*Ologburo: Bouquet of Juliet’s Roses for a Special Being on a Special Day.* *Isiaka Kehinde.*

Alhaji Musibaudeen Babatunde Ologburo belongs to that rare class of people often described as *old souls* people who come into the world with extraordinary qualities, unusual depth, uncommon wisdom, and a rare ability to distinguish themselves from the crowd. They hardly speak unless it is absolutely necessary; but when they do, people instinctively listen, eager to harvest the wisdom embedded in their words.

Not all kings wear beaded crowns, sit on thrones, or are born with silver spoons in their mouths. Some simply wear the invisible badge of a *goodsoul*.

Alhaji Babatunde Ologburo belongs unmistakably to this distinguished category of men—glistening in *both interior and exterior*, in character and conduct, in heart and soul.

*There is a famous passage in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (Act II, Scene II): “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; / The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” Shakespeare was speaking of death, but the metaphor may equally be extended to birth. Great souls often seem to arrive with signs that, in retrospect, appear to foreshadow the uniqueness of their journey.*

Alhaji Ologburo was born on a day when the sun, according to the language of astrology, was in Libra, a sign traditionally associated with fairness, harmony, balance and relationships. Whether one subscribes to astrology or regards it simply as poetic symbolism, the description is remarkably fitting for a man whose life reflects a gilded heart—one that seeks peace, values people and radiates kindness.

More remarkably, he was born on a day that has an even greater historical symbolism for his country: Nigeria’s Independence Day, the day the nation transitioned from colonial rule to freedom. There is something beautiful about that coincidence. While the nation celebrates its liberation from the shackles of colonial rule, we also pause to celebrate a man whose life has been marked by another kind of freedom—the freedom to remain kind in an unkind world, humble in an age of self-importance, and compassionate in a society increasingly driven by self-interest.

As we celebrate this landmark day in our national history, therefore, let us spare a special moment to celebrate a man with a golden heart—caring, kind, humble, humane and pious to a fault.

May Almighty God grant Alhaji Musibaudeen Babatunde Ologburo many more years in good health, peace and fulfilment; years in which he will continue to honour God, enrich the lives of those around him and remain useful to humanity.

Happy birthday, Alhaji Ologburo.

May your roses never cease to bloom.