• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Friday, May 30, 2025
  • Login
Vital News
  • Frontpage
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • National
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • More
    • Crime
    • Judiciary
    • Security
No Result
View All Result
  • Frontpage
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • National
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • More
    • Crime
    • Judiciary
    • Security
No Result
View All Result
Vital News
No Result
View All Result
Home National Opinion

Hurray! Dapo Abiodun Is 63! by Kayode Akinmade

Vital News by Vital News
May 29, 2023
in Opinion
0
Akor, NPC D-G Congratulates Dapo Abiodun On Election Victory
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

 

Hurray! Dapo Abiodun is 63!

By Kayode Akinmade

If the streets of Ogun State blare forth music and ecstatic crowds dance to their hearts’ content today, the celebrations would have been fully deserved. There have been hard times—it is the nature of life—but there is also a time for merriment, for song and dance, and for sheer delight; a time to count our blessings, name them one by one, and be pleasantly surprised at what The Lord has done. In a great testimony to the manifold blessings of God, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, clocks 63 today.

As is Governor Abiodun’s wont, today will witness thanksgiving for, as the Yoruba say, anyone who knows how to think critically will always know how to give thanks. The Yoruba also say that an ingrate is akin to a robber that makes away with one’s goods.

RelatedStories

ROADS TO REBIRTH : How Governor Ododo Is Leveraging Multilateral Partnership To Transform Road Infrastructure In Kogi State BY ISMAILA ISAH

UNDERSTANDING RUSSIA’S GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR AND VICTORY By Lawal Sale

THINK TANK: SENATOR MOHAMMED ALI NDUME’S DELIBERATE DISTORTION OF DEVELOPMENT LOANS DATA: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

2027 : THE DISTURBING ETHNIC SING SONG FROM YOBE By Modu Zanna

The Iperu-born prince and fifth democratically elected governor of Ogun State has a lot to be thankful for: the sheer gift of life, sound health, a happy family, a prosperous populace and a promising future. What more can anyone ask for? It is The Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight.

It is not sheer coincidence that the governor’s birthday falls on this date when new governments are being sworn in across the country. As in other parts of the country, there will be a swearing-in today in Abeokuta, and no one but the People’s Governor will be formally renewing the contract with the Ogun people for yet another four years. As he takes the oath of office, millions of Ogun indigene will be in a celebratory mood, knowing the landmarks of the last four years, and the promise that the future holds.

By now, it ought to be clear that whoever the Almighty God has destined to wear a crown will do so. For Abiodun, perhaps the course of events has also been influenced by his name Adedapo, a multivariate term meaning “ the crown mixes together, two royals merging.” By birth, Abiodun is royalty; by conduct, he is nobility. He is an Omoluabi, the quintessential Yoruba personality; one who is dignified in outlook, word and deed; one who has learnt the art of moderation, an exemplification of the best qualities.

Educated in Nigeria and the United States, Prince Abiodun, MFR, was until his assumption of office as Governor of Ogun State in May, 2019, Chairman and/or Chief Executive of several reputable companies which included Crestar Hydrocarbons Limited, OMS-Heyden Exploration and Production Limited, Heyden Petroleum Limited, Alarmnet and Innovative Ventures Limited, and First Power Limited.

For obvious reasons, his pathway to political power was paved with thorns.

That is not fortuitous; gold, before it becomes refined, must pass through fire. It is a story captured in the motto of the Royal Air Force: Par adua ad astra, meaning “through difficulty to the stars.” Ogun State, Nigeria’s industrial hub, is apparently very calm today, ready to host a deluge of investments, but the story has not always been this enchanting. Time was when political violence and gross misconduct by political office-holders gave the state a poor image. Time was when political thugs literally ran the opposition out of town. Time was when grievous injuries and even fatalities were recorded in the state. Time was when the state was run by a warlord who, even after his tenure, conducted political revivals across the state running down his successor. Time was when wearing a yellow shirt showing support for a certain Abiodun could actually cost you a limb or two as marijuana-ravaged hoodlums enforced the orders of their leader. Today, thankfully, Ogun is peaceful and prosperous and proud of its good fortune.

Governor Abiodun truly passed through the fire of politics, but he has remained strong. He contested for a Senate seat under the defunct UNCP during the Sani Abacha regime but the transition programme never saw the light of day. And when democracy came calling in 1999, he strived to be a member of the Red Chamber, squaring up against the Afenifere chieftain of blessed memory, Olabiyi Durojaye. Durojaiye won, but this did not dampen his spirits. Now, during the PDP primary for the governorship election in 2003, many thought that he would be given the ticket, knowing that he was one of the biggest financiers of the PDP. But it was Gbenga Daniel who got the ticket.

