INTERVIEW: I’m A Detribalized Nigerian Who Doesn’t Discriminate Among Religionists – Says MHR Hopeful, Hon Jacob ‘Funmi Ogunmola

INTERVIEW: I’m A Detribalized Nigerian Who Doesn’t Discriminate Among Religionists – Says MHR Hopeful, Hon Jacob ‘Funmi Ogunmola.

Member, House of Representatives(MHR) Hopeful from ATISBO, Saki East and Saki West Federal Constituency, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC), come 2023, Honourable Jacob ‘Funmi Ogunmola has, on Monday, May 2, joined Muslims at Saki Eid praying ground to felicitate with the faithful on the occasion of this year Eid-El-Fitri celebration, officially, marking coming to an end of Muslim Holy Month, Ramadan.

Hon. Ogunmola, while granting interview on Muslim Eid praying ground, in Saki, maintained that his presence was to fraternise with his people and he stated that being around has also reproved him as a detribalized Nigerian, who does not discriminate against people based on their place of birth or belief. He fostered peaceful coexistence among all religionists, along different sects and denominations.

The interview goes thus:

Can we meet you?

My name is Jacob ‘Funmi Ogunmola popularly known as “JFO”.

We know you’re not an indigene of Saki but we see you here to felicitate with Muslims, why?

Firstly, I greet us all, once again, ‘Happy Eid-El-Fitri’. If you observe it very well, especially, in our this Federal Constituency, you’ll notice that I’m very close to the Muslims, particularly, Islamic clerics, even, more than pastors.
Even, when I was out of office, we had and maintained cordial relationship with each other. If you notice, you will know that I had tardy arrival, but still, Chief Imam waited for me. Waiting for me signified something. It reaffirms it that if they say that they are for you, truly, they’re for you. I mean Muslims, and all our chief imams.

I’m a detribalized Nigerian and if, God’s willing, we’re given ticket, we’ll not discriminate among religionists and people generally. If you look at it very well, I don’t discriminate based on people’s religion or region. I’ve house in Ago-Are but I’ve been sleeping here, in Saki, since a while ago.

Any confidential thing between you and Chief Imam?

Smile. May our chief imam live long. Chief Imam is a very straightforward person. If you’re not doing well, he will tell you you’re not doing well. If you’re doing well, he will tell you you’re doing well. Baba doesn’t lie. If a child moves closer to elders, he will definitely learn a lot from them. Thus, baba is a virtuous and integrous man and that is why I’m so close to him.

Come 2023, we reliably gathered that you’re contesting. Please, what are you aspiring for?

Firstly, if you remember, In 2013, 2014, and 2015, when I was the Chairman, ATISBO Local Government, I was the best performing chairman, throughout Nigeria, on infrastructural development. I was awarded and given a vehicle, as honoree, then.

And if you if observe, critically, you’ll recall that I’ve started Ogunmola Foundation for the past 15 years and the beneficiaries of our programmes and activities are usually drawn from entire 10 Local Governments. Am I aspiring for governorship? No, but I’m doing it, because I’m from Oke-Ogun and I really love this zone, and entire state. When you’re blessed by God, He doesn’t bless you because of yourself alone but He blessed you because of the people that surround you. So, I remain people- centered and this is why people called upon me to come and serve them, our federal constituency, and I’ve answered their clarion call.

Whenever you attend program, you donate huge amount of money. Hope you’re not going to source for the money, first, while abandoning your constituents, if elected?

If so, why can’t I withhold all the financial resources that I’m expending and I spend it not. If it’s money, I’m okay with what God has done for me. Meanwhile, when you spend in the cause of God and humanity, God rewards you abundantly.

Also, as I have greeted our Muslim faithful on Eid-El-Fitri, I, as well, lauded my Christian brethren on the successful completion of Lent. Happy Easter in arrears.
Like Christian, like Muslims. We’re all Abrahamic faithful, who see Abraham as our patriarch and we have strong belief in monotheism of God. So, let’s embrace each other, promote peaceful coexistence and serve God, through humanity.

This Newspaper, Africano Trumpeters recalled that Hon. Ogunmola always supports religious activities, both, that of Christian and Muslim events. He promotes culture and traditions, and he comes to the aid of women, youth and elders.

Hon. Jacob ‘Funmi Ogunmola is a detribalized Nigerian and an illustrious Son of Ago-Are who has, immensely, assisted people in his Local Government, Federal Constituency, Oke-Ogun Zone, Oyo-State and across the country, irrespective, of their creed or colour, religion or region. He is a notable philanthropist and business magnate from ATISBO Local Government Area of Oyo-State, Nigeria.