BUNMI TUNJI-OJO: THE TORCH BEARER OF DEVELOPMENT

OLUBUNMI TUNJI OJO, Oyin-Akoko born Politician and Internationally Certified ICT Guru

BUNMI TUNJI-OJO: THE TORCH BEARER OF DEVELOPMENT

A man whose story cannot be told without the repeated mention of grace of God is Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He is a typical example of a man that rose from rags to riches.

He had earlier in life forced himself out of the crucible of grinding poverty and came out with material and intellectual riches.

The resolute determination of the Management consultant in his early life struggles had helped him to conquer poverty and his unpleasant experience of lack has made him passionate to the cause of rescuing his people from the firm grip of underdevelopment.

Without doubt, it can only take the grace of God and hard work for someone like Bunmi Ojo to have come out of the vicious circle of poverty.

By nature, poverty is made of an iron ceiling that has four feet off the ground and its ceiling forces those who live in it to spend their days hunched over, on the edge of fear and humiliation.

But God in his infinite mercy has been most kind to Bunmi Tunji-Ojo and now is his own pay back time to his immediate and extended community.

According to Tunji-Ojo,”I am a man that lost his father when I was in primary 4 and the only child of my parents. I could remember the days I used to hawk tomatoes and pepper at Oja-Oba market in Akure.

I could remember that I was unable to pay for my final year examination if not for Dr Ayo Val. He is one of the key men of God that played a major role in my life”.

BTO as he is popularly called is an accomplished business man and management consultant. He is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Matrix IT,New Planet Projects Limited and other thriving companies.

He is highly dissatisfied with the poor condition of all nearly all the federal roads in Akoko land, a situation that is negatively impacting the affected communities.

Bunmi Tunji-Ojo feels that his federal constituency lacks quality representation at the federal level which has practically manifested in the infrastructural retrogression of the area.

In his words, “Now we are scared of the bad road and we are also scared of been kidnapped on the road, a journey that was supposed to take 5 hours is now taking 10 hours.

I could remember in 2006 to 2007, we used to make it on that road for 5 hours, but now it is something else. It then means that once you go through that road you have wasted your entire day. So productivity wise, it is making us to be less productive.”

The Oyin Akoko born ICT guru can actually feels the pain of his people; a factor that that has spurred his interest in partisan politics.

He has evidently achieved monumental successes as a professional and now feels compelled to be the the torch bearer of development for his people.

In his words, “I am desirous to be able to influence life positively and to be able to create a greater future for my generation because my generation is a new generation and we must be able to create the future for generations coming after us just like the one before us in the likes of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu”.

Mr Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has seen how some legislators in the national assembly have taken full advantage of their offices to facilitate road construction, road repairs and other projects in the areas they represent.

It is for this reason that the intellectually gifted Akoko son has decided to contest for the seat of Akoko North and Akoko West federal constituency. His decision to venture into politics definitely could not have been informed by material acquisition going by the quantum of his attainments in profession and business.

According to him, ” We must be able to take advantage of that to create a better future for the people, to give them a voice and be able to give them a good representation at the highest level”.

BTO plans to actualize his ambition  on the platform of the All Progressive Congress and he is overly optimistic of his chances of success. Although, he had contested the same position in 2011 under the platform of ACN but came second.

His performance at time was highly commendable going by the high number of votes he scored and formidability of the opposition.

Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is eminently qualified, exposed and experienced enough to represent his Akoko North and Akoko East federal constituency.

He is by any measure of standard an accomplished business man and management executive who specializes in the development and execution of strategic documents needed for both corporate and national growth.

He has proven his ability to plan, organize and manage companies. Bunni has equally managed and still managing large organizations, strategic business departments, small and medium enterprises.

He is likewise imbued with solid background in developing businesses in areas of  agriculture, ICT, research, finance, management consultancy and manufacturing industries.

Tunji-Ojo has also been blessed with good organizational, relationship and administrative skills. His other key skills are in project management,ability to create strategy for organizational wins,management skills at executive level and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. He is nonetheless a great team player and a highly gifted in conflicts resolution.

Olubunmi attended London Metropolitan University in United Kingdom 2002 to 2006. He also attended Britannia Information Technology Training Academy in United Kingdom from 2004 to 2006.

He equally attended Smith Health Care in United Kingdom from 2002 to 2003.  Bunmi Tunji-Ojo studied and  obtained his first degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife from 1999 to 2002.

 The secondary school education of Tunji-Ojo was at the FUTA Staff Secondary School from 1993 to 1999 where he passed Senior School Certificate Examination in flying colours.

Some of the academic qualifications obtained by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo are Certification in Ethical Hacking and Counter Measures in 2006,  Advanced Diploma in Project Management and Organization in 2005, Diploma in Information and Communication Management obtained in 2004, Load Management and Client Handling Certificates obtained in 2003 and
Client Care Assistant Certificate in  2002.

Bunmi belongs to a good number of  professional bodies within and outside the country. He is a member of Royal Council for Commerce and Industry in United Kingdom and member of E-Commerce Council in the United Kingdom. He also enjoys the membership of Computing Technology Industry Association, Information Systems Audit and Control Association and  British society of Instrumentation and Control.

Tunji-Ojo is equally a  member of Electronic Consultancy Society in United Kingdom and member of Digital Communication Network also in the United Kingdom.

Professional career of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has undoubtedly been a most illustrious one thus far having being given briefs by high ranking clientele both in the public and private sectors. Some of the clients that have so far reposed trust in the professional proficiency are the World Bank, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His other clients also include the Nigerian Gas Company, National Petroleum Investment and Management Services, National Film and Video Censors Board, Nigerian Petroleum  Development Company, Federal Ministry of Works, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Other establishments that have likewise given professional briefs to one of the many companies of Bunmi Tunji-Ojo also include Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Abuja, National Teachers Institute, Kaduna, Federal Ministry of Information, National Universities Commission, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, National Health Insurance Scheme, Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), National Archives of Nigeria and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The prodigious Tunji-Ojo had worked with Techworks UK Limited as a Network Security Analyst from 2004 to 2006. Some of his clientele at the time were Barclays Bank, HSBC Bank, Apple Incorporated, JRG Partners, JD Sports and University of Liverpool.

BTO has attended a good number of workshops and courses within and outside the country to enhance his personal and professional development.

A few of the courses include the Strategic visioning/concepts, processes and tools for leading and managing industrial change held, Lagos in January 2008, Strategy and Capacity Building for an effective business development, London in October 2008, Project development and management: Models and Practices, London in July 2009, Attitude and cultural change for the promotion of foreign direct investment, Ibadan in April 2012 and Risked based Investment Strategy attended in Florida in October 2013.

To the credit of Bunmi Tunji-Ojo are several awards he had won within and outside the shores of this country. He has won the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award as a Worthy Ambassador of African Youth from the All African Students Union (AASU) in 2010.

He also won the Excellence Award in Students Empowerment from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in 2010. BTO has likewise been entrusted with some public position during his educational days.

OLUBUNMI TUNJI OJO,the Oyin Akoko born politician and ICT Guru

He was made the Senior Prefect of FUTA Staff Secondary School, Akure in 1998 and was the Public Relations Officer FUTA Staff Secondary School Old Students Association from year 2000 to 2007.

Bunni is a responsible family man whose marriage has been blessed with healthy and wonderful children.

He is no doubt more than equipped and prepared to liberate his people from the grip of underdevelopment and poverty.

It is hoped that the good people of Akoko North and Akoko East will readily give the needed support to this young man who is prepared to bear their torch of infrastructural development and the economic liberation of the youth when the time comes in 2019.

HOW TOKUNBO KAYODE EMERGE AS 10TH PRES. ABUCCIMA

 

…Read his intimidating profile 

Prince Tokunbo Kayode,Ikaram Akoko born Lawyer,and Corporate player,10th President Abuja Chambers of Cormmerce and Industry ABUCCIMA

By the time you are reading this story the entire members of Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) will be working round the clock and round the world putting last minutes touches to the inauguration of PRINCE ADETOKUNBO ADEYINK KAYODE (CON, SAN, FCIArb) as the 10th President of the Group.
This Ikaram Akoko Born 4-Time Cabinet Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prince Kayode will on the 23rd day of January, 2018 be inaugurated as the 10th President of the ABUCCIMA by 7.00 pm at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
It would be recalls that Prince Kayode who was on Wednesday, 6th December, 2017 appointed as the new President of ABUCCIMA and has formally assumed office since on Monday 11th December,2017.
Before this new appointment, Kayode has held several positions in the association from 1996-98, and served meritoriously as Vice chairman (Commerce) at ABUCCIMA.
He was later to serve as Vice president (Legal Affairs) from 2002-07 and at the moment, the incoming President of the Chamber is the First Deputy President of the same organisation which serves as an advocacy platform to project, protect, advance the interest of her members and the economy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He is currently the Chairman of the Triumph Mining & Exploration Company Limited, and the Chairman of the Ikaram Gems Ltd.
Prince Kayode, a successful lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria is the Managing Partner of Kayode & Co. (Legal Practitioners) and the Chief Counsel of Kayode Law Practice.
Prince Kayode is on the board of several other companies and brings to the Board of ABUCCIMA his vibrancy and pro-activeness in economic development matters, which has led to his success story as both a Public and Private sector player of the Nigerian economy.

