When I was in my early 20s, my father used to multi-task. The workload on him was much such that he wished a day be extended beyond 24hrs. My brothers and I used to assist him in loading and offloading goods with his truck. Most times, my brothers and I made several attempts to drive the truck when my father is not at home but he used to detect. We were highly discouraged a day he bit us mercilessly because we moved his truck. Since then, we kept assisting as usual with no attempt to drive. And he will not give us the key. His intention was pure. He didn’t want to expose means of money to concentrate on our studies.
At a point, daddy fell sick. He was on hospital bed for months. His truck was parked while customers kept requesting for his service. But who dare drive the vehicle? One day, my younger brother, without my knowledge took the truck key, drove it to pick wood for a carpenter who requested his service. I challenged him less because people who saw him have called to commend his driving experience. Three days later, we handed money to daddy and privy him the driving skill of my brother. He was surprised. “I never knew you have such courage, I would have taught you driving since” said my father. Providing environment for people to demonstrate their skills goes a long way in detecting and promoting people’s talent.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State provided an environment to demonstrate engineering prowess of one of his citizens. Many knew while some are yet to, that the Engineer handling Olaiya Flyover is an Ileogbo born genius from Ayedire Local Government of Iwo Federal Constituency, Osun. Engr. Lanre popularly called by his firm name, Peculiar, is a smart, agile, virile, resourceful, innovative, creative and result oriented engineer with efficient sense of humor. Adekeke came when Osun State needed him. Most people of his credit come when they need the state.
Engr. Adeleke is an alumnus of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). I got to know him in 2017 through a socio-elite indigenous group, Ileogbo Development Forum, coordinated by a blood brother , Dr. Alli Yakub. Then, he was a silent member. He rarely contribute to discussions but donated anonymously to the forum’s projects.
As Yoruba would say ” Olohun Fi e han, ongbe oju sa, nibo ni oju Olohun koto” meaning “God shows you and you hide your face, where will you hide from God?”
At the discovery of a man who have birthed an internationally recognized construction company, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Ltd, asides his social responsibility discharges in the eastern Nigeria, he started replicating such in his hometown, his constituency and state.
Few years back, Peculiar was invited to the annual Ileogbo day celebration, therein, he made his donation and pledged to reconstruct the old Ileogbo-Iwo road as his social responsibility to his constituency. Withing a year after flag off, Adeleke delivered the road free of charge, commissioned by Governor Gboyega Oyetola. Today, the road has not developed a single fault.
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The governor picked interest for his quality job and readiness to serve. Aside many state roads contracted to peculiar, the governor provided an environment and entrusted the genius with Olaiya Flyover. It is not only a bridge but also a tourist centre. The features of the flyover shall be discussed in my next article proposed for the genius, Engineer Lanre Adeleke. He is currently promoting an international stadium in his country home, Ileogbo.
Today, the multipurpose flyover is almost ready. The governor is appreciated for the Milliue. People of all strata are thronging Olaiya to have a glimpse and take picture on the iconic bridge.
Once again, Oyetola is acknowledged. He didn’t do like my father who refused on free will. He should be assured . Adeleke just gave the tip of his iceberg.
