This is cheering news for the teeming fans and well wishers of Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku popularly known as Baba Eto.
Odumbaku alongside some top Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in security and humanitarian sectors are to be honoured at this year’s African Humanitarian lcon of Peace Award.
The three – day ceremony holds in Minnesota, United States of America, amid glitz and glory. The event, which holds from May 14th to 16th, would be chaired by Mr. Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota,
A press statement jointly issued by Mr. Kotila Idowu, President of the African Education and Health Initiatives and Mr. Kolade Oluwagbemi, Country Director of the African Humanitarian Icon of Peace Award, explained that
among those listed for honour alongside Odumbaku include:- Alhaji Alkali Baba Usman, the Inspector General of Police, Chief Mrs. Folashde Tinubu Ojo,(lyaloja General of Nigeria), Governor Sani Bello (of Niger state), Dr. Eniola Jumoke Aborode, Honorable Lawan Umar Dalorima, Dr Adu Sylvester Olumuyiwa, Engineer Suleiman Bolakale Kawu and Mr. Deji Ariyo, the Chief Executive Officer of Harry Baker Training Institute.
The statement concludes that the African Humanitarian Icon of Peace Award is an initiative specially designed to celebrate, particularly Nigerians and the African Leaders in Strategic Leadership positions, Peace Building and have performed excellently well in governance, by contributing greatly to human, security and community developments.
Baba Eto’, as he is fondly called, has been living a life that is dedicated to the service of God and humanity. In return, the Almighty God has truly been working through him and also working for him.
Baba Eto is undoubtedly a heavily anointed servant of God; just as he is highly respected for being a consummate politician and unrivalled grassroots mobiliser. He is without doubt a highly gifted cleric who has been using his spiritual gifts for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He also was the Chairman of ICC, Independent Campaign Council for Tinubu/Shettima, Sanwo Olu/Hamzat Lagos State campaign,where he showed his long time mastery in politics towards the victory of APC in the 2023 elections.
Amiable Baba Eto is a man of many parts and was born on September 4, 1946 into the family of the late Pa Daniel Somorin and Ajike Jimaima. He was educated at the African Church Primary School and African Church Modern School, both in Abeokuta, from 1955 to 1964. He is the Managing Director/CEO of Highways Managers Limited and this platform has provided employment opportunities to hundreds of Lagosians. He is also the founder of the Centre for Humanitarian Support, a non-governmental organisation focusing on drug abuse and awareness.
An insider described him thus: Eto Baba is:
“The Grand Supremo, Corporate Titan, Boardroom Guru, Kingmaker Extraordinaire, Prolific Orator, Astute Overseer, Of lofty disposition, Of lofty disposition, Of sheer opulence and dignity, Exhibiting political wizardry, Of Ecclesiastical ambience, Having impeccable religiosity, A living legend, Of uncommon panache, Crown Prince of the nobility, Grand Master of Big Boys Club, Life Patron of Lagos political realm, Of noble peerage, I beseech you to humble accept these appellations as befitting for a noble and grand person as you honourable self, O Great One.
I adore you,
I salute you,
I hail you,
You are great!”
