Last week, the media was awash with what I called “The celebration of a political pacesetter’’; a man with uncommon resilience and patience, a dynamic, selfless, and visionary leader as he turned plus one. He is the Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder (Engr) Omeni Sobotie. He is the man who, despite the challenges, the storms, and sometimes the discouragement, stayed put to build and sustain a party – the APC, while some, like the monkey, jumped from one tree to another in search of bananas. It is for this reason and many more that he is our Personality of the week.
Elder Omeni Sobotie’s handling of the affairs of the APC, even when it was in the opposition in Delta State, has remained legendary, as many say. His exemplary lifestyle, selfless service and the tenacity of purpose with which he piloted, and still pilots, the affairs of the party have attracted more goodwill to it.
As for me, his birth anniversary is a celebration of a legacy of impactful leadership, wisdom and safe paddling of the APC “canoe” and its occupants, particularly in those challenging times and days, thus making it the party of choice in Delta State today. His kindness and wisdom have continued to inspire all those who worked with him back then and now, towards making sure that the APC in the State is alive, and has assumed its present status and admiration.
No doubt, he is a well-grounded politician and a builder of a party, once in opposition but now a leading one in Delta State. It sure takes courage and vision to remain in and build a party in the opposition, and eventually make it the party in power. This is why I doff my hat for him as he marks yet another birthday.
Yes, encomiums have continued to pour in, all saying beautiful things about him, and wishing him many more years of service, not only to the APC but to humanity.
One of such encomiums came from the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as he says of him, through his Chief Press Secretary, Olorogun Festus Ahon: “You are a seasoned politician, a grassroots mobilizer, and a political leader whose contributions to the State’s political landscape have remained remarkable.
“Your steadfastness in politics, bridge-building efforts, and devotion to the welfare of the people are commendable. I pray God grants you good health, wisdom, and many more years of fruitful service to our dear state and nation.
In particular, the governor praised Elder Omeni Sobotie for his dedication to public service, commitment to democratic ideals and his role in fostering peaceful political engagements in Delta State, and urged him to continue to use his wealth of experience to promote unity, peace and development in the State. “Delta State strives best when leaders work together despite political differences”, the governor added.
And for a prominent leader of the APC in the State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, he has this to say of Elder Omeni Sobotie: “You have distinguished yourself as a visionary leader and tireless mobilizer, whose tenure as the Delta State APC Chairman has repositioned the party in the State for greater relevance and strength. You have demonstrated uncommon courage, sacrifice, and leadership in building bridges and inspiring confidence among party leaders and members; and your contribution to the party has remained invaluable”.
Olorogun Bernard Okumagba added, “Your enduring values of pragmatism, diligence and dedication have ensured that the APC in Delta State is one big family and has continued to grow, ensuring that the party is stable and continues to march on under the dynamic leadership of our indefatigable Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori”.
Yet another encomium from the Chief Adviser to Governor Oborevwori, Sen (Chief) Ighoyota Amori. “Your inclusive and visionary leadership has strengthened the APC, thus making it more united and formidable as the ruling party at the state and federal levels. Your leadership in APC Delta State has fostered cordial and friendly relationships within the party, which has made members fully embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori till 2031”.
For Sen Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, Elder Omeni Sobotie is a dedicated party man, whose passion, commitment and unwavering loyalty have continued to inspire confidence and unity within the APC family in Delta State.
“Your style of leadership has been marked by resilience, inclusiveness, and a clear vision for growth, qualities that have earned you respect across political and socio circles. You have shown uncommon strength in building bridges and ensuring that the party remains united and focused, while your contributions to the political space in Delta State cannot be overlooked.”
For another APC bigwig, Sen Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Elder Omeni Sobotie is a leader whose political wisdom, courage, and steadfastness continue to inspire party members across Delta State.
“I commend you for your tireless grassroots mobilisation and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the APC. This day offers us the opportunity to celebrate a man whose political sagacity, courage and steadfastness have continued to inspire the progressive family across our dear state.
He added, “Your tireless capacity for grassroots mobilisation and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the APC have been instrumental in strengthening the party’s base and expanding our reach in Delta State. Truly, your leadership has made the dream of turning Delta State into an APC stronghold not just aspirational but achievable”.
Also in his eulogy, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Elder Omeni Sobotie’s purposeful leadership of the APC in Delta State is anchored on inclusivity, and his skill and capacity to unite party members under a common vision.
For the benefit of those who may wish to know more about Elder Omeni Sobotie, he is an engineer by profession and was a Commissioner for Environment in Delta State. He got elected as the Chairman of the APC in Delta State in 2021. He has a penchant for emphasising unity and reconciliation within the party.
Many, within and outside of the party, have described his leadership style as pragmatic, inclusive, and dedicated to building bridges and inspiring confidence among members of the party. This, they say, has earned him respect across political and socio circles. Little wonder, therefore, his birthday was graced by notable figures within the political and social circles. Happy birthday, Sir.
