I Know, Femi Gbajabiamila – Femi Fani‑Kayode

Happy birthday to my dear friend and brother, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.

We grew up together with people such as Folabie Caxton Martins, Wole Atunrase (both of whom lived just round the corner from you in Surulere), Deremie Ajidahun, and many others during the vibrant 1970s and 1980s in Lagos and London. We have been closer than brothers for at least fifty years.

Throughout that time, you have never let me or anyone else down. You have always shown loyalty and sincerity to those you grew up with and to your childhood friends.

I recall your sharp criticism of the late Chief Bola Ige when we first entered politics in 1990, after he criticized the concept of “newbreed politicians” that the government of that day introduced and promoted.

I remember the day you returned from America in 2004 with your beautiful wife Saa after many years abroad, and your visit to President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Villa to inform him that you and she were back and would be living in Abuja.

I remember the restaurant and bar you and Madame opened in Abuja a few years later, where those who mattered would gather and enjoy themselves.

I remember when you were first elected to the House of Representatives. Even though we belonged to different political parties at the time, I and all your old friends and brothers were elated by your victory.

I remember the loyalty and commitment you displayed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from 1993, through the NADECO days, through his tenure as governor of Lagos State, and up until his election as President, and how you remained steadfast with him through thick and thin.

I remember the sincere and rare affection you have always shown—and still show—toward your dear mother, our Mama (who was my late mother’s friend and a great politician in her own right), and toward your wife.

These are memories I have of you, and few know that behind your sometimes stern and officious appearance lies a very soft, kind, and caring heart.

I remember the powerful speech you delivered at my 47th birthday dinner party in Lagos in 2007, when I was Minister of Aviation. You spoke highly of me while simultaneously and courageously criticizing the President and the government I served.

I also remember the equally fiery speech I made at your birthday dinner party a few years later in Abuja in 2011, when you were a member of the House of Representatives and shortly after the election of our old friend, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, as Speaker of the House. I told you that your time would come to be Speaker and to reach even greater heights in our nation, and my words proved prophetic.

Most importantly, I remember your humanity and extraordinary courage when speaking your mind and the bitter truth, even to your closest friends.

You are a profoundly good man, Femi, and you know that I do not speak lightly or give compliments unless I mean them.

Most importantly, you have done a great job in public office and in service to our country over the years, and I marvel at how far we have come together and how far you have gone.

We both grew up in Lagos, and today we are neighbors in Maitama, Abuja! Whoever thought that would happen? God has been good to us all.

I have no doubt that there is still much more ahead for you, my brother, and, as always, my prayers are for and with you.

May God grant you many more years of peace, joy, good health, prosperity, and service to our fatherland, and may He continue to lead, guide, and protect you and yours.

You have made us proud, and by God’s grace you shall continue to go from strength to strength.

Have a great day, my brother, and know that you are loved, cherished, and appreciated by many.

*Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, is Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa