SIXTY years ago, in Iyamoh,Edo state, Hadjia Aishetu and Alhaji Aliyu Oshiomhole were blessed with a baby boy whom they named Adams Aliyu Aihanegboye Oshiomhole. Those familiar with the names say Aihanegboye means “The wicked will not catch up with you”.
The young Adams as if in a hurry to fulfill his destiny, in 1969, took up a job with Arewa Textiles Company Kaduna. He got the job after he convinced the personnel manager that though he was small in stature, he was physically and mentally fit for the job.
From then on, there was no stopping Adams Oshiomhole. In 1971, his colleagues at work saw in him, the qualities of a selfless leader when he organized a shop floor revolution. Consequently, he was elected union secretary. His determination to improve the lot of fellow workers, led him to become a full time trade unionist with the Textile Workers union in 1975.
During his activities as a shop floor worker, he met a beautiful lady, Clara at the union’s office. Clara was then a secretary with the trade union. Adams got help from Clara who helped to type his letters to employers. Within the struggle, he found time to propose to Clara who married him.