By Idowu Muhydeen Oladipo (IMO)

Birthdays are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals in our lives who have touched us in numerous ways. Every February 1st marks the birthday of Alhaji Olaniyi Muideen Azeez Salako, a unique individual whose journey has been nothing short of inspiring. He has achieved immense success in the business world and has a strong commitment to making a positive impact on people. Even before he became the National President of the revered Offa Descendants' Union (ODU), Alhaji Azeez Salako had dedicated his life to promoting the welfare of others, particularly through empowerment and generous donations to good causes. His business success has enabled him to give back to the community that he holds dear to his heart.

Alhaji Salako has been a silent achiever, and his wealth and experience have enabled him to touch the lives of many. As ODU national president, Alhaji Salako has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills. He has fostered growth, embraced innovative ideas to drive success, and created numerous job opportunities through his support for local businesses.

His vision, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to the betterment of the Offa community have steered the union towards progress and unity, fostering an environment of inclusivity. As the current ODU National Social Secretary under his leadership, I have had the privilege of witnessing Alhaji Salako's selflessness and dedication firsthand. His humble nature, approachability, and genuine concern for the well-being of others have made him not just an exceptional leader but also a true friend and mentor. Under his guidance, ODU has flourished, achieving remarkable milestones and making significant progress towards its vision of a prosperous and equitable community.

Alhaji Salako's invaluable support and encouragement have motivated his ODU national executives to work tirelessly towards shared goals and aspirations. As ODU national president, Alhaji Salako has undertaken several projects and initiatives aimed at uplifting the underprivileged sections of society. His first assignment on resumption of duty was the provision of solar light around the ODU Hall, which also houses the ODU national secretariat, when he observed that the place was always in the dark, particularly at night.

He has also provided basic facilities to the two federal agencies in the town, Federal Fire Services and the newly inaugurated passport front office in Offa. Additionally, he facilitated the installation of a transformer at Offa General Hospital, which has significantly improved healthcare service delivery at the hospital. Alhaji Salako-led ODU efforts to rebrand the Offa Vigilante and Neighbourhood Watch, coupled with the distribution of various night watch materials, which I spearheaded along with other prominent people in Offa, have contributed to enhancing community security in the town and its neighbouring communities. He has also reviewed monthly allowances to local security outlets, underscoring his commitment to maintaining peace and safety within Offa. Alhaji Salako has also engaged with and supported Offa's diaspora community by providing logistics to them whenever they have a programme at home, particularly the yearly medical outreach. Under his leadership, ODU has reunited all the branches of the union across the world, and more branches have been created.

He, along with others and with the support of HRH Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, the Olofa of Offa, has initiated different peace initiatives committed to promoting harmonious relationships between Offa and its neighbouring communities, bringing the relative peace that Offa and its neighbouring communities enjoy now. Recently, he gave Offa sons and daughters who are undergoing an ODU-facilitated free agricultural training programme in Ewekoro, Ogun State, a huge amount of money to relieve their stress and support them. Indeed, Alhaji Salako is a man of compassion. In the last year, the ODU has achieved many tangible milestones that have benefited the people of Offa and its environs.

Alhaji Salako has used his resources and contacts to facilitate many developmental projects for the town. His dedication to community development is evident in these accomplishments. He has undoubtedly made a positive impact on Offa as ODU's national president. I and a group of Alhaji Salako's well-wishers had planned a surprise birthday celebration for him in his Bida home.

However, Alhaji Salako had other plans, as he decided to celebrate his birthday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is currently performing his lesser hajj. As we celebrate this special day with him, it is important to not only recognise his birthday but also the amazing legacies he has built throughout his life. Alhaji Salako's invaluable contributions to his community, profession, and society cannot be fully expressed in words. His dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on the lives of many.

As I join his family, friends, business and professional colleagues, ODU, and the people of Offa in wishing him a happy birthday, I also celebrate the positive influence he continues to have on the lives of those around him.

Finally, I wish Alhaji Muideen Olaniyi Azeez-Salako a birthday filled with joy and blessings. May he continue to positively impact the lives of people and leave a legacy that inspires generations to come. Once again, happy birthday, sir!
 
*_IMO is the ODU National Social Secretary, writes from Lagos._*