BELOW IS THE INTIMIDATING RESUME OF THE NEW ABUCCIMA,1Oth  PRESIDENT, PRINCE ADETOKUNBO ADEYINKA KAYODE (SAN, CON, FCIArb)

Born on 31st October, 1958 in Akoko North West local government of Ondo state, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode; lawyer, institutions builder, statesman, business facilitator and philanthropist has been engrossed in the task of active legal practice since 1983.
During this period, he has engaged in corporate law practice as well as litigation both at trial and appellate courts and arbitral tribunals in Nigeria.
From 1964-65 he attended M.D.C Primary School, Mushin, Lagos. Between 1966-69 he was at Pedro Primary School, Shomolu, Lagos.
This was where he received his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
The period between 1970-74 saw him studying for his West African School Certificate (WASC) at C.M.S Grammar School, Lagos.
Upon the successful completion of secondary education, he navigated his way to The Ibadan Polytechnic from 1975-1977 for his A. Levels Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Thereafter, he got admission to read for a LLB degree at the University of Lagos between 1977-81.
The years between 1981-82 saw him reading at the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, where he was drilled into the knot and bolt of the learned profession.
He was consequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.
As a man who wants to seek and obtain knowledge wherever it exists, the versatile Kayode obtained Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration at the famous Keble College, Oxford University in 2003.
He also obtained Certificate in Tourism and Finance from the School of Higher International Studies, Paris, 2008 in addition he studied and obtained Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership with Said Business School, Oxford University in 2013.
Still not satisfied, he embarked on yet another certificate course in New Leadership at the Judge Business School, Cambridge University, UK in 2014.
Bearing in mind that the task of running modern business demands global connectivity and contact which more often than not result into some minor disputes, he decided to fortify himself against such eventuality by taking yet, a Certificate in Negotiation at the Harvard University in 2015 capping it with another Certificate in Strategic Communications which he obtained from World Bank/ University of Southern California in the year 2016.
In order to serve his country under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, he did the mandatory one year service from 1982-83 at Public Legal Aid Counsel in
Abuja.
Thereafter, he embarked on the impressive journey of legal practice as an Associate at Orifunmishe & Co in the period spanning across 1983-85 where he was a legal practitioner.
In 1985 he was Junior Partner in the same firm until 1990-2007 when he became Managing Partner, Kayode and Co. law firm. With effect from June 2011-till date he has been the Chief Counsel, Tokunbo Kayode Law Practice (TKLP).
In the course of his impressive legal career, he worked for and represented several financial institutions such as banks including United Bank for Africa (UBA), Union Bank , Unity Bank and Fidelity Bank.
In a similar manner, he has extended his service to insurance companies (including Nicon, Niger, Unic, Guinea) as well as power and energy companies such as Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Enugu Electricity Distribution company (EEDC), ABB, Total, Mobil, Shell, Conoil, KASTEC, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), PPMC).
Equally, he consulted for Nitel, Opensky, TK Telecoms as well as NigComSat which saw him getting involved, at one point in time or the other, in professional practice which spanned across the entire gamut of law in Nigeria.
His dedication to duty, Midas touch and professional competence saw him appointed Notary Public in 1994.
His due diligence earned him the highest rank of legal practice in Nigeria when he was decorated as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2001.
As the proverbial golden fish which has no hiding place, he became Associate, Member and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) in 2002, 2003 and 2009 respectively.
As a man who likes offering service to that see to amicable resolution of disputes occasioned on the public and humanity, he was inducted as a Fellow, Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators in 2009 as well as Associate Chartered Institute of Taxation in 2010.
He is currently a Bencher (member of the Body of Benchers), the highest body in the legal profession in Nigeria.
Kayode has received numerous honours but within and outside the shores of Nigeria including but not limited to: Doctor of Civil Laws (DCL) Honoris Causa Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, 2010; Presidential Gold Medal of the Republic of Liberia, 2010; Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2012.
Others are: Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb, UK), FChMC, ACITN, LLD (Honoris Causa) Ladoke University of Technology (LAUTech). In November, 2017, the United States International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni have honoured him with the prestigious Award of excellence.
At the elaborate ceremony which took place in Abuja, Prince Kayode was described as a man who has contributed immensely to ‘Leadership, Governance, Business Development and Mentoring’.

Prince Tokunbo Kayode,Ikaram Akoko born Lawyer,and Corporate player,10th President Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry ABUCCIMA

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Swiss Arbitration Associations, London Court of International Arbitration, International Bar Association, American Bar Association (Section on Dispute Resolution), Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Centre for Sports Arbitration and an Executive Member, Nigeria Bar Association.
He is also a Member of Panel of Neutral of the Multi Door Court of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He has also been recognized professionally with several awards such as Notary Public for Nigeria, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Associate Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Member Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Fellow Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Fellow Chartered Institute of Mediators & Conciliators and Associate Chartered Institute of Taxation.

In terms of professional honours, he has accumulated the following the accompanying corresponding years.
1994: Notary Public for Nigeria
2001: Senior Advocate of Nigeria
2002: Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
2003: Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
2008: Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK)
2009: Fellow, Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators
2010: Associate, Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Prince Kayode who is known to have firmly stamped his indelible name on the sands of time, is a proud and active member of several professional associations including: Chartered Institute of Arbitration, Swiss Arbitration Association, London Court of International Arbitration and Abuja Arbitration Forum, just to mention a few.
In a career which his father has great influence over, he is a shining Member of the Nigeria Bar Association, International Bar Association, American Bar Association (Section on Dispute Resolution), Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and Centre for Sports Arbitration.
From 2011 to date he has been a member of Panel of Neutrals of the Multi Door Court of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria in the same manner as from 2005 to date he has been a member of Panel of Neutrals of the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution Centre of the Nigeria Communication Commission, (NCC).
In the primary legal constituency’s regulatory arm, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he was the Chairman, Abuja Branch from 1988-90.
From 1989-92 , he was member, National Executive Committee and 3rd National Vice President from 1998-2000.
Other positions of responsibility he held in the body are:First National Vice President between 2000-2002 while he doubled as the, Chairman, Human Rights Committee of the NBA. From 2002- date he has being Member, National Executive Committee of the NBA.
From 1996-98, he served meritoriously as Vice chairman (Commerce) at Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA). He was later to serve as Vice president (Legal Affairs) from 2002-07.
At the moment, the incoming President of the Chamber is the First Deputy President of the same organisation which serves as an advocacy platform to project, protect, advance the interest of her members and the economy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He also sits on the board of several companies cutting across several sectors of the economy.

