an unprecedented impact and placed unforgettable marks of infrastructural edifices within the two years as chairman of Ese Odo LGA, despite paucity of funds that affected the entire Nigeria then.
However, the historical two years he spent to steer the leadership of the council is STILL VERY FRESH in the minds of all and sundry, as it is still the talk of the good people of Ese Odo after 12 years.
As a seasoned journalist, a prolific writer, Peretei visited and traveled round almost all the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria; given awards to best performing council chairmen, after critically evaluating and assessing their performances in terms of projects executed in their various councils. Therefore, his emergence as chairman, Ese Odo Local Government in 2009 did not pose any doubt in the minds of people to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people .
To some of us who had the opportunity to work very closely with him, appreciated his kind of leadership qualities he demonstrated.
Peretei believes in service to humanity and made government very easy for our people, hence, the accolade that has rented the entire political space and firmament of Ondo State, known as ” Government …” with a chorus ”Ijoba !!!” ”He believes in building strong and quality leadership in the younger generation for posterity. Peretei had displayed incredible example of a good leader over the years in his career as a seasoned politician.
According to him, chances and opportunities available to the younger generations should not be scrambled with, especially by people of his generation, notwithstanding part of their time in politics was wasted and used by successive military administrations. Peretei has displayed incredible example of a good leader over the years. His approach and quest to enthrone a fair, equitable and just society cannot be overemphasised.
Peretei is the current publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ondo State. A man that could be best described as gentle, simple, determined, decisive, resourceful, passionate, proactive, articulate, unwavering, good listening, knd, intelligent, innovative, trustworthy, transparent, accomplished gentleman, approachable, understanding, humble, goal oriented, passionate, accessible and above all a philanthropist.
My love for Peretei remained untainted despite our current political differences which in any way does not affect our relationship. I believe in celebrating someone while alive. Peretei played a very remarkable role in my life as his Special Assistant and Chief Press Secretary, in 2009. He bought my first car, at a time I never dreamt of driving a car. This for me is remarkably commendable and has created a permanent place in my heart. This is how good people in politics should do. Hence politicians in position of authority should emulate the Peretei’s template of welfare of personal aides and their people.
Join me to celebrate this dynamic, amiable and vibrant leader @ 60.
60 Hearty Cheers to you sir
Welcome to the ‘Elders Council.’
Success Odogbo Esq.,
Your former Special Assistant/Chief Press Secretary.
2/12/2024
