Some leaders don’t emerge by accident. Their journeys are shaped long before they ever step into public office, defined by years of discipline, character and impact. That is how I see Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State and my principal. His story is much bigger than politics, and his path has inspired many of us who believe in leadership rooted in humility and service.
Recently, a simple national debate drew me into a moment of reflection. Adekunle Gold released his new song “Many People,” and this triggered an argument among Nigerians about the origin of the popular line “many many many people.” Many people insisted it came from Yinka Ayefele’s 2003 album titled Aspiration, which is the version most young listeners know. But something in me wanted to dig deeper, and what I found genuinely surprised me.
The phrase actually dates back to 1995 on Adewale Ayuba’s cassette album titled “Fuji Music”. And on that track, Ayuba praised someone, young Nigerians today may never guess—Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq. Nearly thirty years ago, long before public office, Ayuba described him as a leader, business mogul, philanthropist and respected figure in the community. That discovery reminded me of something important: his leadership was recognized long before politics came into the picture. People had acknowledged his qualities long before the rest of the country began paying attention.
Born on February 5, 1960, into the respected family of Alhaji A.G.F. AbdulRazaq, he could easily have relied on family reputation. But he didn’t. At just 29, he founded NOPA Oil Services, becoming one of the early indigenous Nigerians to export crude oil internationally. Over time, he expanded into oil trading, construction, real estate, agriculture and technology—always quietly, always with integrity. What has always stood out to me is the way he supported people privately, without cameras or headlines. Scholarships, community support, assistance to persons with disabilities—he did all of these because he felt responsible for people, not because he wanted recognition.
So when he became Governor in 2019, many saw him as a newcomer. But to those who knew his story, it felt like a continuation of a life shaped by responsibility and impact. His leadership reflects who he has always been: modest, disciplined, transparent and focused on people rather than politics. From the transformation in education to the improvements in healthcare and rural development, he leads by working quietly and consistently rather than seeking attention.
That is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s description of him as a “thoroughbred professional and Spartan politician” resonated deeply with me. Those words are not casual. A thoroughbred is someone refined by values and character. A Spartan refers to simplicity, discipline and sacrifice. To me, the President was acknowledging what many of us already know—AbdulRazaq is a leader guided by purpose, not privilege.
Thinking about that 1995 discovery and everything I know about him, I see something symbolic about his journey. True leadership leaves footprints long before the world begins to notice. From an old Fuji cassette, to his years in global business, to his calm and steady approach to governance, to national recognition today—his story has always been one of consistency, humility and quiet strength.
As someone who has learned from him and observed him closely, I honor him not just as a governor, but as a man whose influence spans generations. His impact began long before politics, and it will be remembered long after it.
Hon. Sulaimon Lekan Gadaff
17-11-2025
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