PRINCE TOKUNBO KAYODE’S POLITICAL TRAJECTORY:

In politics, after the 2007 elections, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed him Minister of Culture and Tourism. While he was serving the country in that capacity, the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) hosted the first African Arts and Crafts Expo, (AFAC) in 2008.
He was praised for completing the tourism master plan which was abandoned by successive administrations. Among other accomplishments in the ministry, his stay in the ministry saw to the inauguration of Nigeria Culture House, Brazil in November 2008; a feat that took Nigeria more than 21 years to achieve.
He introduced the first African regional summit on visual art, introduction of Africa arts and craft expo to promote Nigeria as a leader in Africa culture that will create market, champion the art of visual arts on the continent and development of sports tourism which culminated to the first national sports tourism conference in 2008.
He is reputed to have repositioned the cultural industry as a viable economic sector in addition to inaugurating the national tourism master plan.
In November 2008 however, the cabinet was dissolved. But in December 2008 he was found indispensable and appointed as Minister responsible for Labour and Productivity.
His track record of achievements in this ministry includes: Commencement of the implementation of employment master plan which was approved in 2001, first ever national employment summit which got international Acclaim and was adopted in March 2009, this led to development of National Jobs Pact which then President approved as template for employment and combating unemployment in Nigeria.
He further midwifed a strategy towards employment creation by developing a concept of using culture industries as strategy just a he initiated the concept of employment using Information Communication Technology (ICT) in partnership with Nigeria Communications Commission targeted at creating one million jobs for youths through ICT.
During that period too, he constructively initiated the concept of Robust Engagement and Open Door Policy with trade Unions between 2008-2009. He capped his achievements in the ministry with the development of the Yar’adua Labour Centre in Michael Imodu Institute of Labour Studies, Ilorin-Kwara state.
Immediately after Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became President, he replaced erstwhile Attorney General, Mike Kaase Aondoaka, with Kayode. Consequently, he also deployed his masterly of the profession as a luminary to record monumental achievements such as: enhancement of robust implementation of Mutually Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), inauguration and operation of the torture committee.
He became member, Federal Judicial Service Commission (2010), Member, National Judicial Institute (2010), Member, Bureau for Public Enterprise (2010), Member, Niger Delta NIPP (2010), Member, Niger Delta Security Committee 2010-2013 as well as Chairman, review committee on privatization of NITEL which led to saving Nigeria billions of naira.
In another round of cabinet shake-up, Kayode was deployed to the Ministry of Defence as Minister. His Minister of State was the son of late Yar’Adua, Alhaji Murtala Shehu Yar’Adua.
He was able to fashion and bring to bear radical changes that rolled back insecurity. Such accomplishments during the period he led the ministry are: Organized the first summit on international peace support operation that developed a national policy and strategy for engagement in operation especially in United Nations (UN), Africa Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led.
While presiding over the ministry, he ensured and engaged or actively supported the operationalization of the Africa Stand-by Force extending his support to the AU Commission for Security by organizing a Seminar for the activation of the Africa Stand-by Force.
He was also able to put in place a new directive for proactive recruitment in both officer cadre and other ranks in Nigeria military training institutions.
He also reformed the Nigeria Defence Industry through the repositioning of Dicon as a commercial enterprise.
Since 1998 till 2011, he held several notable positions at the council of Legal Education, Federal Judicial Services Commission, presidential ad hoc committee on democracy and good governance in Nigeria, National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in addition to serving on the board of the National Judicial Institute.
The erudite scholar, consummate legal luminary and complete gentleman, Prince Kayode is happily married to his better half, Mrs. Funmilayo and the marriage is blessed with 5 children. As a Yoruba prince, he holds the natural traditional title of ‘Omoba’.
While serving the country as Minister for Justice and Attorney General, the first thing he did was to seek the approval of the President to embark on massive recruitment of young and brilliant lawyers and send hem for specialised training.
Again, he sought to very quickly work on the serious reform of Ministry of Justice by creating at least six offices, agencies or parastatals in the ministry.
If he had not read Law (as was chosen by his father) Prince Kayode would have been a builder because aside from Law, nothing gives him more satisfaction than been at the building site. He knows a lot about building.
As a young man he had a construction company from 1985 to about ten years thereafter. He also had a block industry.
Ex-AGF, Prince Kayode Formally Assumes Office as President of Abuja Commerce Chamber

BOLARINWA,SSA ON LEG.MATTERS ON A FAMILIAR TERRAIN

 

OGBAGI AKOKO BORN, RT.HON. BOLARINWA OLUWASEGUNOTA,SSA TO GOV. ROTIMI AKEREDOLU ON LEGISLATIVE MATTERS AND FORMER SPEAKER ONDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY[ODHA]

Rt.HONOURABLE OLUWASEGUNOTA OMOLADE BOLARINWA, JP, PhD.

Going by the postulation of the Father of Philosophy, Great Aristotle who postulated that any Society that desire to make meaningful progress must put philosophers at the Kingship.

The reason may not be far-fetched why Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu the Governor of Ondo State decided to appoint an articulate philosopher, political analyst and former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly [ODHA], Rt.Hon. Dr, Oluwasegunota Omolade BOLARINWA, JP, PhD.as the Senior Special Assistance [SSA] on Legislative Matters.

This great Parliamentarian of great status, Rt. Hon. Bolarinwa has over time grown his political brand through his ideological political initiatives and the risky adventure within the Ondo State Political landscape.

Apart from his doggedness, commitment and courageous political antecedents, Bolarinwa remained the best substitute for that office vacated by his fellow Kinsmen Hon Taofiq Olawale Abdusalam also  a former Speaker of the ODHA who was recently appointed as the Commissioner for Works.

Going by the exigencies of that office which is so strategic to the incumbent administration needs a man of Bolarinwas status with competence and clout to perform the tactical role of interfacing between the parliamentarians.

As a Member of the Ondo State House of Assembly [ODHA] Bolarinwa was the Chairman, House Committee on Education between 30th May, 2003-3rd April, 2006 before his elevation as the 10^th Speaker of the ODHA and hold office for one year and two months between,3rd of April,2006 to the 1^st of  June, 2007.

With the expiration of his political mandate to the ODHA, Bolarinwa made his return to classroom and was re-absorbed into Adekunle Ajasin University on the 2nd July, 2007.

Until his recent appointment to the office of the SSA to Gov. Akeredolu on Legislative Matters, he has remains a Senior Lecturer and Acting Head of Philosophy Department cum Member of AAUA Senate.

About 14 years ago, Bolarinwa took a deep plunge into the murky water of Akoko Politics by resigning his appointment aa a lecturer and position as Academic Staff Union of Universities [ASUU] Secretary, AAUA Chapter to contest election into the Ondo State House of Assembly [ODHA] under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] and won.

Between May 30^th 2003 to 3^rd of April,2006, Bolarinwa activities within the Assembly as Member of House of the ODHA and equally the Chairman, House Committee on Education.

But on the 3^rd of April 2006,the dramatic turn of event within the Hallowed Chamber  led to the emergence of Bolarinwa as the 9^th Speaker of  the Ondo State House of Assembly[ODHA] and he was in charge till on the 1st of June, 2007.

Born in Ogbagi-Akoko on 8th April,1959.Young Bolarinwa started his education by attending St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Ogbagi-Akoko between 1968-1973.

From there he proceeded to Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi-Akoko in 1973-1979.

After a brief period of self-discovery and maturity, Bolarinwa in January 1990 gained admission into the Nigerian Premier University of Ibadan to Study Philosophy and he bagged his Bachelor of Arts Degree in February 1994.

His thirst for academic excellence led him back to the classroom of his alma mater the University of Ibadan in May 1994 when he went back to get his  Master of Arts Degree in June 1997.

Bolarinwa also has to his credential a Professional Master of Public Administration [MPA] at University of Ado-Ekiti in 2004-2006.

And he capped his academic attainment between April 2008 – July 2016 at the University of Ibadan with a Doctoral Degree also in Philosophy.

He started his lecturing career with the department of Philosophy at Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti spending just 10 months starting on the 10th February, 1999-1st December, 1999.

Before his relocation with other pioneer staff of Ondo State University, Akungba Akoko-now Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko on the st December, 1999 to the 28th February, 2003.

His Socio-Cultural Activities led to his emergent with different leadership responsibilities which includes the General Secretary of Ogbagi-Akoko  Development Council, Vice-President of Positive Club of Ogbagi-Akoko and President of Cedar Klob of Ogbagi-Akoko.

He is been honoured with several chieftaincy titles among the notable ones are Otunba-Omowale of Irun-Akoko Kingdom and Otun Baba-Ijo of St. John’s Anglican Church, Ogbagi-Akoko.

He had also been decorated with many awards including the Gbasaniyi of Egbe Akomolede Ati Asa Yoruba, Ondo State Chapter and he is an Archaivarian Methuselah Chief of the Kegites Club Worldwide.

This role model and political leader of the Akoko people is very responsible family man happily married to his wife, Mrs Adefunmibi Olaide Bolarinwa and their union is blessed with many children.

 

ONDO GUBER LEGAL TUSSLE: YOU HAVE CASE TO ANSWER APPEAL COURT TELLS AKETI

Dr.Segun Abraham, showing Victory Sign ahead of the Appeal Court Ruling

Abraham Floors Gov. Akeredolu at Appeal Court.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the appeal marked CA/A/45 /2017 and the application for stay of court’s proceedings filed by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu SAN.

The court rule that they lacked merit and ordered the governor to put up defence as one of the respondents to the suit, which is marked FHC/ABJ / CS/788/2016 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba.

In the suit filed by the first runner- up in the last governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Mr . Olusegun Abraham, is seeking an order nullifying the election of the Ondo State Governor -elect , Mr . Rotimi Akeredolu .

