SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT: GBENGA OMOTOSHO AT 65: A casebook Study on Humility & Diligence

 "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." — C.S. Lewis

                 •By Mike Cerutti Osagie 

A lot of articles and essays have been written on the man called Hon  Gbenga Omotosho, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy. In my own humble way and in my traditional way, I felt I must also come out with a tribute on him.

Gbenga is a case-book study in humility and in emotional well-being of others. Despite his greatness, he remains humble, unlike most government officials, most SSAs, most people that got to power and became power-drunk. Omotosho still remains his humble self.

I have known Omotosho right from the days in Guardian to The Nation, and I can confidently say he is a decent mentor to me. He is a man who listens to his friends, so humble and dedicated that he has represented the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on many occasions.

His hard work is also legendary and his attention to detail is a case-book study. As a journalist, he rose through the ranks with discipline and integrity, from a reporter to an editor, and eventually to Editor of The Nation, one of Nigeria's most influential newspapers.

As Commissioner for Information and Strategy, one of his major achievements is the transformation of Lagos State's public communication. He made government information more open, timely and accessible, ensuring that Lagosians understand government policies, projects and programmes in clear language.

Another example of his achievement is his role in promoting the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu. Through strategic media engagement, town hall sessions and consistent public enlightenment, he helped to project Lagos as a centre of excellence, innovation and good governance to both Nigerians and the international community.

He also championed the training and empowerment of information officers and media practitioners in Lagos State. He believes that good communication is not propaganda, but service, and he has worked to build a professional team that reports government activities with accuracy and responsibility.

Beyond office, his mentorship has shaped many young journalists and public servants. He listens, he corrects with love, and he opens doors for others without making noise about it. That is why many of us see him as a godfather of sort, a mentor and a friend.

On a personal note, I cannot forget how he reached out to me a while ago during my ghastly accident. He personally reached out to me and wished me quick recovery. That singular act showed me that power had not changed him. He still cares.

On his 65th birthday, all I can wish him is all the best. I wish Honourable Gbenga Omotosho long life, peace, prosperity and more progressive drive — the double Commissioner, two-time Commissioner in Lagos. Wishing you all the best.

© Osagie The Cerutti, a professional wordsmith & current Africa's most outstanding humanitarian writer sent this piece from his ikoyi Lagos base 

He can be contacted via email chiefcerrutti@gmail.com or SMS Whatsapp number+234 7042631895