Ambode did this at the launch of the book titled ‘Africa Rise and Shine’, held at Victoria Island. It was chaired by Christopher Kolade, and attended by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka, Oba of Lagos Akiolu and others
Ambode noted that he wasn’t prepared to address the gathering since his political Godfather had spoken glowingly about the author.
He asked: “Actually, I didn’t prepare to come and say anything here… And who am I to speak after the Jagaban had spoken?’
Aside that, the governor also ensured that he stood beside Tinubu during the launch of the book to buttress his earlier stand that there wasn’t any rift between them.
Ambode’s comment elicited a resounding applause from the audience.
The governor, however, while eulogizing the author said “the truth is, there is no person that has actually gone through the profession of accountancy that would not have had anything to do with Uncle Jim, and that is the truth.
“There is nobody that will read this kind of book and will not be inspired and I want to recommend it to everyone.
“It is always very good when people who have been successful in their careers or profession decide to say something about how they really toiled to get to where they are.
“Some people just think people get to be successful without knowing that they actually toiled to become successful and this kind of book inspires our younger ones to become more resourceful and then more inspiring,” Ambode said.
Earlier, Osinbajo stressed that the Nigerian dream was captured by Ovia in his autobiography, detailing his journey to success and importance of leadership to development of any nation.
He said: “The Nigerian dream is captured in this book because this is a man that started from nowhere and now worth $16 billion. The most of the wealthy men that Nigeria has didn’t come from wealthy home but humble background.
“Though personnel achievements are known everywhere but what is rare about him was the will to build others without the least apprehension that they could surpass him in the business sector,” the vice president added.
According to him, Ovia has used his own story and many others to describe the trajectory of a continent that has often appeared to be overcome by its challenges and contradiction.
While stressing the importance of leadership, Osinbajo argued that every leader considers service to the public than the benefits that they gain from their action.
“The course of service over self, indicates sacrificial leadership; neither a financial empire or a nation could be built successfully if the leadership cannot delay gratification or keep their hands off the capital of the common man.
“Sacrifice of self is for the greater goal for all and has become the bedrock for great nations and men but sacrifice for self is the most pathetic hollow imagined, with the imagination of men and women who would have been great but perished.”
Also speaking, Tinubu, while describing Ovia as Godfather of Nigerian Banking industry, stressed that he doesn’t portray himself as an hero that couldn’t be emulated “but one that his footpath could be followed to achieve greatness.”
He said: “This title is fitting and proper because not because he was born into the sector but he properly acquired it. The book explained his journey to greatness despite the challenges he faced.
“This is a man that believes in Nigeria and Africa. And that is why I want to thank you for writing this book to show others of what is necessary for the continent to grow. You have opened the door to success and your life teaches many wonderful lessons,” Tinubu added.
Urging the next generation to read and emulate the doggedness of Ovia, the APC national leader stressed: “It is up to the next generation to work through that door in order to create a greater and prosperous Africa.”
Reacting to the accolades showered on him, the author disclosed that his reason for the book title was to change the negative narration about Africa and document historic activities that occurred within the continent.
According to him, the story told about Africa had previously been pathetic because we were often described as a dark continent characterized with coup and conflicts.
“But today, the narrative has started changing. The record showed that the continent has embraced democracy. And that shows that the continent has started rising.”
He noted that acceptance of democracy has positively affected the Gross Domestic Product, GDP of the continent and made the world take notice of the benefits abound in Africa.
