More eminent Nigerians have continued to testify to the record of achievements of Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola.
Such prominent Nigerians include Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer (GO) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and currently the Senator representing Ogun East, as well as Senator Ibikunle Amosun, also a former Governor of Ogun State.
In their goodwill messages at the reception in his honor
at the end of Ambassadorial assignment, they said the Nigerian immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom had shown dedication and human kindness in public service.
In his own piece titled
HOMECOMING CELEBRATION AND APPRECIATION: A TRIBUTE TO THE EXEMPLARY DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF AMBASSADOR SARAFA TUNJI ISOLA, Governor Abiodun said
“I extend warm felicitations on behalf of my family, the Government, and the good people of Ogun State to Your Excellency on the successful completion of your tenure as Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. I join the good people of Ogun State and other well-wishers in welcoming you home after a meritorious service.”
He added that “There are indeed numerous reasons to express gratitude to Almighty God for your dedicated service to the nation. Your remarkable record of service and outstanding performance as Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government; Special Assistant to the then Minister of State (Finance); Secretary to the Ogun State Government and Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development still linger in our minds. In all these roles, you have demonstrated uncommon patriotism, knowledge, strength, and foresight that distinguished you as an astute public servant.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in the message dated 8th December 2023, added that “Your life has been an enviable narrative of great accomplishments, earning you admiration and applause. You have made us proud as a worthy ambassador of our dear State.
“On this occasion, I congratulate you on your significant contributions in fostering good relationship between the United Kingdom and your home country-Nigeria during your tenure as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
“As I welcome you home, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health and preserve you for many more years to come, so that you remain a source of inspiration to mankind.
“Once again, please accept my hearty congratulations and the assurances of my highest regards, as always.”
Pastor Adeboye in his own goodwill message said Amb Isola is ” humble, accessible and always ready to help.”
The top cleric wrote in full:
“Goodwill Message: Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR
“There is no limit to what God can do in and through any vessel who has yielded his life and his all to Him and to the service of humanity; this is because, God rules in the affairs of men. Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola is a great man.
“Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has been a very good representative of Nigeria across the world.
“He is humble, accessible and always ready to help.
“He is a fine Nigerian that the Country could consider to represent us
again, if another opportunity is opened.
“I can attest to Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola’s suitability as an ambassador to represent Nigeria anywhere in the world.
We celebrate this abundant grace and mercy of God in his life.
“Keep investing in the service to humanity and to God.
Congratulations!”
In his own goodwill message, former governor Daniel wrote that “I am delighted to pen these few lines in honour of a successful and distinguished Diplomat, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
“According to Napoleon Hill, “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success”.
He pointed out that “On his appointment as the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in January 2021, there was no reason to doubt the fact that given his pedigree, his exemplary services in various capacities most especially as Secretary to the State Government during my administration (2003-2007) and subsequently as Honourable Minister for mines and steel development, I knew he has all that it takes to achieve success.
“Amb. Sarafa Ishola deployed his sound human relationship and effective leadership skills to further understands the Nigeria/United Kingdom customs and he professionally leveraged on these exceptional attributes at resolving most of the diplomatic issues throughout his period in the office. His promotion of national interest with the host country, the welfare of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom and the exemplary services he rendered with excellent performances are unprecedented.”
He added that “Since the announcement of the end of his term, the daily accolades being showered on him by Nigerians living in the United Kingdom and across the globe has been overwhelming.
“Undoubtedly, he has successfully written his name with an indelible ink not only as a former High Commissioner in Nigeria or in the minds of many Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora but also in the global circle of Diplomats.
“As he is fondly called, I wish Amb. ‘STI’ a continued success in the services of his fatherland.”
The goodwill message by former governor Amosun was no less profound.
He wrote:
GOODWILL MESSAGE AT THE
RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF AMBASSADOR SARAFA TUNJI ISOLA (FORMER NIGERIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE UNITED KINGDOM).
I thank the committee of friends and the organizers of this laudable reception in recognition of one of our own, a man of National and International repute.
I believe that we should always celebrate whoever has done
exceedingly well in any area of his or her life endeavors and who has done good deeds for many.
That is why in the time of our
administration as Governor of Ogun State we gave due recognition to sons and daughters of Ogun State who excelled in areas of their
callings. Ogun State indigenes are known for their spirit of excellence and many have achieved many firsts in almost all spheres of human endeavors nationally and abroad. This is why we pioneered during our
time in Government what is popularly known and accepted as Ogun Standards, a connotation for both performance and perfection.
Amb Sarafa Isola has done Ogun State and Nigeria proud.
His two-year stint (2021-2023) at the Court of St James’s was
characterized by many remarkable achievements that contributed greatly towards the strengthening of Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom.
For those who may not know, in the time of Amb Ishola the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom had the least records of rancour or complaints from both the staff and users of their services.
Amb. Ishola was a good ambassador who projected the image and the agenda of the Federal Republic of Nigeria very well. He commanded the respect of the host country, United Kingdom and equally stood tall a mongst his peers in the diplomatic world.
On a personal note, I know him as an astute politician, a family-
oriented person, cerebral and disciplined. He is also a man who is very proud of his Egba heritage.
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about Amb. Sarata Tunji Isola’s tour of duty at the Nigeria High Commission, London, United Kingdom.