1) Nelson Mandela: Activist and Politician who braved internal oppositions after he was freed and forgave his enemies and gave them equal rights after he was elected President.
2) Gordon Brown: Former British Prime Minister, the leading protagonist against the 2008 economic crisis. He ‘saved the world’ at the cost of his Political career.
3) Julian Assange: The WikiLeak's bulwark who braved mighty oppositions and revealed the hypocrisy of the US government and many Governments across the world. 3 years on, his freedom is still largely curtailed at an Ecuadorian embassy in London.
4) Benazir Bhutto: Pakistani Politician, who escaped assassination twice, still went to the same area and eventually got shot and died the third time. She risked martyrdom for the emancipation of her land.
5) Malala Yousafzai: 15 year old Pakistani blogger who was shot and risked her life for advocating education for girls.
6) Benedict XVI
7) Murtala Ramat Mohamed: Former Nigeria Military President. He gave up his life in the cause of fighting corruption and correcting irregularities in government.
8) MKO Abiola: Business mogul turned politician who let go of freedom and braved death for the cause of democracy.
9) Dora Akunyili: Former NAFDAC Director and Communication Minister who fought the perpetuity of retrogressing Principalities to a standstill. She gave up her life in the service of her nation.
10) Pastor Bakare: Fearless radical Pastor and Politician who would not be cowed. Critic of Lie not minding whose head is gored. Courageous advocate of truth and justice in the land.
11) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu: Former EFCC Chairman, an anti-corruption stalwart whose like is yet to be seen in the nation.
12) Gbenga Adeboye: A multi-talented Philosopher and media personality who courageously used his talents to speak out against various evils in the land, he risked and gave his life in the service of truth and employed his talents towards the emancipation of the soul of man.
13) Fela Anikulapo Kuti: Fearless Musician who used his music to expose the corruption in government.
14) Ali Baba: Comedian. God raised him, he used his facilities to raise others. Now, comedy is a mighty industry in Nigeria through his lifting others up.
15) Shuaib Amodu: Former Super Eagles Coach. Twice he qualified Nigeria for the World Cup; twice he was refused the right to lead Nigeria to the world Cup. Twice Nigeria ‘fumbled’ at the world cup as a result. He held no animosity. Keshi today is reaping the fruits of Amodu’s actions.
16) Bishop Babatunde Adelakun: Former Catholic Bishop of Oyo diocese, who even before Benedict XVI would, taught me by his actions that an elder must always learn to let go. He always leads his companions in the act of ‘letting go’.
17) Br Joseph Kotoye: A man whom, up till now, I’m yet to come across his like. A Mechanical Design Engineer. He literarily sold all what he had and gave his life to the service of the poor. No, I am not giving a medieval story, neither is he European or American; he is a simple ‘commoner’ living at Abule Egba in Lagos.
18) Mr Samuel Akinjogunla: A man of ultra-confidence in God. His way of life and the manner of his death has become a resounding gospel in my life.
19) Akinkunmi Akinola : My brother. He was born in sorrow, he lived in toil and he died in pains. A boy of 13 who is graced with having no animosity. Heaven embraced him. I see that every day.
20) Engr Michael Araoye Akinola: He risked, braved and gave ALL for the emancipation of his children!
21) You: Yes you who are reading this. You are my Inspiration , my lesson about what it means to live!
