By Wale Ojo-Lanre
I praise God almighty on your behalf, the first Minister of the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Lola Ade-John. I also appreciate God on behalf of all good-hearted tourism practitioners in Nigeria who prayed for the wellness of this hard-working lady who was struck by an illness at the time of her glory.
For me, it is a time for dancing and celebration.
Instead of God putting shame on this lady, He sent thunderous hails of shame to those who wished her dead.
Congratulations, Lola Ade-John
They wished you dead, but God is on your side and at your back. Some old doldrum pantaloons, who were carrots and induced with cheap dollars, gathered some unscrupulous and optional illiterates together in Abuja to canvass the merging of the newly created stand-alone Ministry of Tourism with the newly created Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. Some misplaced personalities and foolish people who do not understand the calling of their appointments insulted President Bola Tinubu, considering him stupid for creating a brand new Ministry of Tourism.
They thought you would die, but God shamed them all. The fact that you survived the sickness is a testimony that you have something to offer the tourism sector.
What you need now is a journey into self-induced circumspection. Those who you think love you; those of us you erroneously believed hate you; those who prayed for you while awake; those you appointed and deserted; those who rejoice at your medical tribulation; and those who offered a prayer for you. Think!
Never allow these and others to demoralize you. But it serves as a lesson in the behavioural patterns of human beings.
Welcome back, my sister. I know you have a lot to offer. I know you will put shame on those of us who believe no good can come from your sodom. Welcome back to Beat.
I took this opportunity to invite you to Ekiti State, the Paragon of Tourism. Visit Ekiti and spend a recuperating weekend at the Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs, the only one in the whole world. Refresh at Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro-Ekiti. See the best wonders of the Rocks at Abanijorin Rock, which harbours an amphitheatre containing 240 people, seven caves, and an understock tunnel.
You can say your prayers and pray against your enemies at the sacred mountains in Ido-Ile, where God automatically answers prayers, or visit Prophet Hezekiah in Erio Ekiti, where almost all those who matter in Nigeria get blessed.
And if you are a Catholic, I will personally take you to Usi-Ekiti, where the first Catholic Mass was held in the old Ondo and Kwara states.
Don’t worry, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his responsible wife will host you for 24 hours of pounded yam at Oke Ayoba, as he did for Mama Nike Monica Okundaye, CEO of Nike. Arts Gallery Prince Yemisi Shyllon and others who just left Ekiti State.
And for me, I would offer sacrifice to Olodumare at the place where three paths meet to keep you shining and productively productive in the presence of your enemies.
Greater you in Jesus’ name.
*Barrister Ojo-Lanre, Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, sent in this piece from the Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
