Aesop Fables are short and witty stories put together by an ancient Greek writer, Aesop . His aim is to teach moral lessons using a scintillating narrative technique .
One of such stories that repays study is about a cool and calculated tortoise and the impatient hare, both engulfed in a race . Eventually, the trophy goes to the tortoise, which has been persistent , resilient, and renowned in the animal kingdom as supporting the animals cause with its meagre resources, times without numbers
Endurance wins .
Sustainable success is anchored on steady efforts and resilience . The story easily reminds me of Seye Gbaroye ( Omo wa ) in Ona Ara, who is familiar to the people like ducks to water . He is not a garrulous type, and he speaks more through his actions than words.
He makes few promises to people because he will never make a promise that he will not keep as a man who is led by the fear of God.
“To make a promise is easy; to keep it is character.”
I recall during the last Christmas, i received strange phone calls from different people in Ona ara urging me to thank ” Omo wa ” for sending gifts to them quietly to enjoy the festive periods. One major suprise, according to them, was how he ferrets out their account numbers. Oluseye Gbaroye is really touching lives without making bones about it. Funny, he expects honour as a reward more than applause.
He is a loyal indgene whose people reside in his mind. Our elders say those who remain loyal are rewarded with a place where they belong. “
He exists to assist. Surprisingly, his act of generosity is not targeted to the people to thank him nor to add feathers to his already well stuffed cap. He looks up unto the most High God for his reward.
His philantropism reminds me of
Auguste Comte in the 19th century, a philosopher who defines altruism as an ethical doctrine holding that an individual’s moral value depends solely on the impact of their actions on others, regardless of the consequences for themselves”
Oluseye Gbaroye sees ona Ara people as partners, not tools to be used and be oiled with temporary benefits. Records show that he has always been there and would continue to be there.
Election is around the corner, and “Omo wa” is not asking for much from us . He needs our votes to enable him to represent us well in Egbeda/ Ona Ara Federal Constituency as a servant leader .
My prayer for Gbaroye is drawn from the Holy Bible. ” Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you, accordingly” Mathew 6 vs. 4.
