Aiyedatiwa names Ondo event centre after Mimiko

…as Tunji-Ojo hails ex-governor’s mentorship of young people

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.

Aiyedatiwa announced the decision on Saturday during an event tagged An Evening of Celebration and Conversation with Mimiko, organised by young professionals in Abuja to mark the former governor’s 72nd birthday.

In his goodwill message, the governor commended Mimiko’s contributions to healthcare, education and other sectors, particularly his free shuttle bus scheme for students.

He also praised the organisers for celebrating the former governor and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Ondo State and Nigeria.

Speaking during a fireside chat, Mimiko challenged young professionals to prioritise hard work, personal development and leadership preparation, stressing that aspiring leaders must first build their capacity and demonstrate competence in their chosen fields.

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He said young people should focus on becoming individuals of value before seeking leadership positions, adding that effective leadership required adequate preparation and the development of expertise in one or more areas.

On the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Mimiko described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant intervention capable of expanding access to higher education, irrespective of the financial circumstances of students’ parents.

He urged young Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that continuity would help sustain and potentially expand the initiative.

“You are bustling with energy and zeal and have access to readily available, knowledge-enhancing information.

“You therefore have to make the best of the opportunities available and maximise your chances,” he said.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the young people mentored by Mimiko as one of his most enduring legacies, saying their decision to organise the birthday celebration demonstrated the impact of his investment in their lives.

“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.

Tunji-Ojo said Mimiko had not solicited the honour, adding that the recognition offered an important lesson to political leaders and public office holders on the need to mentor younger generations.

“This is a lesson for all of us in government, no matter how long. For every entry, one day, there will be an exit. But when the exit comes, who will be there to hold your hands?” he asked.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, through his representative, Tolu Adegbie, also commended Mimiko’s achievements in office, particularly in the face of financial constraints.

He said the availability of more resources to state governments under the Tinubu administration’s economic policies had created opportunities for them to pursue additional development initiatives.

The Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, hailed Mimiko’s contributions to healthcare, education and infrastructure, praying for his continued good health and strength to serve Nigeria and humanity.

Similarly, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, represented at the event by Otunba Bademosi, commended the former governor and praised the young professionals for recognising his contributions.

He said the initiative could inspire other leaders to demonstrate greater commitment to youth development.

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, as well as his mentorship.

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.

The facility will now be known as the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Cultural and Event Centre.