By: HighCelebritySquard
The indefatigable political stalwart, an indomitable prophet of God and a strong democratic strategist, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku
popularly called Baba Eto will be honoured in the United States of America at the African Humanitarian lcon of Peace Award. The amiable man or God will be honored alongside some eminent Nigerians who have clearly distinguished themselves in security and humanitarian field are to be honoured at this year 2023.
The event will be a three days ceremony to be held in Minnesota the United States of America.
The award event which would start in May 14th, 2023 to May 16th, 2023 would be chaired by Mr. Tim Walz the Governor of Minnesota,
In a press statement issued by Mr. Kotila Idowu the President of the African Education and Health Initiatives and Mr. Kolade Oluwagbemi the Country Director of the African Humanitarian Icon of Peace Award explained that
other eminent Nigerians to be honoured include, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General, Usman Baba Alkali Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Dr. Eniola Jumoke Aborode, Honorable Lawan Umar Dalorima, Dr Adu Sylvester Olumuyiwa, Engineer Suleiman Bolakale Kawu and Mr. Deji Ariyo the Chief Executive Officer of Harry Baker Training Institute.
The statement concludes that the African Humanitarian Icon of Peace Award is an initiative specially designed to celebrate, particularly Nigerians and the African Leaders in Strategic Leadership positions, Peace Building and that have performed excellently well in governance, contributed greatly to human, security and community development.
One of the distinguished awardees, Cardinal James Odumbaku highlights this write up as he is set to bag several other international awards in addition to his already filled and sumptuous award cabinet.
His bagging the award is cheering news for the teeming fans and well wishers of Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku popularly known as Baba Eto.
He is a remarkable personality in both the religious and political spaces.
Baba Eto’, as he is fondly called, has been living a life that is dedicated to the service of God and humanity. In return, the Almighty God has truly been working through him and also working for him.
The astute general overseer is undoubtedly a heavily anointed servant of God; just as he is highly respected for being a consummate politician and unrivalled grassroots mobiliser. He is without doubt a highly gifted cleric who has been using his spiritual gifts for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He also was the Chairman of ICC, Independent Campaign Council for Tinubu/Shettima, Sanwo Olu/Hamzat Lagos State campaign,where he showed his long time mastery in politics towards the victory of APC in the 2023 elections.
Amiable Baba Eto, a kingmaker of note is a man of many parts and was born on September 4, 1946 into the family of the late Pa Daniel Somorin and Ajike Jimaima. He was educated at the African Church Primary School and African Church Modern School, both in Abeokuta, from 1955 to 1964. He is the Managing Director/CEO of Highways Managers Limited and this platform has provided employment opportunities to hundreds of Lagosians. He is also the founder of the Centre for Humanitarian Support, a non-governmental organisation focusing on drug abuse and awareness.
Cardinal (Dr.) James Omolaja Odunmbaku was born on 4th September 1946 to the family of the Late Pa Daniel Somorin and Ajike Jimaimai. A self-motivated, multi-tasking, and hardworking Shepherd, Omolaja determined early in life to make a positive difference and etch his name on the roll-call of the greats in all spheres of life.He started his education at the African Church Primary School and African Church Modern School, both in Abeokuta between 1955 and 1964. In furtherance of his quest to become great in life, the youthful and promising Omolaja did not wait too long under his parents after his Secondary education as he proceeded to Lagos in search of greener pastures. He got his first job in 1966 at Millet Nigeria Limited as a Clerical Assistant and thereafter joined Dunlop Nigeria Limited as a Supervisor. He served in other high capacities as Director in Everly Brothers and Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, Nigeria Maritime Services, after which he floated his first firm, Bakujofam Nigeria Limited.To the glory of God and through his dexterity, zeal, hard work, commitment, and passion, Omolaja is today the owner of a fleet of thriving companies and Foundations through which humanitarian services are rendered. Notable among his companies are J.O Oduns Farm Nigeria Limited and Highways Managers Limited.In terms of humanitarian activities, Omoloja is the Founder of the Centre for Humanitarian Support, a Non-Governmental Organization that is championing the fight against the menace of drug abuse. Also, he is the Founder of the James Omoloja Odunmbaku Foundation through which he funds heart-related surgeries and also grants scholarships to support the education of indigent students. For the past 16 years and still counting, through the Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministry, another organization founded by him, Omolaja has been organizing annual inter-religious and inter-denominational prayer for peace, progress, and development of Lagos State and Nigeria. The good book of the Lord says the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Testimonies abound that the prayer session has contributed a great deal to ensuring that Lagos keeps growing in leaps and bounds. From 1992 to date, Omolaja has been serving meritoriously as the Patron of Lagos State Community Development Council, a platform he has effectively deployed to galvanize residents towards harmonious and peaceful co-existence. On the political side, Omolaja is renowned as a thoroughbred grassroots mobilizer, remarkable strategist and a formidable force to be reckoned with both in the politics of Lagos and nationally, the attributes that earned him the sobriquet “Baba Eto” which has resonated with many. He was a prominent member of the Unity Party of Nigeria from 1978 to 1983; Special Adviser, Hope 93’ of the Social Democratic Party; Vice Chairman, Lagos West, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Deputy Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chapter; and member, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) from 2003 till date through which he offers beneficial suggestions on good governance in Lagos State.Omolaja is skillfully endowed and has performed creditably well in terms of community activism, conflict resolution, grassroots mobilization, leadership, and human resources management, as well as a notable team player. He is the Founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, City of God, Akiode, Lagos, a center of powerful manifestation of God’s power and glory.His extraordinary contributions to humanity have not gone unnoticed and appreciated. Omolaja has innumerable awards and recognitions in his kitty some of which are listed below:Member of the Federal Republic, MFR (2022)Ambassador of Peace – Universal Peace Federation, United Nations NGO (2008)Grassroot Mobilization Award – USA (2011)Patron, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State (2002 till date)Fellow, Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (2003)Fellow, Certified Institute of Public Administrations and Management (2003)Environmentalist of the year 2003 – Environmental Development Nigeria Company (2003)Service to Humanity Award – Lion’s Club, Ota (2006)Life Patron, Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (2007) The African Virtuous Leadership Gold Award – Africa Gold (2003) Fellow, Chartered Institute of Corporate Management (2004)Award for Mobilization Excellence – Action Congress of Nigeria, Lagos State (2010)General Overseer, Canadian Diocese Celestial Church of Christ, Ontario, Canada Member, Supreme Council – Celestial Church of Christ WorldwideDr. of Divinity (Ph.D) Indiana University Award of Commendation – The Apostolic Church, Lagos and Western/Northern Areas (LAWNA) NigeriaCommendation Award – Community Development Council, Lagos State (1999)Certificate of Service – Community Development Council, Lagos State (2000)Life Patron, Neighbourhood Watch, Lagos State (2007)Special Marshall, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (2007)Life Patron, Lagos State Community Department Advisory Council (2008)Life Patron, Man O’ War Association, Lagos State (2008).The list is by no means exhaustive. However, the fact remains that Cardinal (Dr.) James Omolaja Odunmbaku has done exceptionally well and is untiring in working assiduously to affect his immediate community and the world positively.
