By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has commended former labour union leader, Comrade Oyekan Arije for his spirit of sportsmanship and contribution to the development of the state.

Akeredolu gave the commendation at the public presentation and launching of Arije’s book titled: Footprints of a selfless servant, held in Akure, the state capital.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, the governor congratulated Arije for attaining the age of 80 in good health and for writing such a book.

Governor Akeredolu, who described Arije as a man of integrity, noted that he is a good asset to the state.

While saying the book which contained Arije’s autobiography will be very useful for the general public, he prayed for God to continue to spare his life.

The chairman of the occasion, who is the former President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Adebayo Sunmonu who described the former NLC chairman as a dedicated unionist who is highly respected in Nigeria, noted that his contributions to workers’ welfare cannot be overemphasised.

“Arije is a man who counsel with wisdom. We are proud of him and I advise all former unionists to take a cue from him by putting our experience into writing for others to benefit. We need more of you in Nigeria, the message this book is passing across to the current and incoming leaders will bring about positive change in the lives of workers. I therefore recommend it for all and sundry “.

Also speaking, the Chief launcher of the occasion and APC chieftain, Chief Olusola OKe (SAN) affirmed that the issues raised in the book are fundamental.

He said for Arije, even at his age, to have written that kind of book shows that he is committed to the development of Nigeria.

The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo said the book cannot describe enough the character of the former labour leader.

According to him, his life as a trade unionist has sharpened the future of workers.

To this end, he called on young activists not to be concerned about what they will benefit but fight for the freedom of the masses in order to move the country forward.

A former commissioner in the state Chief Olusola Ebiseni, former Head of Service, Mr Ajose Kudeinbu, SSA to the State governor on Union Matters, Comrade Alaba Isijola and others who spoke about the author described him as a teacher per excellence who is highly dependable.

To them, Arije is a man of unquestionable character who will never compromise as a unionist.

The book reviewer who is a foremost activist, Comrade Femi Aborisade informed that the book which contained 435 pages, with 21 chapters, revealed the family background, career, activities of the author as a trade unionist, marginalisation of Ilaje kingdom, among others.

According to him, the book shows that the Author is a man of peace and a role model who used most of his life to fight for the liberation of the downtrodden.

In his vote of thanks, Comrade Arije thanked those who graced the occasion, saying it is a rare privilege for God to have spared his life to write yet another book which he beliefs will greatly impact lives.

The event attracted people from all walks of life, especially former and current labour leaders.