The name James Abiodun Faleke is synonymous with empowerment, development, progress, philanthropy, and positivity. For many of us that know Rt. Hon. James Faleke from a close range or rather familiar with his disposition all this while will agree with the above assertion or that he is a specially made individual by God to create comfort for his beloved people.
Like many of us that happen to know Hon. Abiodun Faleke briefly before this time will always acknowledge the fact that he is a specially made individual by God to help humanity. There are many things you cannot take away from Hon. James Faleke, he is a man full of positive ideas, vision and virtues. He is a refined gentleman, who is always working hard to be the best in whatever role given to him to play. His superlative attributes have endeared him to the youths, traders, widows, students, the high and low individuals across the country. He enjoys creating wealth as an entrepreneur and economist who always encourages other to get themselves devoted to whatever profession they find themselves. He is truly fired up by the possibility as well as the enterprise nature of his people.
He relates to people as if he had known them all their lives. He is eloquent, brilliant, courageous, humane and multi-talented personality. Faleke is someone who loves to inspire others for them to achieve greatness in life.
Whatever anyone may feel towards Hon. Faleke, no one is likely to accuse him of lack of competence towards the task of developing and moving the country forward. If anything, his critics are more likely to charge him for being too workaholic and committed to economic development of Nigeria through good leadership.
Currently, Dr, (Chief) Abiodun Faleke is one of the longest serving legislators in the National Assembly in Abuja, a fourth termer, he represents Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State, doing so much to put smiles on the faces of the good people of the area in the last fourteen years or thereabout. He has done a lot to bring good governance to his people in Ikeja through massive empowerment, employment cum appointments and other financial supports which have made him very unique in Lagos State and Nigeria by extension. As an individual, Faleke has moved impactful bills and motions on the floor of the hallowed chamber of the national assembly, these are bills and motions that are very critical to the sustainability and development of Nigeria. His contributions to national reconstruction cannot be quantified because he does all his things wholeheartedly and with the love of his country at heart.
Faleke has been known to be in the forefront in his oversight duties as a legislator and he does it with civility, diligence and honesty. All these attributes put together have made Rt. Hon. James Faleke, a leader to behold.
Despite the fact that Faleke was not elected to the national assembly by any section of Kogi State, he still go out of his ways to empower and support his people from Kogi State, he goes all-out to honour or support his people with money, gifts of all manners, appointments and other instruments of empowerment.
Hon. (Dr.) James Faleke for the past two decades have been supportive to communities, religious groups, institutions and indigents who care to seek for his assistance. It has been mentioned at various fora, his contributions to road rehabilitation in Kogi State, sinking of boreholes, construction of worship centers, town halls, supply of solar powered energy and other financial support. He is known to have empowered farmers, paid hospital bills on behalf of the elderly, organized medical outreaches in communities for the widows and indigents. He has equally put smiles on the faces of civil servants who were denied their legitimate monthly salaries, as well as retirees that could not access their monies for months, he also helped those that were laid off forcefully from work and those on percentage salaries.
He has never forgotten the fact that he comes from Kogi State despite the good life that exist in Lagos State. Faleke is a proud and true personality of his root.
It has been strongly acknowledged that without Faleke doing what he knows best of doing in terms of employment and empowerment for his people and Okunland where he hails from, Okunland would have moved into oblivion. Thank God for us in Okunland, God has planted Faleke in our midst to provide that succours to our young, energetic and dynamic youths and even the elites helping them with one thing or the other to survive.
There is no section of Okun land that has not shown quality appreciation to Rt. Hon. Faleke for his donations, largesse, empowerment and support. Faleke has equally moved on in his usual act of magnanimity to the other two senatorial districts providing support in terms of employment and appointments.
Many Kogites have said it clearly that without Hon. Faleke assisting or facilitating appointments at the Federal level, Okun people in general would have been relegated or become stagnant at the federal level, he has served as the Rock of Gibraltar or buffer behind every visible appointment at the federal level for the area.
Though, he may not be able to give jobs to everybody, but seriously speaking, he stands tall among his peers and contemporaries helping to reshape Okun land. Like him or hate him, Faleke has strong courage to make tough decisions which has been propelling him to greater heights. He has frugality global view and vast experience in economy management. Truly speaking, history has booked an enviable place for him in Okunland, Kogi State and Nigeria because of his pragmatic approach to good leadership in the country.
Let me digress a little bit to congratulate Rt. Hon. Faleke who will be a year older this Christmas week, it is a wonderful thing to thank God almighty for, for allowing him to see every minute of his life in good health. It is therefore good and proper we celebrate God and be appreciative of Him for sparing his life despite all the ups and downs around him. It is on this strong reason that I like other Nigerians use this medium to thank God who has graciously added a brand new year to his age. It is a dream come true for many of us that know him and his worth; we are greatly elated with his new age.
His life has epitomized the highest ideal of excellence, diligence and integrity contributing immensely to the development of our dear country. He has a number of good records to his name, which we are all proud of.
Nigerians spiritedly felicitate with him on this special occasion of his birthday. We heartily toast his gracious and celebrated life and pray that the good God to bless his new age with his heart’s desires and wishing him more years of personal fulfillment and outstanding service to humanity. Have a swell birthday!!!
Dele Olonilebi writes from Lokoja, Kogi State
08138018894