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, October 26, has ruled that an application for interim injunction sought by Dr. Olusegun Abraham, the first runner-up in the controversial Ondo primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has merit, and has therefore ordered the winner, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to appear before it by 12.00noon on Friday, October 28 to show cause.

In a suit filed before the Federal High Court Of Nigeria, in Abuja on Monday, October 10, Dr. Abraham, in a quest to get justice, had sought an interim order of injunction restraining the INEC, either by itself, agents or privies, from recognizing or further recognizing Rotimi Akeredolu as the governorship candidate of APC in the Ondo state governorship election slated for November 26, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed in the suit.

WOLI AROLE POPULAR COMEDIAN REVEALS HIS TRUE IDENTITY…AS AN IKARE-AKOKO BORN CHRONIC CAC MEMBER.

WOLI AROLE,,IKARE-AKOKO BORN CAC FAITHFUL BELIEVER & WAVE MAKING NAIJA COMEDIAN EXTRA-ORDINAR

NAIJA POPULAR COMEDIAN,    WOLI AROLE REVEALS HIS TRUE IDENTITY…AS AN IKARE-AKOKO BORN CHRONIC CAC CHURCH MEMBER.

The identity of another AKOKOSTAR who has taken Naija Entertainment and Showbiz Circle by storm making very him one of the most sought after has finally reveals that he hails from Ikare Akoko whose name was Bayegun Oluwatoyin Adesanya Abimbola Aka Woli Arole this time around it is in Comedy.

Woli Arole is that bearded prophetic, philosophical and faith inclined entertainer whose comic performance has taken him to many countries and states across Nigeria.

He is the toast of many Nigerian VIP’s who are becoming more interested in his brand and among them is Mr ISRAEL ODUNTAITAN ADEDEJI, a successful Freight Forwarder who invited Woli Arole as Master of Ceremony [MC] during his 4oth Birthday Bash held at Lagos recently.

 This young Akoko-born comedian within a very short time has creatively registered himself as the Nigeria’s funniest prophet on stage, Woli Arole  grew up in the ancient City of Ibadan has created a unique comedy style for himself thereby bringing upon himself fame and riches as well.

After the Birthday bash,WOLI AROLE briefly opened up to the AKOKOSTARS TEAM in Lagos his birth, background, developmental stages, his journey into comedy and how he came about his prophetic style of delivery as well as the scret behind the Woli Arole brand.It is an interesting piece enjoy the chat…

Who is Woli Arole? 

Yes before my transformation or metamorphosis into Woli Arole, I was born and named Bayegun Oluwatoyin Adesanya Abimbola but my entertainment and showbiz inclination naturally rebranded me into that famous Woli Arole.

Tell us more about your background?

I am from a family of 3, 2 boys and 1 girl. I hail from Ondo State and Ikare-Akoko to be precise. But I grow up at OyoState because my family resides in Ibadan so I was brought up in Ibadan. I had my primary school education at  Olapade Agoro Apata Ibadan. Secondary School was at the great Government College, Ibadan.And I later went to the Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife in Osun State before moving down to Lagos.

How was your journey into comedy?

Comedy for me has been an in-thing since I was very young and I started from the church. I joined the drama group of every church I have been to. Comedy started originally for me in my 100 Level in the university, which was in 2008/2009. I used to jest with my friends in class and I remember one of my friend, Leke, he told me I had what it takes to be a comedian and he encouraged me to work on myself which I did and that was how I started comedy professionally in 2010.

How were you able to cope with those challenges associated with the industry while starting?

The major challenge for me then was that people mocked me when I was just starting. Some would say your jokes are not funny. Then the boldness to go on stage was another issue. Ability to get new jokes as well.

Your brand remain one of the most Social Media ignited brand.Can you explained the role it played in shooting you to the limelight. I mean you share the experience with us?

I have been doing comedy before Instagram came about. But the Social Media was a very powerful tool God used to bring me out. The Instagram application came out in 2015, barely 2 years. One very good day I just picked my phone and recorded something. There’s a way or pattern my mom use to pray, which is the Christ Apostolic Church pattern. So I did a joke in that pattern and uploaded it on Instagram and the response was massive. I did a couple more and my followers and likes increased tremendously. I thank God that he gave me the inspiration to keep going till date. That CAC praying pattern has really helped my comedy career. People I didn’t even know started knowing me, liking my videos and following me. Some even shred it on different social media platforms across. The viewership came in millions and that was the birth of the Woli Arole brand.

How would you rate the comedy of your generation with that of the previous generations?

Comedy has become a voice. It’s not just about screaming “Warri Warri”, it is now intellectual, comes with a lot of thinking. It’s more of speaking about the reality happening around us in a funny way. It’s a game of intellectuals. A game of people with common sense.

Comedy has taken quite a lot of forms lately, would you say there’s an existence of genres of comedy now?

I think it’s beginning to happen. Comedy genres are beginning to happen. Before there was nothing like Music Comedy, beautiful thing Kenny Blaq is doing. There’s the intellectual Comedy, where you talk about what is happening. Big credit to Bovi for that one, he is a realist. There’s also the Prophetic Comedy where I come in. It’s a sector of comedy where I act as a prophet and use the prayer pattern to crack my jokes. I think we are beginning to have a genre of comedy and it makes it more fun. It’s not just about saying “Warri Warri” anymore. People are now beginning to do comedy in other languages other than the defunct Pidgin.

Asides comedy, what else are you into?

Asides comedy I am an actor. I had a couple of movies, I was in Alakada Reloaded. Acting has been a passion for me since when I was young. So I’m a comedian, an actor, a motivational speaker and I am also into Ministry.

How long have you been acting?

I have been acting since I was very young. I have done a couple of Yoruba and English movies, even Television series.

What’s next for Woli Arole?

I’m working on my project. My own featured movie would be coming out soon. I am also working on my own show where people can come and experience the Woli Arole brand. I am also working on something online where people can visit periodically.

Woli Arole and Asiri, are they a brand or individual acts?

I would say Woli Arole and Asiri is the synergy of 2 strong brands,2 friends coming together to do something that would come out well. They say 2 heads are better than 1.Asiri can do standup comedy very well, so can Arole. So when these 2 brands come together as 1, they bring out a great flavor.

 

ARAOYINBO’S BOMBSHELL !!! MY LIFE AS ONDO ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER

HON.OLUMIDE ARAOYINBO, MAJORITY LEADER,ODHA REP AKNW CONST 02

 For his kindness, community participations, caring heart, philanthropic gestures and politicking, OTUNBA OLUMIDE ARAOYINBO has gotten more honour, respect, encomium and appellations added unto his name more than any other politician or socialite from Akokoland.

ARAOYINBO who is in his second year as a parliamentarian remains the only Akoko Assembly member with uncountable constituency projects written after his name.

He recently capped his political strategic moves by emerging as the MAJORITY LEADER of the Ondo State House of Assembly, ODHA.

He is the member of the ODHA Representing the Akoko North West Constituency 02  very  young and vibrant in politics sees politics as an avenue to reach out to the poor masses not a license for self aggradisement or selfish wealth acquisition.

He hails from Irun Akoko in Akoko Northwest constituency II, the constituency he represents at the Ondo State House of Assembly. He is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Socialite before turning into a politician.

Sokoto, as he is fondly called by his admirers in social and political circles is the Group Chairman of the popular OLART Group of Companies which is a multi-dimensional company which business interests spanned across the hotel and tourism, Security, property development, manufacturing and mining among others.

After due consultation with the people of his constituency he was given the nod to decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on which ticket he rode into the Assembly to the ruling All Progressive Congress,APC.                                                            

He got elected into the 8th Ondo State House of Assembly election under the platform of PDP with a very popular vote and he has continued to deliver on all his electioneering promises. In this marathon interview Session, ARAOYINBO told the AKOKOSTARS TEAM his activities in the house and the challenges he is facing a the Leader of the House, his deliverables as a Parliamentarians and his next political move. Excerpts…

 Let me start by congratulating you on your position as the Majority Leader of the House, how does that make you feel?

Thank you very much. First I will attribute my new role as the majority leader of the House to God and my fellow legislators who elected and entrusted me with this position though I emerged unopposed. You see, I see my new role as the Leader of the house as a call to serve not just my constituency, not just the House but the Ondo State people in general. Now I have more responsibilities at hand and I will say the position is even more tasking and more challenging than anyone will think. Despite that I appreciate my fellow lawmakers who made it easy for me and I will say I feel great.

