The Benevolent Sheriff Shagaya @40

The 7th of July should be a normal day like the rest of the days of the year but because it’s the birthday of an epiphany, enigmatic, and a simple person, we should declare it the day of the MESSIAH OF THE MASSES!

It is a general belief that humans are created equally. The assertion to me, I think shouldn’t be contended. We’re equally created, we came to this world through the same channel, maybe with the exceptions of The first human Who was Adam and Issa(Jesus). Other than those two, every human is born in the same way. That we’re created in the same way doesn’t translate that we’ll be equal journeying the world. It’s natural that some people will be affluent, some will be born into penury, some will live between the two. Oftentimes, those in poverty, shouldered the burden of inferiority, in most cases, they see the affluents as their enemy especially when the affluents aren’t considerate of their situations.

The majority of the well to do in the society also sees the situations of the masses as a means to explore in vying for positions in the society. They are well aware of what the masses want but they won’t dare give it out for nothing owing to the wide assumption in this part of the world that “Nothing goes for nothing”. Unbeknown to them that God has promised those that influence the life of the masses positively a special reward, no matter the religion you practice, no matter the religion of the beneficiaries. “Before you call yourself a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, or any other theology, learn to be human first.” Those are the words of the legendary Shannon L. Alder.

Even as a well to do, your contribution shouldn’t be premised on your public or political status based, it’s never a doddle to focus on poverty eradication in the society out of one’s hard-earned money. Evidence has shown It’s never easy. Considering the stress one goes through before accruing the wealth, the resources, and whatever you might think about. It’s equally, very rare to see an individual doing the splashing “dough”, permit me to use the street parlance. Be that as it may, if, at the expense of all of the risks in acquiring wealth, we see somebody doing what isn’t so common even though it is the right thing to do, shouldn’t we give him an accolade?

May I remind us about the Maxim “it is not how well you live, it is how much impact you make on humanity”.

Late last year, I got an invitation by a friend on a Friday night to attend a program in Oke Apomu. He is a very close friend that I couldn’t decline the invitation not even on the basis of the invitation proximity and the event. I had, using the local tone says “Omo Ale ni Lati, oun si ma ki eyan gira’

But the thought of “Lati will never invite me to a program without a special treat overwhelmed me, that all I would think was the edibles I will be a privilege to have, of course, to “Eat and take home” lo and behold, I was wrong, very wrong but I left the place elated. What did I see that got me elated when there was no food? I witnessed FOUR HUNDRED people selected across the state collecting support funds for their businesses, not in form of loans but in support. I was wowed. I couldn’t believe it. I asked my friend that invited me to tell me whether an election is approaching for that is always the practice. He said no. Then, I murmured to my friend “What would he gain doing all these? I was told he’s a businessman.” My friend answered me with a terse “Look at his face”. I looked at Sheriff immediately, what did I see? I saw a man so lively, so fulfilled, jaunty smiles all over his face, a man full of exuberance. I walked to him, shook his hand, and left the place.

I engaged myself in a search and research course on Sheriff Shagaya and I garnered in my research that Salman Shagaya foundation was founded in 2014 by Sheriff Shagaya. Ever since then, the foundation brought upon herself countless burdens from supporting thousands of youths to achieve their dreams by paying school fees, buying working facilities for many, catering for widows, orphanage proper upbringing and so much more.

The cash relief funds are one that must be acknowledged even by Sheriff’s enemies. Salman Shagaya foundation has shouldered on herself helping Four hundred citizens of this state at the interval of three months, what more do you need? The foundation isn’t concerned with the beneficiary’s religion, sex, or body condition.

Should we talk about the special intervention program designed for the physically challenged people in the society, what about the petty traders that at the sight of Sheriff Shagaya knew ” dia own don better”. Sheriff, who was the chairman of the foundation is one joy too many!

The Benevolent Sheriff Shagaya @40 — Sheriff Shagaya

For a man so magnanimous that he knows how the less privileged suffers the brunt of inadequate electricity. The foundation recently embarked on 4,000 homes solar project, a scheme designed to provide alternative power and ease problems of electricity in Kwara communities, which many have touted as the biggest private alternative power intervention in Northcentral Nigeria.

It’s not a thing of surprise that all these gigantic projects are successful for the intents are clear and defined. The coordinator of the foundation is a man of integrity too, Alhaji Muftau Akanbi Oke. Sir, I say congratulations to you too for doing wonders with the foundation!

These programs aren’t in any way an obligation for Sheriff Shagaya but he deemed it fit that his community must grow and be on the same path with him. Shouldn’t we give credit to his awesomeness? We should, he’s deserving.

The prayers of the Kwara populace is enough for you on your birthday. The smiles and the happiness you put on the masses faces are enough a prayer and a blessing your family can not finish till the end of time. Still, I feel obliged to lend my tiny voice to oodles of prayers you have received. On this day sir, I wish you a life devoid of somber, a life full of Allah’s blessing. You’re a great man today, may you be greater as at the next time of your birthday.

Pardon my audacity for conferring you a title you were unaware of. Indeed, You’re the MESSIAH OF THE KWARA MASSES!

Happy Birthday Sheriff Shagaya. Igba odun odun kan sir.

Yusuf Mutiu Olaitan is my name.

Adewole is my ward.

Ilorin West is my Local Government.

Please follow us: