Gboyega Nasir Isiaka @ 63: Celebrating a legacy of belief

In a small village nestled between two hills, an old farmer was once asked why he continued to plant trees he would never live to see bear fruits. He smiled, his face weathered by decades of labour under the sun, and replied, “Because those who came before me planted so I could rest under the shade. It’s not about me, it’s about what I leave behind.”

This timeless wisdom anchors the fate of many men, reminding us that destiny is not a sprint but a relentless pilgrimage. Some men, however, defy the odds. They rise against the weight of circumstance, push through walls of resistance, and carry the marks of their struggle like badges of honour.

Hon Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) ranks among the individuals who truly embody this selfless ethos. His political journey reflects the unyielding resolve of a builder laying stones for a legacy, brick by brick, against all odds.

This has rightly earned him a unique place in the politics of Ogun State, where few names inspire as much admiration and curiosity as his. GNI is not just a participant in Ogun politics; he is an institution. Whether you agree with him or not, one fact remains indisputable, you cannot push him aside. He has, without question, paid his dues. His story is one of grit, resilience, and an unbreakable faith in the future.

Through three gubernatorial elections, numerous political intrigues, and dynamics Isiaka has remained steadfast in his mantra: “Believe.”
What does it mean to ‘Believe?’ At its surface, belief is simply the acceptance of something as true, a conviction rooted in trust and faith. This is its denotative essence. A straightforward acknowledgement of certainty. But belief, in its connotative depth, is far more profound. It is hope ignited by vision, resilience fueled by purpose, and the quiet defiance to stand firm when the winds of doubt howl the loudest.

To believe is not simply to acknowledge possibilities; it is to anchor oneself to them, even when the tides of circumstance threaten to sweep them away. It is a force that transcends logic and speaks the language of the heart, urging one to rise from the ashes of failure and try again. In this context, belief becomes the lifeblood of perseverance, a relentless energy that propels individuals like GNI forward when others would have surrendered to despair.

So, what drives a man to keep ‘believing’ when others yield to the crushing weight of setbacks? It is the profound understanding that belief is not passive, it is active. It is the ability to see beyond the immediate, to envision a reality that may not yet exist but feels tangible enough to reach for. It is the unshakable trust in one’s purpose, the conviction that every setback is a stepping stone, every challenge a lesson, and every closed door a redirection.

For GNI, belief is more than a word; it is a way of life. It is the inner compass that keeps him moving forward, brick by brick, toward a legacy of impact. It is the quiet yet powerful refusal to let circumstances define him, choosing instead to define his circumstances by the sheer force of his will. In believing, he teaches us all that the true measure of a person is not in avoiding the weight of setbacks but in carrying them with an unyielding faith in the future.
This belief has been the cornerstone of GNI’s journey in life, shaping his trajectory from a modest beginning to a career of profound influence.

He began his professional career far away from the spotlight, as an investment banker. But even then, it was clear that he was destined for more. He entered public service as Special Assistant on Investments to ex-Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2003. His brilliance and expertise soon earned him the role of Group Managing Director of Gateway Holdings Limited (GHL), Ogun State’s investment company. It was under his leadership that the state began to reimagine its economic landscape, attracting investments and charting a new course for development.

As the 2011 election approached, it seemed destiny had called him to higher service as OGD anointed him as his preferred successor. It was during this period that his now-famous mantra, “Believe” was born – a simple yet profound word that encapsulated his philosophy of hope, perseverance, and faith in the future. What appeared at first to be a mere campaign rhetoric would evolve into something far more significant. This single word would become his identity, his legacy, and perhaps, a prophecy still unfolding.

But politics, especially in Nigeria, is never a smooth road. The 2011 election was a baptism of fire for GNI. Faced with stiff opposition within the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he defected to the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN). He campaigned tirelessly, armed with a clear vision for Ogun State and the slogan that has defined his political career: “Believe.” Yet, despite his and the party’s best efforts, Isiaka fell short, finishing third in an election that Senator Ibikunle Amosun (ACN) eventually won.

For many, a setback of such magnitude would have marked the end of their political journey. However, GNI’s story in politics was only just beginning. History has shown that great leaders often face numerous obstacles before achieving success, and GNI seemed to grasp the idea that leadership is a long-term endeavour that requires perseverance and dedication.

In 2015, GNI was back in the ring, this time on the platform of the PDP. The intrigues surrounding how he ultimately secured the ticket for that gubernatorial contest could one day make for a captivating book. His campaign was stronger, and more organized, and his slogan “Believe” resonated even more deeply with the people. He came closer than ever to clinching victory, but the election was ultimately decided in favour of the incumbent, Amosun.

Yet again, defeat did not break him. Many would have stopped there, retreating to the comfort of private life or corporate leadership. Not GNI. He pressed on, running again in 2015 under the PDP and giving his strongest showing yet, coming within a hair’s breadth of victory. The results were so contentious the election was disputed at the election tribunal.

In 2019, Isiaka contested under the relatively unknown African Democratic Congress (ADC) after internal wrangling in the PDP made his candidacy untenable. Even with attractive offers to step down, close to the election, Isiaka chose to protect his legacy, garnering a respectable 110,422 votes in the election. For him, that election was not just about winning anymore; it was about standing for something greater than immediate political gain. And thank God he did.

GNI’s journey brings to mind the words of Thomas Edison: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” GNI’s refusal to give up, even in the face of repeated setbacks, is proof of his mental fortitude and steely nature.

In 2023, due to the prevailing circumstances of that election cycle, GNI made a strategic pivot, contesting for the House of Representatives instead of returning to the gubernatorial race. This detour was pragmatic, given that the incumbent, Prince Dapo Abiodun was seeking a re-election on the platform of APC. While some of GNI’s supporters saw this as a concession, for GNI, it was a new frontier, a chance to serve his people in a different capacity and continue his legacy of meaningful impact.

Despite being a first-timer, GNI has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and purpose in the Green Chamber. As Chairman of three committees in quick succession – Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing, and most recently, National Planning and Economic Development, he has demonstrated capacity for development-focused leadership. His contributions to the Student Loan Act of 2024 and his advocacy for higher education funding, particularly demonstrated his commitment to human capital development and building a better future for Nigerian youth.

His legislative milestones so far make compelling reading. He has contributed to issues involving technical and vocational education, border community development, and economic empowerment. In less than two years, he has also facilitated projects ranging from ICT centres, solar lights, renovated schools, boreholes, medical care, education, and more importantly general welfare. These interventions are not token gestures; they are part of a long-term vision to uplift his constituency and, by extension, Ogun State.

As 2027 approaches, many wonder if this will be the year when GNI’s slogan “Believe” transmutes from an expression of hope into a declaration of triumph. But that misses the point. The efficacy of Believe, as GNI has shown, is not exactly in the destination but in the journey itself. His 15-year development plan for his federal constituency shows a man thinking beyond electoral cycles, beyond personal ambition.

This is a man who has proven that he is not desperate for power; rather, he sees leadership as a sacred trust, a responsibility to serve rather than be served. In his own words: “Leadership is for those who are willing to lower themselves to pick it up. It must always be about the people, not the individual.”

Regardless of what 2027 holds, GNI is already a winner. He has accomplished something far more significant. He has shown us that, even amidst the widespread parochialism, self-interest, and short-sightedness that often characterize politics in this part of the world, it is still possible to believe in and strive for a cause far greater than oneself. And that, perhaps, is the greatest victory of all.

Happy 63rd birthday to the quintessential Gboyega Nasir Isiaka. Your story is far from over. The best is yet to come.

Peters, a Special Assistant to Gboyega Nasir Isiaka on Media and Public Communications, writes from Ilishan Remo, Ogun State