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Tag: Olusegun Mimiko

  • Decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture, says Mimiko

    Decentralise Nigeria’s security architecture, says Mimiko

    Former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday, advocated for decentralisation of the security architecture in the country, saying effective security starts from the local community.

    Mimiko stated this at the grand finale of the 13th anniversary celebration of Gallery Security Services Limited, founded by Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, at Agadagba-Obon, Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Dr. Mimiko spoke as chairman of the event just as the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, and a former presidential aide/chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Kingsley Kuku, all lauded Ajube’s patriotic role in the enduring peace in the Niger Delta region.

    Mimiko stated that by its performance, Gallery Security had shown that if the country was serious about tackling insecurity to achieve positive result, it must decentralise its security architecture.

    He said: “Some 13 years ago, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gallery Security Services, approached me as the then sitting governor of the state and tabled his idea of starting a local security outfit that could complement the regular national security agencies in fighting crimes in our waterways and riverine communities. After a thorough review, I gave the go-ahead. So, I was part of Gallery Security Services from day one.

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    “Chief Ajube, the little seed you planted 13 years ago has grown to become a big Iroko. Kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and many other high profile crimes have by far vanished from our riverine communities and coastal waterways. Gallery has brought calm everywhere in our waterways.

    “He also orchestrated a synergy with another man, Chief Otello Mafimisebi. While he monitors the Ijaw area, Otello leads the Ilaje side. Soon, the two ethnic groups forgot their hitherto tense relationship.

    “So, to a large extent, that helped to cement a new camaraderie between Ijaw and Ilaje. It contributed in no small way to the peace we enjoy today between the two ethnic groups.

    “Through the establishment of Gallery Security, Ajube cracked a major security challenge in this region of Ondo, Edo, Ogun and Lagos waterways. That is why I say that the right thing to do is to decentralise the security architecture in the country.

    “Call it anything you want, be it state police, vigilante, local community policing or whatever. The truth remains that every effective security arrangement starts from the local community.”

    Similarly, Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr. Olaide Adelani, while commending Ajube’s contribution to the peace of the state, promised to maintain the synergy between the government and the firm.

    “We very much appreciate the efforts by Chief Ajube to ensure peace and security in this part of the state through Gallery Security Services in conjunction with relevant security agencies. We remain committed to strengthening the security architecture in the state, which is to collaborate with well-meaning individuals like Ajube. We will continue to work closely with responsible partners like Gallery Security Services.”

    Alaibe, in his remarks, applauded Ajube’s courage, bravery and dedication, and for sacrificing everything to restore peace and order in the state’s and Niger Delta’s waterways.

    He disclosed that Ajube, known during days as a Niger Delta freedom fighter as Shoot-At-Sight, was the key player, who during his tenure as the PAP coordinator, led his boys to totally surrender arms to the federal government in Ondo State.

    Also former PAP chairman, Dr. Kuku, who delivered the keynote lecture titled: “From Creeks of Niger Delta to Global Eminence,” contended that without peace, there can be no development, and that this realisation led to establishment of the security outfit by Ajube.

    Kuku said: “He knew that development without security cannot endure. Recognising the persistent threats of piracy, kidnapping, and illegal activities within our waterways, he founded Gallery Security Services 13 years ago. What began as a strategic intervention has evolved into a critical partner in Nigeria’s maritime security framework.

    “Gallery Security Services stands as a model of community-based security. Its work has saved lives, stabilised communities, and helped shape a more secure Niger Delta.”

    Kuku, who described Ajube as a critical asset to President Bola Tinubu’s peace effort in the Niger Delta, noted the symbiotic relationship between him and another notable freedom fighter in the region, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

    “Above all, the profound history of Ajube cannot and would not be fair, complete and or true without identifying, recognising, acknowledging, appreciating and celebrating the sights and sounds of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, our beloved friend, brother and leader. Ajube is and remains a protégé of Tompolo. Today, we salute and celebrate you both as inseparable leaders whose vision and compassion continue to uplift the Niger Delta and entrench security stabilisation of our nation.”

    The Gallery CEO, in his welcome speech, said the company’s 13th anniversary was historic as it signified more than just the passing of years.

