He went. He saw. He conquered. He has joyfully returned to his country home, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital with an unprecedented records of achievements as a good ambassador of his people.
Since January 2021, Sarafa Tunji Isola has been Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom until recently when he along with other serving ambassadors were recalled by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after many months of diplomatic journey.
Isola who hails from the Egba division of the state was appointed the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari.
On Saturday, December 14, 2023, during a grand reception for Isola's return at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, it was an heroic celebrations of a worthy son of the gateway state.
Different calibre of people, the high and the low showered encomiums on the ambassador for being a good ambassador of his people.
For Isola, former chairman, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Secretary to Ogun State Government, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, among other positions, it was literarily a triumphant return.
The reception which held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital premises, had in attendance people across political, economic and social divides.
The traditional institution was also in attendance with the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV leading them.
Alake's revered high chiefs also accompanied him as well as the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, Otileta VII among other royal fathers.
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by former Speaker, Titi Oseni-Gomez, described Isola as a pride of the country and the state.
According to Abiodun, the sterling performance of Isola at the United Kingdom High Commission projected Ogun State in a good light.
Former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun along with his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel eulogised Isola for his well representation of the state and the country.
Represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Rockcity FM, Abeokuta, Dr. Niran Malaolu, Daniel said he was happy that many people in the world attested to Isola's performance.
He described him as a very committed secretary to the state government during his administration.
Amosun, on his part, expressed joy at Isola's exemplary performance as a diplomat.
The ex-governor praised Isola not only for meeting but surpassing expectations at the commission when he was leaving.
Turning to the Alake of Egbaland and other Obas present, Amosun said: "your son represented you very well."
While responding, Isola attributed his achievements to the dedicated staff of the High Commission in London.
Isola, underscores the importance of effective leadership saying: "once the leadership is right, followership will follow."
He appreciated his wife's contributions towards whatever achievements he must have recorded as a diplomat.
"Leaving home early in the morning and returning late at night was a routine. To my dear wife, I want to convey my thanks.
"Often leaving home at 7:30 am due to the mission's early opening, engaging with people until 11:00 pm, and returning home to a mere four-hour of sleep before contemplating the day's issues at 3:00 am, your support and sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
He lauded the unity among traditional rulers, particularly the camaraderie between Alake , the paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and the Osile Oke-Ona,Oba Adedapo Tejuoso.
"I would like to extend a special thank you to President Buhari for three distinct reasons: firstly, for the appointment; secondly, for providing maximum support; and thirdly, for believing in me, recognizing the unique significance of each aspect.
"My deepest appreciation goes to the Nigerian diaspora for their exceptional cooperation, even after the recall.
"It was noteworthy that individuals willingly paid €50 each to attend a hall in my honour, an unprecedented gesture that touched my heart. I also want to express my gratitude to the dedicated staff at the High Commission in London.
" I consistently emphasise the importance of leadership, as evidenced by the fact that, besides Mrs. Remi Onasanya, the only person accompanying me in my achievements was a member of the mission's staff.
"I find joy in the strong bonds formed among our traditional rulers, particularly exemplified by Kaabiyesi Alake and the paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
" Reflecting on a recent occasion when I joined them at a Chinese restaurant to celebrate Olori Osile Agba's birthday, followed by reciprocal visits and joint celebrations, it warms my heart to witness this renewed spirit of camaraderie.
"This positive energy extends to the long-standing relationship between Kaabiyesi Alake and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who have been traveling to the UK for the past 15 to 16 years. The rekindling of this spirit is truly gratifying.
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to these experiences. At this moment, words fail me, but to all involved, I thank you sincerely.", he concluded.