By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Tributes have continued to pour in for the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, who clocked 58 on Saturday.
Among those who sent goodwill messages was Comrade Akeem Temitope Akilo, a 2024 All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant in Ijebu North East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
In a statement, Akilo described Salako as a “visionary leader, astute administrator, and devoted public servant” whose contributions to national development are felt both at the federal and grassroots levels.
“I join the nation, the people of Ogun State and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond to celebrate a remarkable Nigerian… a brother — the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Doc. Iziaq Kunle Salako,” the APC chieftain said.
Salako, who currently serves in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration, was first appointed Minister of State for Environment, where he implemented several reforms. His redeployment to the Health and Social Welfare ministry was widely seen as recognition of his capacity and commitment to public service.
Akilo commended the minister’s role in ongoing health sector reforms, which he said reflect “clarity, compassion and competence,” in line with the administration’s vision for a healthier Nigeria.
The minister’s public service record includes serving as Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Housing and Health between 2007 and 2011, and as Chairman of the Ogun State Hospitals Management Board in 2020. He was named Best Government Parastatal Chairman by Gateway News Magazine in 2021.
Describing him as a “grassroots mobiliser” and “frontline political strategist,” Akilo said Salako’s influence has left a lasting mark on the Ogun West Senatorial District and the state as a whole.
“For over two decades, I have been privileged to share a clean and bound relationship with this noble leader — a relationship grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared commitment to the public good,” he added.
Akilo prayed for the minister’s continued success and good health, saying: “May your days be long, your vision sharpened, and your impact ever greater.”