Bibire: A Leader Who Answers The Call Of The People And Fulfills Promises Without Delay — Bibire Media

On the 27th of last month, Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire attended a weekly ward meeting of his beloved party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at IMG School, Apata, Ibadan. It was at the meeting that his attention was drawn to the wretched condition of the school building. School representatives, Party members and community leaders, with voices heavy with concern, lamented the deplorable state of the building. They spoke of the suffering endured by the pupils who studied within its collapsing walls. They pointed to the leaking roofs, the weakened structures, and the general neglect that had turned the place of learning into a shadow of its former self. They described how cracked walls threatened to collapse at any moment. They shared their pain over the sorry sight of pupils learning under conditions unfit for human habitation.

It was not the first time these concerns had been voiced. Many had complained. Many had hoped. Yet, nothing had changed. To those who had grown accustomed to disappointment, the discussion seemed like another round of empty lamentations that would end without action. But this day was different. Bibire, a man whose name has long been known for good deeds, listened with rapt attention. He did not brush their concerns aside. He did not make vague assurances. He made a promise that things would change.

A few days later, it was as if they were dreaming dreams when work began on the school. What had seemed like an abandoned cause suddenly received a touch of renewal. The change was rapid. The transformation was undeniable. Those who had long resigned themselves to fate watched with amazement as workers moved in, removing broken structures, reinforcing weak walls, and making ready what had been left to decay.

For many, it was an answer to years of unabated prayers. But for those who know Bibire, it was another proof of his unceasing commitment to service. He has always been a man who matches words with action, a leader whose name is never mentioned where delays and excuses abound.

When Bibire made his promise, he wasted no time in fulfilling it. Before the voices of those who had spoken at the meeting could fade into distant memory, steps had already been taken to bring the school back to life. His renowned NGO, Hope Also Need Help Foundation, was immediately mobilized. Skilled workers were brought in. Materials were procured. Before a week had passed, what had once been a place of sorrow had begun to wear a new look.

To Bibire, service is not about waiting for the perfect moment. It is about seeing a need and meeting it. As he stated while addressing the people, “Leadership is about service, and fixing our communities should be the collective duty of every citizen. We do not have to be in power to be a blessing. This is my contribution, and I will continue to do more with or without a political portfolio.”

He further cemented that development cannot be left to the government alone, saying, “The truth is that the government cannot do it alone, which is why this effort is my own way of complementing the strides of Governor Seyi Makinde in the education sector. I must also use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to rise to the task of local, state, and national development.”

Needless to remind that this impactful and highly sustainable intervention by Hon. Bibire was actuated by his deep passion for education as against whatever political colouration. Why? Because this is a man who understands that the future of any society depends on the quality of learning its children receive. He believes that no child should have to struggle under conditions that hinder growth and knowledge.

Overwhelmed with emotion as he spoke, he said, “I have passion for education. I have passion for children. It pains me to see them learn in an environment that is unfit for human habitation. No child should sit under a leaking roof to receive education. No, it shouldn’t be.”

However, his concern did not end with the renovation of the school. He communicated his charge to teachers, urging them to build the minds of their students with knowledge and discipline. He said, “While we rebuild the walls, let us also build the minds of these young ones. Let morality, discipline, and the necessary values, as I always hammer, be instilled in them alongside academic excellence, that they may grow into responsible citizens.”

As the work progressed, the gratitude of the people knew no bounds. Residents, party members, and teachers all had words of appreciation for the man whose kindness had lifted a burden off their shoulders.

A party leader, impressed by the speed of execution, said, “This is leadership in its purest form. Honourable Bibire has yet again proven that he is for the people, whether in or out of political office.” Another, still in disbelief at how quickly things turned around, remarked, “We only mentioned it last week, and today, we are seeing results. If only more people in politics had this kind of heart, our society would be far better.”

A long-time resident of the area, deeply moved by the intervention, said, “We have cried for help for so long, and today, God has answered us through Honourable Bibire. May he never lack anything good.” Another, overwhelmed with joy, prayed, “May God keep and prosper Honourable Bibire. He has enriched our lives, and we pray that his hands never grow weary in doing good.”

It is on record that since the affected building was first constructed, no intervention had been made to prevent its gradual descent into ruin. Generations of students had come and gone, bearing the weight of its decay. It was only now, when Bibire deemed it right to act, that the long-forgotten school found new life.

This will not be forgotten. The people of Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency will continue to tell the story of the leader who did not wait for power to do good. They will speak of the man who listened when others ignored, who acted when others hesitated, who brought change where others left problems to fester.

Definitely, this philanthropist of international repute has proven once again that true impact is not determined by a political position but by a heart devoted to service. And definitely, his name will remain written in the hearts of the people, not with ink, but with deeds that cannot be erased by time, and as one who doesn’t just make promises, but acts speedily to fulfill it without giving room for delay.