In the absence of the usual compliment of effusive media adverts, the special interview granted a select group of editors was probably the most public event in the recent celebration of Babatunde Raji Fashola’s 50th birthday!
In a rare commentary on himself, Fashola wittingly fielded questions with fluid unscripted responses; possibly, the only question parried was the inquiry about which songs he sings during his early morning meditations, when, according to the governor, “I commune with my Maker”. However, the essence of the interview is probably the lessons on determination, commitment, simplicity, integrity, and discipline, which could serve as beacons for youths, who may find themselves at various crossroads of life.
For example, on the subject of birthday celebrations, Fashola revealed, “I am not a ceremony person; I don’t like those formalities, and I remember that when I was the Chief of Staff, I turned 40, and my friends said, “No! It’s a lie, we are going to have a party”, and I said, “No! If you do it, I’m going to have to run away!” Inevitably, however, the party lobbyists triumphed; but then, he added, “How they got me to do it, I can’t quite say, but what I remember (on that day) was that I had to wake up very early, and I said, “This shouldn’t be! This is my birthday, and I should be sleeping”!!
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