By Dipo Olowookere
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, has been congratulated on his 70th birthday by one of his protégés, Mr Babatunde Olaogun.
The grassroots politician and public servant described the immediate past Minister of State for Health as a man of integrity and a mentor worthy of emulation.
In a statement signed on Wednesday to celebrate the former Senator, who joins the septuagenarian club on Thursday, February 16, 2023, Mr Olaogun prayed to God to continue to grant the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly “long life in good health.”
In the message, the environmentalist said, “A fundamental secret behind every successful person, especially those whose beginnings were rooted below the upper-middle class, is to have a mentor. The idea is not just to have any mentor, but one who speaks on your behalf, defends you even in your absence and puts forth your name in the boardroom of life.
“While you have everything it takes to become a successful person – which is the currency of capacity, you must never downplay the ultimate need – the currency of association.
“Daddy, you have spent seven decades on earth and counting, and it is awe-inspiring that you are always remembered for being a man of integrity and diligence.
“I always long for moments with you as even in friendly conversations, you are always giving vital lessons for institutional growth and your constant reminder that younger folks are the future of the next generation and how integrity should be the foundation we must always stand on.
“I love how you emphasise that to become successful in public service, we must have a strong level of integrity, make sure that quality is the backbone of whatever we are doing, and we must take relationships and building bridges as part of our essential ingredients.
“I also consider myself a son to you, and this is why today, I join friends and families, and indeed, the entire nation, as we celebrate a gift to our nation – the Honourable Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the pioneer Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, my father, mentor and friend.
“Thank you so much for all you do for me in particular. May the Almighty fulfil your desires and give you long life in good health.”
Senator Mamora, a medical doctor and politician, was born on February 16, 1953, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. He studied graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he was a students’ union leader.
He had his housemanship at the State Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and veered into private medical practice, establishing Nimbus Medical Centre, Ogudu, Lagos State, before becoming the Lagos Speaker in 1999 during the administration of Governor Bola Tinubu.