As the Leader of the House, has anything changed about you?

Change in what way? I remain who I am and no matter what position I might occupy in this country, I remain my humble self, Otunba Olumide Araoyinbo, so therefore nothing has changed in me, I still relate with my people and I will say I am accessible to them.

There is this general belief that your joining APC was because of your 2019 ambition, how true is this?

You see, we all have different reasons why we make some decisions and for whatever reasons I believe as politicians the interest of our constituents who entrusted us with their vote should be our priority as legislators. So before I defected to APC last month, I had consultations and I felt that in the interest of my people the need to join the ruling party that is APC is now. My joining APC has nothing to do with the 2019 elections which I believe is too early to discuss or talk about. But don’t forget that every politician aspires but if my people still want me then I have no choice than to heed to their call.

How true is the story that you are eyeing the House of Reps ticket come 2019 under APC?

Well, I am hearing this for the first time but like I said, every politician aspires and I am one of them and I don’t see any reason if am given that opportunity, why I won’t grab it. Assuming that you are right, if I’m being given the opportunity by my people, I will surely represent them as I am always ready to serve my people.

You became the majority leader of the house following the crisis in the house then, were you expecting this position because it was said that you lobbied for it?

Well, I will not say Yes and I won’t say No because we all know that when a new government comes on board there will be changes in the system of government and in the case of Ondo state, we all know that since the Governor is from the North senatorial district and the deputy governor is from the south senatorial, the speaker will emerge from the central while the deputy speaker will come  from South and the Leader of the house will come from the North. These are what we all know in the House and when the new governor emerged we knew that the Leader of the house will definitely emerge from the North senatorial district, so I felt there was no reason why I can’t be the Leader of the house since I am representing Akoko North west constituency II, so I will say I didn’t lobby for my current position.

But sir, you will agree that you are not the only lawmaker from the North senatorial district, how did you do it?

Sincerely speaking, I didn’t lobby anybody. As I said, I was elected unopposed as the majority leader of the house, so I didn’t lobby for it.

You played a prominent role in the last crisis in the House that led to the impeachment of the ex-speaker, it was believed you did that because of the current position you are occupying and in order to prepare a soft landing for you in your new party, how true is this?

Well, I will say such imagination is very wrong and they are not being sincere enough. You see what happened in the House then is on record that something went wrong with the leadership system of the house. And as at then what we needed was a polite response from the leadership of the House then and not insults. Let me also correct this that we had no plans to join APC, as at then none of us had plan to join APC but even the leadership of the party didn’t help matters. What happened then was that some selected lawmakers were mismanaging the fund that is meant for all of us in the House and the fund was being shared by this individuals, so some of us approached the then speaker for explanation but she insulted us, we were not happy with the outcome and this led to us taking that action because she was not sincere with us and we impeached her. We followed the due process to carry out our action and this has nothing to do with any political party or reason why we left PDP for APC. And in my own case, I was elected the majority leader of the House as a PDP member because I became the house leader few weeks after

And in my own case, I was elected the majority leader of the House as a PDP member because I became the house leader few weeks after Arakunrin Akeredolu was sworn in as the governor of the state. So in a nutshell I was elected to my current position as the leader of the House when I was in PDP before I joined APC. What happened then was due to the non challant attitude of the then Speaker.

During the crisis, you had two factions in the house, how were you able to resolve your differences?

One thing we should all know is that we are all adults and after much deliberation from both sides, the resolution was a gradual process and I believe that the wound that has been there for a very long time, will heal during our interacting with each other. We will be able to put what happened behind us. So I will say now we are getting back and I believe in a matter of time, we will get over what happened in the house.

Few days after you were elected the leader of the House, it was said that you dumped your party PDP for APC, what prompted this decision?

Let me correct that, I had been elected the majority Leader of the House when the leadership of the house was changed and new speaker emerged. As at then, two factions in the house had come together, so I emerged as a PDP member from the beginning of Rt. Hon Bamidele Oleyelogun leadership in the House. And back to your question, before I decamped to APC, I spoke with some leaders of the party but I realised that none of them was giving direction to the party and I stand to be corrected that PDP in Ondo state as we speak is directionless and one cannot be in a party without direction.

On this note, I will say I’ve not been too happy with that because it was this party that gave me the platform to represent my people at the State House of Assembly and that is why I will never call PDP names, but what is happening to the party is very unfortunate. You see, after we lost the Nov 26th governorship election, none of the so called leaders in the party called a meeting to address us.

When I say us, I mean the PDP members in the state, nor did they come out to review what went wrong during the election and the next step in order to strategize for the forthcoming election. So, I felt I couldn’t continue like this because I needed to deliver dividends of democracy to my people. You will agree with me that in politics it is beyond empowering the people, rather we must be able to influence project in our constituency.

Left to me I won’t have left PDP, I want you to know that if I remained in PDP I have nothing to lose but my decision was in the interest of my people who sent me to the House. You will agree with me that if I remain in an opposition party I might not be able to influence any project for my people. Don’t forget that APC controls both the state and Federal level in the state, so this among other reasons was why I left PDP for APC. I will use this medium to speak on behalf of the other lawmakers in the house that we are ready to give quality representation, making good laws that will better the lives of the electorate and oversee those laws so that the executive arms of government use it to better the life of the people.

What year did you start active politics?

Initially, I started partisan politics in 2002 when the current Governor elect in Ekiti state, Dr. Ayo Fayose was first elected as governor of Ekiti State. Then I was not a politician but he was a very good friend, so during his campaign I supported him because we both share the same vision of eradicating poverty among our people and also impacting good values in them.

Though I was not from Ekiti but I supported him with all I have including my time and resorces.  After he won the election, I realized the passion was coming gradually and I started thinking of politics, so I said to myself that there is also need for me to go back home to start politics. But I started active politics in 2007 in Ondo state and since then I have no regret getting closer to my people.

What motivated you into politics?

My going into politics was the hardship and my experience while growing up before attaining this position that I am. It was then I realised and concluded that poverty is a very bad thing in our society and the country at large. It was when I was passing through hardship that I became determined and said to myself that if God helps me to be someone in life, I will play my role in eradicating poverty among my people and the society I belong.

But as God will have it, after my educational career, I started business and after a while I realized I needed to give back to the society where I come from. During my visitation to my people I realized that the level of poverty in the community has not changed rather it was on a high level.

So I was trying my best for them and impacting their lives in my own little way, I take care of their children, pay some of their Health and accommodation bills but I realized my best was not good enough to solve their numerous problems and I was not able to reach out to all, so I said to myself that doing politics might help me achieve my aim of giving back to my society and rendering my Humanitarian services to my community, Local Government, state and country at large. So that was the main reason and the motivation behind my coming into politics.

With your years and experiences in politics, will you describe yourself as a grassroots person?

This question will be better answered by my people but to the best of my knowledge I will say yes. What makes one a grass-root person? If you are committed to your community and people, they have access to you and you give them a listening ear, then you are a grass root person. And in my own case, even before I joined politics, I interacted with my people and they all know me, so I have been a grass-root person even before I became a politician years back.

Have you contested for any elective post before now?

No, this is my first attempt in politics but I have held different political posts both at the state and federal level. I was once a delegate member, Chairman Appeal Screening Committee for Borno State 2011 National Assembly, and am an Executive of the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mining and Agriculture. And in February 2015, I won the Ondo State House of Assembly to represent my constituency Akoko North West II under the platform of PDP then but now I am with the APC.

How have you been able to manage your businesses and political career together?

They are two different things, I do my business and at the same time I do my politics on the other hand. So none is affecting each other.

Do You even have time to relax or recreate sir?

Do I really relax? Well, I will say I relax only when I travel out of the country. In Lagos, I have a chain of businesses to look after, same with Ekiti while here in Ondo State I’m with my people, that’s why I said I hardly relax here. But in terms of recreation am a very sociable person so I do squeezed time to catch my fun with my friends.

 

SHOCKER!!! …AS AKOKO APC POLITICIANS AWAITS AKETI DREADFUL CABINET LISTS

GOV ROTIMI AKEREDOLU-AKETI CROSS-CHECKING AKOKO POLITICIAN IN THE CABINET LIST

AKOKO APC LEADERS EMBARKED ON VIGILS, LOBBYING, SLEEPIEST NITES AS JOSTLING FOR CABINET SLOTS REACHED ITS PEAK.

…AS OLUWASEGUNOTA, ADEFARATI, AMODENI, OLADUNNI, AMINU, ADANIKE, ABDUSALAM, SHABA, OGUNYEMI, ELEGBELEYE, OLUDARE  KNOWS THEIR FATE NEXT WEEK ! There seems to be a cloudy atmosphere enveloping the different political divides, caucuses and groups within and outside the Ondo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC over the shocking cabinet lists compiled by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-Aketi, the Executive Governor of Ondo State.

Investigation across the camps of the various self-acclaimed TEAM AKETI Promoters of Akoko extraction formerly jostling for the different cabinet slots reveals that they have been undergoing sleepiest nights,serious lobbying, restrategizing and going on vigils since it became clear that the final list is ready for announcement.

The struggle for these cabinet positions has further polarized the APC in Akokoland as the party is now thrown into fragments as various leaders jostle for the slots as more damning petitions and toxic protests letters continues to fly around the government circles.

These so called Akoko TEAM AKETI Politicians were the most adversely affected as some of them have started singing different tunes as their becoming politically unsecured by the unfolding and they are   not too sure of their future regarding who will make the cabinet list.

According to some of them the Akoko APC Leaders loyal to Aketi  are much disturbed because they are blank as they cannot till now beat their chests to confirm who will make the cabinet list.

Their major dilemma is that they do not really understand what yardstick, indices or the perimeters Aketi has adopted in selecting his cabinet members.

Meanwhile an impeccable government sources confined to AKOKOSTARS Reporter who has been monitoring the political development that the much awaited Aketi cabinet List will be the greatest shocker of the millennium.

Saying that most of those touting themselves asTeam Aketi  using media for some cheap publicity to blackmailed  Arakunrin Aketi has failed woefully as they will be shocked to their marrow when the list is finally released.

Our source also hinted that “ Everybody who is close to Aketi will know that he is a man of his world who cannot be blackmailed to submission and he never change his words or promise because his words are bound”

Top Akoko Politicians who were touted to be jostling for cabinet appointments includes the likes of  Rt.Hon.Bolarinwa Oluwasegunota, Rt.Hon.Taofik Olawale Abdusalam, Hon.Oto Gbenga Elegbeleye Gboyega Adefarati, Hon.Muyiwa Ogunyemi, Prince Solagbade Amodeni, Barr./Dr. John  Adanike, Niran Oladunni [MNO], Funsho Aminu Dr. Oludare among others

WHAAAOOOH!!! THE 3-AKOKO EMERGING LEADERS..THEIR VISION..THEIR STRENGTH & POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS

ADE ADEOGUN FROM OBA-AKOKO IS ONE OF THE THREE EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS

  ADEOGUN, SOFOLAHAN & ADANIKE                         …THEIR VISION..THEIR STRENGTH…THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATIONS.
The Emerging Leaders Arakunrin Akeredolu is well into the seventh month of his four years mandate as Governor of Ondo State.
At every moment in this past month the leaders of the Akoko nation seat back imagining that it could easily have been an Akoko son occupying that office at this point in time but for the mismanagement of the goodwill enjoyed by Akoko people by some of its political gladiators in 2016.
Akoko lost a golden opportunity to take a front seat on the table where the resources of the Sunshine States are being shared.
Going by the rotational arrangement in the state, such opportunity may not come the way of Akokoland for the next 16 or 24years.
And if the governance template used by the immediate past governor of the State,Dr.Olusegun Mimiko is to be adopted then the aspiration of Akoko people for social and infrastructural development would require heavenly intervention.
The Akoko nation is now at a crossroad as most of its prominent political leaders and eminent personalities have left it at a lurch like a woman past her prime.
The youths of Akoko who are the owners of tomorrow seek a new direction that cannot be offered by the leaders that mortgaged the collective interest of Akoko out of selfish personal interests.
The youths seek youthful, selfless leaders who would chart a new direction for Akoko people and bring dynamism to the economy, culture and politics of Akoko land.
AkokoStar brings to you five of the emerging leaders in Akoko taking into consideration their contribution to the progress of Akokoland, leadership potentials, followership and relative acceptability across the spectrum of Akoko people.
[1] ADE ADEOGUN: This Oba-Akoko born entreprenur per excellence and un-repentant of Good Governance, Ade Adeogun got into the consciousness of Akoko people and Ondo State in 2016 when he boldly joined the race for the Governorship of Ondo State.
Although considered an outsider then, his issue oriented campaign and focused agenda of prosperity for Ondo people won the heart of many who marked him up as one for the future.
During his presentation to seek the support of Akoko elders of the All Progressive Congress [APC], his presentation so wowed the elders that for his late entrant into the race, he was nicknamed as “Akoko’s Most Promising Aspirant”.
His foray into community activities with the formation of Akoko Patriots which invariably has becomes the rallying point for all Akokos at home and in diaspora.
Akoko Patriots has welded the hitherto fragmented Akoko youths into one indivisible entity with his pan Akoko focus rather than politics.
Akoko Patriots is on record as championing the repairs of roads in Akoko and clamour for the restoration of electricity to Akoko communities.
The Patriots are particularly noted for their heartwarming Akoko oriented jingles and subtle campaigns to change the orientation of Akoko youths.
Adeogun was educated at the prestigious Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom [UK], he also attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kingspoint, Long Island, New York.
Before his Post Graduated education abroad, Adeogun attended the Premier Nigerian University, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria all these prepared him for what he is today as a boardroom player with wide Public Service experience.
ADEOGUN’S STRENGTH: Education, Experience, Humility, Approachability, grassroots acceptance through Akoko Patriots, Extensive contacts, Deep Pockets.

OLORI-OMOBA OLUSOGA SOFOLAHAN-ATIBIOKE,A PASSIONATE AKOKO SON

OLUSOGA SOFOLAHAN-ATIBIOKE (OLORI OMO-OBA): This heir apparent to Olubaramu Lineage started out early as a community boy actively involved with Scouting activities which invariably got him noticed as one of the restless and adventurous teenager in Akokoland.
Through dedication Soga rose from the rank of a mere Patrol Leader in 1974 to now becomes the Chief Commissioner of Scout of Nigeria,
in the Leadership & Governance Department,
of the Scout Association of Nigeria and the Vice Chairman Africa Scout Foundation cum the Vice Chairman 52-Countries Commonwealth Scout Associations.
Soga has at different times initiated series of platforms, programmes and projects to move Akoko to the next level including the Elite Socio-Cultural Age Grade Society known as Akoko Builders Club [ABC] made up of young dynamic and enterprising Akoko Youths he lead as President for many Years.
As part of giving back to the Society, in the last 18years,Olori Omo-Oba is the initiator cum the Chief Coordinating Officer of “Gabriel Sofolahan Joshua Foundation” a body that has been extending its hands of Scholarships (with little stipends) to Akoko Students in the Higher Institutions of learning.
That foundation has cumulatively awarded Scholarships to thousands of Akoko and Ondo North Senatorial District indigenes studying in the different Higher Institutions.Recently, Soga was saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the 70Th Founders Day Anniversary of his Alma Mata, Victory College, Ikare-Akoko one of Ondo State respected AIONIAN School early this year.                                                                                                                         Soga born about 50years hails to the family of Erinjoogunola Kiniun Orioke, a scion of the Ajiyaa Ruling Dynasty of Ibaram-Akoko, in Akoko North West Local Government Area.
Having passed out of Victory College,Ikare Akoko in flying colours got admitted to the University of Lagos to study Economics after his Youth Service Corp program in Akwa-Ibom State the University of Calabar for his Masters Degrees in Business Administration and went for another Master in Science, Economics at the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo.
Currently,Olori Omo-Oba Soga is a member of many prestigious professional societies and associations like the Nigeria Economic Society, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management, Member Institute of Quality Assurance Nigeria and the British Safety Council.
He is also a Patron to many Students Associations is an AIONIAN Medallion Awardee and United National Ambassador of Peace-Polac.
SOGA’S STRENGTH: Good Education, Exposure, Humanitarian and Accessibility to Akokos Obas and Leaders worldwide.

Dr/Barr.John Babatunde ADANIKE,Ipe-Akoko born Medical Doctor, Surgeon, Radiologist turns Lawyer and APC Leader

JOHN BABATUNDE OJO ADANIKE: This Ipe-Akoko born is the first Akokocitizen to have qualified as a Medical Doctor and also as a Lawyer turned Political Activists is a man making great waves within and outside his two extreme career paths and routing from three divides.
ADANIKE is a progressive minded democrat and an unrepentant Apostle of Good Governance, Equity and Transparency has continue to build bridges with other like-minded progressive democrats from other climes.
According to his popular maxims,“Firstly, I thought I can free my people from the clutches of poverty and epidemics, but after I strived and qualified to become a medical doctor cum surgeon that it dawn on me that to fight poverty I need to have a thorough understanding of the Law and Policies so I opted for law”.
Adanike is an activists whose exploits and attainments has engraved him in the minds of the masses of Akoko South East Local Government as one of the most dependable, passionate and dynamic youth making strong waves today in Ondo State Politics.
The yeoman role he played during the 2016 Ondo guber made it clearer to the public why Adanike was listed by Ondo State Most Respected and Fearless Community Tabloid, SUNSHINE VOICE in 2014 as one of the 25 Ondo State Youth to Watch in Nigerian Politics.
In fact, many Political Analysis of recent are beginning to favour Adanike from various angles that he is one of the main actor and integral player in the APC struggle.
APC leaders from Akoko are beginning to clamour for Adanike to be integrated into governance so he can use his clout, competence, academic and professional attainment to bring good governance to our state.
His political activism is to actualize the unfulfilled dreams of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo on free education and Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s poverty abolition crusade.
Adanike sterling reputation and character has made him a revered politician trusted by both his political admirers and members of his community.
ADANIKE’S STRENGTH: His Clouts on his Successful Career Paths,Socio-economic attainments, Progressive minded Commitment, compassionate & Consistent to the development of Akokoland.

BEWARE YOU WILL SHED TEARS IF YOU READ DELE MOMODU’S EMOTIONAL LETTER TO PROPHET TB JOSHUA

DELE MOMODU,PUBLISHER/CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF OVATION MAGAZINE PLEADING WITH PROPHET T.B.JOSHUA NOT TO RELOCATE THE SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS TO ISRAEL

 

Many people busted into heavy tears after read this emotional open letter of the Publisher/Editor In Chief of African Most Popular Celebrity  Publications, the OVATION Magazine, BASHORUN DELE MOMODU  who profusely begged the Akoko-born founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations [SCOAN],PROPHET TEMITOPE BALOGUN JOSHUA not to relocate his church from Nigeria to Israel.

It has been a moment of sober reflections in Nigeria to those who knows the gravity of the economic woes that will befall the country in case the man of God forged ahead with his relocation plan.

DELE MOMODU took it upon himself through his well crafted emotion laden open letter  poured out his mind through his pen on his weekly page called the PENDULUM and aligned with other good spirited leaders across the globe pleading with Prophet T.B JOSHUA to shelve the much touted relocation plan of his church.

It is incisive, thought provoking and very descriptive….from Momodu…which can make you cry for Nigeria.!!!

My dear Prophet,

I’m very certain this letter must come to you as a big surprise. But that is the nature of this column. It is in the character of Pendulum to swing in the direction least anticipated. Today, it has chosen to navigate itself towards you, my dear man of God.

For avoidance of doubt, please, permit me to quickly explain a point so that mischief-makers may not attribute spurious motives to this epistle. I’m not a member of your congregation. I have never been.

You and I have never discussed religion or worship. I have never approached you for special prayers or miracles. But I have been a great fan of yours nonetheless, for very exceptional reasons. I shall explain in a jiffy why I admire you warts and all.

No human being is perfect, and I’m sure that includes you, despite being a man of God. I’ve read and heard torrents of good and bad tales about you. But didn’t I read and hear a deluge of fairy-tales about our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, your overall Master?

It is normal for human beings to concoct true and imaginary tales about newsmakers. You have been a subject and victim of such incredible rumour-mongering over the decades that I have known you. Some have alleged that you are not a genuine disciple of God.

They’ve alleged that you are fetish and use native jazz to heal miracle-seekers. Some have even called your miracles mere optical illusions. That you are nothing short of a magician but these myriad of detractors have never diminished your popularity globally.

I have continued to marvel at your awesome powers as demonstrated to the naked eyes on television, and two or more conclusions have emerged. If you use juju or whatever power to heal people, then it is positive healing.

We all turn to doctors, pharmacists, surgeons and others in the days of medical challenges. The drugs we take emanate from herbs, local or foreign. The Indians and the Chinese in particular have been much wiser than us by developing their medicine to international standards. I have tried acupuncture in my adventurous days in Dubai and London.

There is nothing wrong if God has given you special access to the secrets of herbs and roots. What makes it even more remarkable and extraordinary is that you escalate and amplify every miracle of yours with loud shouts of the name of Jesus.

You’ve never called the names of other Gods or even witches and wizards on the pulpit. There are always local and international visitors to your synagogue of God. None has ever reported that he or she stumbled on an esoteric shrine perchance.

In fact, you have been a major source of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria. It is difficult to imagine how many religious tourists pour into your church daily from different parts of the world. I’ve travelled extensively in Africa and beyond.

There is hardly a flight I’ve flown on, especially in Africa, that I’ve not encountered your sworn and ardent followers. They love you endlessly and swear by your name. Many of them are distinguished personalities, well-educated and intelligent and not ignoramuses as many may wish to suggest. Presidents have attested to your miracles. I will mention one very good example that I am familiar with.

Long before the 2008 presidential election that ushered in President John Evans Atta-Mills in Ghana, you had called me one early morning to ask my opinion and projection ahead of the election.

I remember telling you that Nana Akufo-Addo was tipped and favoured to win. Your response was that I was wrong and that God was going to perform a miracle for Professor Atta-Mills. True, the ways of God are not the ways of man. You went all out in your support for Atta-Mills, like you always do for people and causes you champion, and he actually won the election.

I was pleasantly surprised when you called me one early Sunday morning to invite me to the Synagogue. You said you remember how you had called me to support the aspiration of Atta-Mills and the useful tips I gave.

Now that the man had won, he was coming for a thanksgiving service in your church and you felt it was only proper for me to be invited to attend. The service had ended by the time I meandered my way to Ikotun-Egbe, but I was fortunate and happy to meet Professor Atta-Mills in one of the private apartments you keep for your august visitors. I sat with Prof and probed him a bit about why he had travelled all the way to Nigeria in search of spiritual fortification. He told me in clear terms that he was not a buffoon and that as a Professor he was expected to act on empirical facts and not on raw sentiment or emotion.

Professor Atta-Mills said you had told him certain things that could never have been guess-work. For, example, he said you predicted with mathematical accuracy the unusual pattern and direction the election was going to take, the controversy that was going to come with it and the precise date the final verdict was going to be delivered, and they all came to pass.

He said man being a natural doubter of things unseen should nevertheless not discountenance reality in the face of obvious facts. He said he was convinced that God was truly using you and he had no choice than to return to the Synagogue and publicly proclaim the power of God that had made the impossible possible through your intervention and intercession.

Let me now go to the relationship between us spanning nearly two decades. How did our paths cross? If my memory serves me right, I was approached by one of your media aides at the time, Jide Oshokoya, formerly of Today’s Choice magazine, who said you would like to meet with me. To cut a long story short, I accepted the invitation with mixed feelings.

You had been much maligned by your traducers that I did not even know what to believe anymore. But as a good student of philosophy, I chose not to be as paranoid and sceptical as the French philosopher, Rene Descartes, who went to the extreme of doubting his own existence. I was prepared to meet you with an open mind but with every caution in case your intention was to turn me into a church member.

We met at the appointed time, after waiting for a while in a small restaurant on the ground floor before I was taken upstairs by your female staff. I felt a kind of tremor around you as everyone around was awestruck by you.

The first thing I noticed was your simplicity and humility. You wore a round-neck t-shirt on top of jeans. We exchanged pleasantries and you told me how much you loved the creativity and originality that you saw in Ovation International magazine. I was flattered.

You asked how much it would cost to be featured in such a high quality magazine and once we agreed on the figure you instantly booked 5,000 copies to be sent from our printers in London to the church. I was deeply touched because you did not beg for freebies.

Many of our friends do not see media as business. They treat us as lambs of God who carry away the burden of the world, the main reason many media empires collapse ever before they are built.

Let me reiterate at this juncture that you’re a good man for being such a sympathetic benefactor. I never imagined the extent of your generosity until the magazines arrived from England and I asked when we could deliver to you.

You shocked me to the marrow as you told me to send only ten copies and go ahead to distribute the remaining thousands of copies through our extensive network and make more money from it. What occurred to me immediately was your native intelligence.

Only a sagacious and visionary person would have understood that it was better to spread the publication to every part of Nigeria than restricting it to only church members. Let me say thank you again for that huge support at a time we needed it. I do not forget favours, ever!

You have probably forgotten the next thing you did for us. Soon afterwards, I got another invitation from you, which I gladly honoured. As soon as we sat down, you told me you were in trouble with your beautiful and humble wife, and I asked why? You said your wife queried why she was not featured in the Ovation International magazine edition that had you on the cover.

You told me you were surprised because she’s too introverted and had never asked for any form of publicity. I noticed that most of the time she was mingling freely with church workers and the congregation. She never acted like a Queen or First Lady of the church and this endeared her to me.

You informed me the only remedy was for me to do another cover in our next edition for both of you. That was how you became probably the only family to feature back to back on our cover. I returned to London and produced an even better cover.

Our friendship grew in leaps and bounds. Though we did not see frequently, sometimes for years, we regularly phoned each other and bonded like brothers. Anytime you saw some wonderful news about me, you called to congratulate and appreciate me despite your breath-taking schedules.

The most superlative of our encounters was in 2010 when you heard of my Presidential dream. You did not fold your arms to watch me from afar. I had just boarded a flight from J F Kennedy Airport in New York when my phone rang and you were on the line. “Alagba, where are you?”, you asked in your usual caring voice.

I told you I was on a flight from America to London, and you told me to see you as soon as I arrived in Lagos. I was greatly humbled when you said you wished to discuss my presidential bid.

I visited you late one night and spent less than ten minutes, or so, with you. You told me I had no chance of winning the 2011 presidential election but encouraged me to go all the way. You assured me the experience would be very useful and that I would remain very relevant in the affairs of Nigeria, thereafter.

Such a man of wisdom you are, Sir. You came in with two carrier bags and you told me they contained your financial contribution. Months later, you invited me again to your home and gave me further assistance despite knowing I could not win that election. You propelled me towards my goal and did not use the excuse of failure to discourage me. You earned my respect.

Let me give one more example of your uncommon love for fellow beings. About two years ago, I had to undergo cataract operations in London. The surgery went well and I was recuperating when suddenly, I received a call from you in the dead of the night. “Alagba, I have just heard about your eye problems.”, you said in that calm voice.

I replied the operations were very successful and was grateful for your concern. You offered to offset the bills and I replied that few friends who heard about my ordeal, like Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola and Tokunbo Afikuyomi had all offered to assist. You still insisted on adding your widow’s mite. You texted repeatedly to ask for an account despite my reluctance. God will never desert you.

I have written all these examples as my personal testimonial to you. In a country where many try to hide behind one finger, I wish to stand tall and tell the world that you are a good man, even if others think or say otherwise. I have read that you wish to abandon Nigeria and migrate to Israel.

It will never happen. You cannot and should not allow your enemies run you out of town. God has been very kind to you. Just look back and see your journey from way back in Ondo State. What more can God do for any man who has served him loyally and fervently like you have done.

My dear man of God, I align my voice with those who plead that you remain in Nigeria. I have chosen to do so publicly because I believe it is necessary.

You will see me very soon at your door.

All the best, in Jesus’ mighty name…

DELE MOMODU

WHY ABDUSALAM’S APPOINTMENT WAS APPLAUDED AS RIGHT PEG IN A RIGHT HOLE

t.Hon.Taofiq Olawale Abdusalam,SSA to Gov.ARotimi Akeredolu on Legislative Matters

 

WHY ABDUSALAM’S  APPOINTMENT WAS APPLAUDED AS RIGHT PEG IN A RIGHT HOLE

[Rt.HON.WALE ABDUSALAM,SSA TO GOV.AKETI ON LEGISLATIVE MATTERS

One appointment that was highly applauded as the round peg in a round hole by the populist among the newly appointed aides of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu is that of Rt.HONOURABLE TAOFIQ OLAWALE ABDUSALAM, who is to oversee the office of the  Senior Special Assistant [SSA]to the Governor of Ondo State on Legislative Matters.

Some are saying he is on a familiar terrain but with this appointment Rt.Hon.Abdusalam that everybody can vouch for his deliverable just like he is known to be dutiful personality by all standard.

Apart from understanding the inside and outside of Ondo State politics as grassroots politician this AKOKOSTAR,Hon Abdusalam who has been this and that in the past does not only bagged the appointment on the ground of just political patronage or loyalty to the party but for his clout,  Competence, Consistency, Commitment, and Capability to  deliver on the job.

Before this new post Abdusalam had held several bigger and more strategic offices in his political career path and while holding those offices he has proven himself to be a tested and trusted person.

In fact,Abdusalam was a member the National Conference in 2014 where he was actively involved in the co-ordination and formulation of the yet to be endorsed new policy and Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria with other eminent citizens.

And in 2011,Abdusalam was the State Coordinator for Goodluck/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ondo State traversing all the nooks and carnies of  the state to galvanized and mobilized support for the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP] Candidate.

Between 2003 to 2011,no other Akoko youngest politician is more influential in Ondo State corridor of power than ABDUSALAM who became the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, [ODHA] for two years in 2008 to 2010.

Abdusalam bagged his first political office with his election into the Ondo State House of Assembly [ODHA] representing Akoko North East Constituency in 2003 and also returned for the 2^nd Term in 2008.

Abdusalam hails from Ilepa-Quarters of Ikare-Akoko and he had his early childhood life in this community which made him acclimatized very well as a grassroots politicians.

Even as a first timer at the ODHA in 2003 to 2007,he was an active parliamentarian  during his first term and this also earned him his return ticket back to the house for 2^nd Term.

He was born on the 9^TH  APRIL,1969, but armed himself with three Masters Degrees in Law, Public Administration and  Social Work (LLB, BL)(Msc.)(LL.M)(MPA) and he  was  called to the Bar in 1999 after obtaining his Bachelor of Law.

He one of the few Nigerians that has Alumnus status of more about four higher institutions as he transverses the Campuses of different institutions while striving and gathering his intimidating academic attainment.

Abdusalam  started building his academic records  with the  University of Ado Ekiti where he went twice at different time for different purposes   first for his Bachelor and a Masters Degrees respectively.

He also found his way into the campuses of the Nigerian Law School,Bwari,Abuja,FCT,the Nigeria Premier University,University of Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,Ogbomosho.

At the level of his corporate practices,Abdusalam since 2012 has remained the Principal Partner at Gavelgart Law Chambers, Abuja and Prime Chambers, Akure.

He is also the Principal Partner and partner at Wale Salam – Alada & Associates, Abuja since ,2002 – 2003 and  Adedeji Kazeem and Associates since  2001 – 2002 respectively.

Between 1999-2000,Abdusalam worked as  Assistant Registrar at the  Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC,Abuja after  a four month working  experience  as a Counsel at Babatunde Adeoye & Co. Lagos from  Aug – Nov. 1999 but he really cut his law teeth as a Counsel Trainee with the firm of  Jumoke Anifowoshe & Co. Lagos,in  1999.

In order to function efficiently, Abdusalam has a penchant of updating his skills and knowledge by attending different capacity building workshops, seminars and training that took him to different parts of the world.

He is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association,[NBA],International Bar Association,[IBA],Associate member, Chartered Institute of Arbitration Nigeria[CIAN] (UK Chapter) and his  hobbies includes Travelling,Table Tennis and Football

AMONG HIS MANY AWARDS AND HONOURS ARE LISTED HERE:

• Distinguished Merit Award by Ar-Rahaman Islamic Promotion
• Award of Excellency by National Association of Ondo State Students, University of          Ibadan Chapter.
• Merit Award by National Association of Ondo State Students, Univeristy of Ado Ekiti Chapter
• Gold merit Award for Peace and Conflict Resolution by Nigerian Union of Journalist, Ondo State Chapter
• Leadership Award by Rotary Club International, Akure
• Best House of Assembly Speaker in the South West for 2008 by Federation of Yoruba Parapo Students Union, Federal University of Technology, Akure
• Excellent Performance Toward Youth Development in Ondo State
• Award of Unmatchable Hero on Legislative Matter by Ile Alayo Organisation of Nigeria
• Award of Excellence by Federation of Ikare Students Union, UNAD,Ado-Ekiti
• Certificate of Honour by Majlis Khuddem-ul-Ahamadiyya Salsiha Aliya Nigeria
• Leadership Award by Ondo State Chapter of National Youth Service Corps Ondo State
• Member of Trustee Anti-Corruption Awareness Organization of Nigeria [ACAON] Ondo State Command Patron
• Best Speaker in South West for the year 2009 by Oodua Youth Organisation of Nigeria