In subsequent elections, Abiodun again contested the senatorial ticket twice but it was the late Buruji Kashamu that won the tickets.

Even , the last election, the 2019 elections, was supposed to be a senatorial run but the immediate past governor of the state played a devious game, trying to shut him out of the APC governorship primaries. This was when he threw his hat into the ring and clinched the ticket of the party. The rest, as they say, is history.

Having passed through that tortuous road, he first gave glory to God, knowing that it is God who enthrones leaders. As his name Oluwaseun implies, thanks must be given to God all the time. He recognizes that whoever God has been kind to must also live up to expectations. He promised to work for the good people of Ogun State, coming up with the acronym, ISEYA. And he faced the task with vigour, to the extent that in just 100 days, he had been able to initiate projects across the 20 local government areas of the state. He created agric initiatives that bettered the lot of young farmers. He curbed kidnapping and other crimes. He focused squarely on governance, ensuring that projects were evenly distributed across the state, unlike what happened in the past. Today, the states boasts of multiple housing estates for low income and high income earners, fully equipped state hospitals, a thriving tech industry, and increasing presence of foreign investors with gigantic projects. With his ISEYA (Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Wellbeing, Education, Youth Development and Agriculture and Food Security) mantra, he has turned around the fortunes of Ogun State. The Gateway State is now Nigeria’s top investment destination. Foreign investors are pouring into the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, an emerging Aerotropolis, at Ilishan and Olokola Free Trade Zone.

He has lifted over 5,000 women out of poverty, built over 400 kilometres of road and rehabilitated at least 100; equipped primary healthcare centres with more than 50 ambulances, while furnishing the secondary and tertiary levels of care with state of the art equipment and distinguished health care professionals; kicked off a state-wide multimodal Transportation Masterplan with air-conditioned and wifi enabled buses, and created a one-stop-shop for business promotion, among others. He has built Tech Hubs to integrate the youth of the state into the latest technologies, laying 5000-kilometre fibre optic cables across the state. And the nation took notice with a deluge of awards: Governor of the Year in Education (National Body of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria), Governor of the Year in Digital Economy (New Telegraph and Daily Independent newspapers), the Most Improved State in Agriculture and Economic Empowerment 2020 ( BusinessDay), Governor of the Year in the Agriculture and Housing sectors back-to-back (international, independent organisations). He has also been honoured by Vanguard Media Limited as all-round Governor of the Year, 2021; Governor of the Year 2022 (LEADERSHIP Newspaper). ‘Distinguished Award for Industrial Revolution ( President Muhammadu Buhari, in October, 2022); and Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution for 2022 (Forbes).
Because Abiodun is a technocrat who doesn’t appreciate the hanky panky of politics, a lot of political actors are not happy with his honesty and transparency. Indeed, his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, openly declared that he would ensure that Abiodun did not win a second term. And, what is more, even those he helped to secure tickets quickly turned Judas, working against him during the March 18 polls. But just like his name suggests, he overcame all the adversaries. Today, he will be sworn in to continue his developmental programmes. Challenges are on the way but God will uphold him. As he clocks 63, his resolve is to serve God and humanity for the rest of his years. Here’s wishing the people’s Governor a blessed and happy birthday. Hurray!!!

*Akinmade, former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State also a Consultant on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun.*
(vitalnewsngr.com)

Tags: AkinmadeDapoGovernorOgun
Previous Post

FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU 29 MAY 2023

Next Post

AIT Founder, Raymond Dokpesi Dies At 71

Vital News

Vital News

RelatedStories

Ododo, Minister, Other Stakeholders Laud Kogi’s Groundbreaking Annual Media Repor
Opinion

ROADS TO REBIRTH : How Governor Ododo Is Leveraging Multilateral Partnership To Transform Road Infrastructure In Kogi State BY ISMAILA ISAH

May 19, 2025
UNDERSTANDING RUSSIA’S GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR AND VICTORY By Lawal Sale
Foreign

UNDERSTANDING RUSSIA’S GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR AND VICTORY By Lawal Sale

May 1, 2025
THINK TANK: SENATOR MOHAMMED ALI NDUME’S DELIBERATE DISTORTION OF DEVELOPMENT LOANS DATA: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Opinion

THINK TANK: SENATOR MOHAMMED ALI NDUME’S DELIBERATE DISTORTION OF DEVELOPMENT LOANS DATA: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

April 16, 2025
2027 : THE DISTURBING ETHNIC SING SONG FROM YOBE By Modu Zanna
Opinion

