GNI @58: Hearty Cheers To A Symbol Of Valour

Gboyega Nasir Isiaka

By Femi Peters

As valour is the Soldier's adornment, there is an overarching need to be effusive in praise of men with unshaken character and worth. 

While our ever expanding world continues to throw up corrupt and morally bankrupt public officials and political players, those who manage to stay above the greed and corruption that has plagued our politics should in an ideal world be lionized.  

Like a giant, in an era of pygmies, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, (GNI) has continued to bestride the socio-political landscape of Ogun state with sheer class, humility, benign mien, superior native intelligence and unrivalled integrity - even for a politician. 

The Imeko-Afon born politician is a significant offering to the shared prosperity of Ogun State and big proof that truly great things have their roots in the State. 

A look at his political trajectory is enough to show that GNI as fondly called is not your typical politician. 

A fine gentleman who brought great intellectual touch and dynamism to Ogun State politics. He is without any doubt, one of the most popular political players in Ogun State at this time. 

Mind you, GNI is anything but a run-of-the-mill career politician straight out of the political machine, someone who thinks merely in terms of power constellations and coalitions for  personal gains. 

Even in the times of upheaval and turbulence, amid the inevitable ups and downs, the tensions and divisions of politics, there has always been a constancy in his deeply held beliefs as evidenced in the dignifying manner he has kept his brand relevant in the politics of Ogun State. 

GNI is not only the pride of the Ogun West senatorial district, but a foremost Son of the state. He made an entry into politics not to be something but to do something, not to get what he could, but to give all that he could, there not to seek power over principle, but to seek power for principle.

For proper context, GNI came into limelight as a public servant in an investment management capacity under the Otunba Gbenga Daniel-led administration.

Described by many as a dependable public servant and high achiever driven by a resolute passion to dignify himself and raise the bar of public service. This was why he gave his best shot to the task of raising the investment profile of the gateway State.

Markedly, GNI still performs his roles with the same zest, passion and purpose as when he was the arrowhead of the OGD administration.

While he is not perfect, the Ogun West standard-bearer is a man of stable character with a clean slate. Having been in public glare since 2004, and contesting the gubernatorial election on three occassions, it is noteworthy that no-one has any record of scandal against him.

Failed public inquests into his activities at Gateway Holdings Limited by the Ibikunle Amosun government further underscore his unmatched integrity and accountability. 

A wise judge of character. That is why he has over the years kept a close-knit political structure firmly rooted in the ideals of progressive politics, correctness and inspired leadership. 

A tactful and visionary leader who in 2016 started The Believe Movement, an apolitical non-governmental organization with the primary aim of supporting the less privileged through various forms of socio-economic intervention programs like health and wellness services, skills acquisition, micro-financing, Rural roads maintenance and Agricultural supports, to mention but a few. 

The movement sought to develop a fair world, stimulate the creation of a free, happy and prosperous people and to build a leadership that has sincerity, purpose and character. 

One quality that stands GNI out from other players in the political process is his foresight. The creation of his Believe Movement set the motion for the emergence of other groups like the Coalition for Nigeria movement (CNM) birthed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2017. 

Isiaka's modest upbringing in the agrarian city of Imeko in Imeko-Afon local government area of Ogun State would go on to shape his development in a significant way, honing his senses and judgement. 

Born on February 17, 1962, GNI spent the first sixteen years of his life in Imeko, attending Ansar’udeen Primary School and Nazareth High School Imeko for both primary and secondary education.

Despite having a very short stint at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, GNI graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Accounting from the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University in 1986. 

He later bagged a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos in 1995. 

Not one to stop there, the charming Prince also bagged relevant professional and leadership trainings and qualifications including Chartered Accountant (ACA), Senior Management Programme (SMP), Lagos Business School, Fellowship of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Associate of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (ACS), Fellowship of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (FCS), Associate member (ACIT) of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN). 

Presently, GNI runs the Edgefield Group providing professional and non-banking financial relationship solutions to clients. 

As expressly stated by the man himself, "My life is an open book that can be read. In all I do, I always strive to exemplify hardwork, capacity, competence, honour, dignity, integrity, vision, contentment and unblemished antecedents. Indeed, I have taken a conscious endeavour to add value to my generation and as I love to say, Each person must strive to leave his generation better than he met it. This is exactly what I am doing."

Through Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, we are reminded daily that there are still men of valour in politics who choose honour over a fine shawl of shame. 

On this note, I wish our value-driven Prince a happy birthday, with many more years of fruitful service to mankind. 

Olufemi Peters is a media Aide to Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI)