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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has renamed The Dome International Event and Cultural Centre in Akure after former governor Olusegun Mimiko in recognition of his contributions to the development of the state.
The facility will now be known as the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Cultural and Event Centre, following the announcement made by Aiyedatiwa on Saturday at an event organised to celebrate Mimiko’s 72nd birthday.
The announcement was made during “An Evening of Celebration and Conversation with Mimiko”, organised by young professionals in Abuja to honour the former governor and reflect on his contributions to public service, youth development and leadership.
Aiyedatiwa, in his goodwill message, praised Mimiko’s achievements in healthcare, education and other sectors, particularly his free shuttle bus scheme for students. He also commended the organisers for recognising the former governor’s contributions and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Ondo State and Nigeria.
Recognition of Mimiko’s contributions
The renaming of the facility represents a recognition of Mimiko’s years in public service and the impact of policies introduced during his administration.
Mimiko, who governed Ondo State from 2009 to 2017, was widely associated with initiatives in healthcare delivery and social welfare. His administration also introduced programmes aimed at improving access to education and easing transportation challenges for students.
The event brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, public office holders and professionals to celebrate the former governor’s contributions and discuss the importance of mentorship in developing future leaders.
Among those who praised Mimiko was the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who described the young people he had mentored as one of his most enduring legacies.
Tunji-Ojo said the decision of young professionals to organise the birthday celebration demonstrated the lasting impact of Mimiko’s investment in younger generations.
He noted that the former governor had not solicited the honour, describing the recognition as a lesson for political leaders and public office holders on the importance of preparing younger people for leadership.
“The best of all the achievements of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the former governor of Ondo State, are the young people he built through mentorship,” the minister said.
He added that public office holders should consider the legacy they would leave behind and the people who would continue their work after they left office.
Mimiko urges young people to prepare for leadership
Speaking during a fireside chat, Mimiko urged young professionals to prioritise hard work, personal development and preparation before seeking leadership positions.
He argued that aspiring leaders must first build their competence and demonstrate value in their chosen fields, stressing that leadership required more than ambition.
According to him, young people should concentrate on developing expertise and acquiring the knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to society before pursuing positions of authority.
Mimiko also urged young Nigerians to take advantage of available opportunities, particularly access to information and resources that could improve their skills and broaden their prospects.
“You are bustling with energy and zeal and have access to readily available, knowledge-enhancing information,” he said.
He encouraged them to maximise the opportunities available to them and prepare themselves for responsibilities in public service, business and other sectors.
NELFUND and Tinubu’s re-election
The former governor also spoke about the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as an important intervention capable of expanding access to higher education for students from different financial backgrounds.
He said the initiative could help reduce the limitations faced by students whose parents might struggle to meet the cost of tertiary education.
Mimiko urged young Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that continuity would provide an opportunity to sustain and potentially expand the student loan programme.
His remarks added a political dimension to the celebration, which focused largely on leadership, mentorship and the contributions of the former governor.
Traditional rulers, finance minister’s representative commend Mimiko
The Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, also commended Mimiko’s contributions to healthcare, education and infrastructure.
The monarch prayed for the former governor’s continued good health and strength to serve Nigeria and humanity.
Similarly, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, represented by Otunba Bademosi, praised Mimiko’s achievements and commended the young professionals for organising the celebration.
He said the initiative could encourage other leaders to invest more deliberately in youth development and mentorship.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, through his representative, Tolu Adegbie, also praised Mimiko’s performance in office, particularly in the face of financial constraints.
Adegbie said increased resources available to state governments under the Tinubu administration’s economic policies had created opportunities for additional development initiatives.
The event coordinator and former Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, Ayo Obe, said the celebration was inspired by the organisers’ personal experiences of Mimiko’s moral, intellectual, political and material support.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada; Senator Dayo Faduyile, representing Ondo South Senatorial District; House of Representatives member Fessy West Adediranye; and former and serving members of the National Assembly from Ondo State.
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