2027 : THE DISTURBING ETHNIC SING SONG FROM YOBE By Modu Zanna

April 15, 2025
Opinion

For The Yoruba Of Northern Nigeria By Lasisi Olagunju

April 14, 2025
Next Post

AIT Founder, Raymond Dokpesi Dies At 71

Family Confirms Death Of Dr Raymond Dokpesi

Family Confirms Death Of Dr Raymond Dokpesi

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia Sworn In As Benue Governor, Unveils 7-point Agenda

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia Sworn In As Benue Governor, Unveils 7-point Agenda

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us

Recommended

Ododo Offsets WAEC Fees Of 18,734 Students In Public Secondary Schools

Gov. Ododo Congratulates Aiyedatiwa On Election Victory

6 months ago
As Ogun Moves To Preserve Abeokuta-Sagamu Road  by Funmi Branco

EDUCASH : Ogun To Disburse N3.5bln To 150,000 Beneficiaries

1 year ago
Strike : Tinubu Orders Release Of Four Months Withheld Salary Of ASUU Members

Strike : Tinubu Orders Release Of Four Months Withheld Salary Of ASUU Members

2 years ago
Eid : Cleric Urges Tinubu To Make Life Easier For Nigerians

Eid : Cleric Urges Tinubu To Make Life Easier For Nigerians

2 years ago

Instagram

    Please install/update and activate JNews Instagram plugin.

Categories

  • Agriculture/ Water/ Mineral
  • Aviation
  • Business
  • Crime
  • Culture
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Football
  • Foreign
  • Gender
  • Health
  • Judiciary
  • Labour
  • National
  • News
  • Oil & Gas
  • Opinion
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Power
  • Religion
  • Security
  • Sports
  • Transport
  • Uncategorized

Topics

Abiodun Abuja APC arrest Atiku Bandits Bello Benue Buhari CBN Court Dangote death drugs Economy EFCC Election elections FG Fraud gunmen Hajj INEC Kano kidnap Kill Kogi Kwara Lagos NDLEA Niger Nigeria Ododo Ogun Oyo PDP Police Power refinery rescue road Security Senate students Tinubu
No Result
View All Result

Highlights

Midterm Performance : Taraba State Rated Least In IGR, Good Governance

School Wall Collapses On Students Writing WAEC In Taraba

Army Armourer, 17 Other Soldiers, 15 Mobile Police Officers, Traditional Ruler Arrested For Selling Arms To Criminals

Islamic Cleric To Die By Hanging For Killing, Stealing N300,000 From Client In Osun

Emefiele Drags FG To Appeal Court Over Forfeiture Of 753 Units Of Houses In Abuja Estate

NDLEA Arrests Two Pilgrims Heading To Saudi Arabia With Cocaine

Trending

21 Die, 10 Missing In Niger Flood Disaster
Environment

21 Die, 10 Missing In Niger Flood Disaster

by Vital News
May 29, 2025
0

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the death of 21 persons in massive floods...

Sidi Ould Tah Elected New President Of AfDB

Sidi Ould Tah Elected New President Of AfDB

May 29, 2025
President Tinubu Appoints Former Speaker, Yakubu Dogara As Chairman Of NCGC

President Tinubu Appoints Former Speaker, Yakubu Dogara As Chairman Of NCGC

May 29, 2025
Midterm Performance : Taraba State Rated Least In IGR, Good Governance

Midterm Performance : Taraba State Rated Least In IGR, Good Governance

May 29, 2025
School Wall Collapses On Students Writing WAEC In Taraba

School Wall Collapses On Students Writing WAEC In Taraba

May 29, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
Vital News

Vital News is an online newspaper with a mission to uphold professional journalism by reporting and publishing only facts and figures-based news reports across Nigeria and beyond.

Recent News

  • 21 Die, 10 Missing In Niger Flood Disaster May 29, 2025
  • Sidi Ould Tah Elected New President Of AfDB May 29, 2025
  • President Tinubu Appoints Former Speaker, Yakubu Dogara As Chairman Of NCGC May 29, 2025

Categories

  • Agriculture/ Water/ Mineral
  • Aviation
  • Business
  • Crime
  • Culture
  • Economy
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Environment
  • Football
  • Foreign
  • Gender
  • Health
  • Judiciary
  • Labour
  • National
  • News
  • Oil & Gas
  • Opinion
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Power
  • Religion
  • Security
  • Sports
  • Transport
  • Uncategorized

© 2022 Vital News - . All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Frontpage
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • National
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • More
    • Crime
    • Judiciary
    • Security

© 2022 Vital News - Vital News by Vital News.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In