On two Biblical occasions, Jesus christ in the Books of Mathew chapter 13 v 57 and Mark chapter 6 v 3 made a profound statement “A prophet is not without HONOUR, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and his own house” He made this statement in Nazareth his hometown after teaching in the Synagogue and for the people instead of being amazed by His wisdom and miracles questioned his identity asking” Is not this the Carpenter, the son of Mary”
This means that rather than appreciating Jesus for his good deeds to everyone crossing his path through the grace of God, but envy, old perceptions and prejudice did not allow them honour him for his new position of responsibility and distinction.
For Senator Dayo Faduyile it will be a different ball game as his people from Ikoya and other constituents from Ondo South as well as invited guests gather together on September 13 to celebrate a man who though is from a royal lineage but chose the pathway of humility and service to humanity.
September 13 event therefore will be an ample opportunity for them to demonstrate the positive side of that Biblical statement to honour a son of the soil rather than allow familiarity to diminish the significance of his professional and Political achievements so far.
This event of Thanksgiving and grand reception is anchored on the truth that the home ground hosting this all important occasion understands perfectly all the struggles, appreciate the sacrifices and should therefore be among the first to celebrate the fulfilment of a dream by a man who remains focused despite all the distractions along the way.
Ikoya also occupy a significant position in this event because it is from here that the mandate which brought national representation at the senate was given to him, Coming back to thank God there and appreciate all the people that stood by him is a demonstration of a man that is appreciative of God’s faithfulness and the support of his people.
While the event will carry with it moments of eating, drinking and attraction of lots of goodwill, for Senator Faduyile, his political associates, friends, professional colleagues and well wishers, the lessons should not be brushed aside but reflected on.
Every true success will be measured when the person returns home with humility and a heart of gratitude and people should not forget their roots after every achievement but remember the people that made it happen and the community or town where the journey began…
The September 13 event holding in Ikoya should make a statement to every community in Nigeria or wherever this piece is read that there is need to encourage and honour achievers to inspire them and others to do more.
For those in positions of authority, the September 13 event should be a solemn occasion to reflect on, that every position secured and authority received should be to remain accessible, accountable and responsive to the people.
The most important aspect of the September 13 Thanksgiving service and grand reception coming up in Ikoya is for Senator Dayo Faduyile to be more connected to the grassroots while for Ondo South constituents, home and abroad, expectations will be high on how the mandate given on June 20 will improve their lot, how it will translate to effective legislation that will pave way for good roads, healthcare facilities, improved infrastructural provision, youths empowerment and economic opportunities for all and sundry.
At a personal level, the September 13 event at Ikoya is a meeting point between victory, thanksgiving, honour and responsibility and therefore for Senator Faduyile it is an occasion that he will be making a profound statement that ” From Ikoya to the senate chamber Abuja it is a journey, but the real journey and how it ends will be measured by the level of impactful leadership he will offer as an enduring legacy which may eventually open bigger doors for greater responsibilities at the national level.