    “It is a celebration of courage, resilience, partnership and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our coastal and riverine communities.

    “For 13 years, Gallery Security Services Limited has been at the forefront, protecting our waterways, defending vital national assets, building trust within communities and offering thousands of young people meaningful alternatives to crime. Our journey has not always been smooth but the vision that began in 2012 continues to thrive, thanks to God’s grace and the unwavering support of government, the traditional institution, and the communities we serve,” Ajube said.

    Also present at the event were former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, Chief Olusola Oke SAN, royal fathers, including the Olowo of Owo and chairman, Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin as well as the Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom, Barr. Zaccheus Egbunu among others.

    Highpoints of the three-day anniversary celebration, which began on November 19, were a summit titled: “Youth in Coastal Defence Summit 2025” attended by about 1000 youths and a free medical outreach for people in the local government with over 500 beneficiaries.

    The event also featured presentation of memorial awards to representatives of personnel of the company that lost their lives in the course of duty just as serving staff members were also rewarded for their loyalty, gallantry and commitment to duty.

  • ‘The poor also deserve quality education’

    ‘The poor also deserve quality education’

    A former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has stated that the poor, now more than ever before, also deserve quality education.

    He noted that governments at all levels must pay attention to education, such that the less privileged would not be left behind.

    Mimiko stated these at the University of Benin’s (UNIBEN’s) Ugbowo main campus, on Benin-Lagos Expressway, while delivering the 49th/50th convocation lecture, as part of the 54th Founders’ Day ceremonies.

    Read Also: Enugu hails Ekpa’s arrest, says gov’t ready to provide evidence against secessionist

    The lecture was titled: “The Poor Also Deserve Education: Our Founding Heroes’ Legacies In Educational Equity and Equality.”

    The ex-governor of Ondo state also pointed out that the obvious disparity in the standard of education between the Northern and the Southern parts of Nigeria ought to be frontally tackled, in order to bring the needed equity and equality in access and opportunities to all.

    He stressed that the structure of Nigeria, which concentrated too much power in the centre and deprived the federating units the needed power and resources could not but impede desired growth and development, while calling for another look at reworking the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Tinubu salutes Mimiko at 70

    Tinubu salutes Mimiko at 70

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Ondo state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, on his 70th birthday, rejoicing with him for attaining the biblical milestone of three scores and ten.

    In a statement issued on Friday, October 4, by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed gratitude to God for preserving the life of Dr. Mimiko, fondly called “Iroko,” and acknowledged his contributions to the state and nation.

    Mimiko’s activism as a student union leader and his struggle to retrieve his mandate in 2009 inspired similar movements.

    President Tinubu commended Dr. Mimiko’s achievements as commissioner for health, minister of housing, secretary to the Ondo State Government, and governor from 2009 to 2017.

    He recognised Mimiko as a trailblazer, being the first governor produced by the Labour Party.

    “President Bola Tinubu felicitates with former governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state on his 70th birthday and rejoices with him for attaining the biblical milestone of three scores and ten.

    “The President, in unison with family, friends, and associates, expresses gratitude to God for preserving the life of the esteemed medical doctor, who is fondly called Iroko.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s 30-day youth confab a commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s future leaders, says group

    “He recalls Mimiko’s activism as a student union leader and his struggle with like minds to retrieve his mandate from usurpers in 2009, which inspired similar struggles. 

    “According to President Tinubu, Dr Mimiko’s contributions to his state and the nation as a commissioner for health at two different times, as minister of housing, secretary to the Ondo state government, and governor from 2009 to 2017, are deeply appreciated.

    “The President commends Mimiko’s achievements as a political leader and trailblazer. He was the first governor produced by the Labour Party.

    “Tinubu said Mimiko’s sacrifices and leadership style have earned him recognition as a grassroots, people-oriented leader.

    “The president prays that almighty God will continue to grant the former governor wisdom and good health.

    “He hopes Dr. Mimiko will actively participate in Nigeria’s development and contribute to its prosperous future”, the statement said.

  • Ondo federal lawmaker Makinde felicitates Mimiko at 70

    Ondo federal lawmaker Makinde felicitates Mimiko at 70

    A member representing Ondo East/West federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde, has fecilitated with former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko on his 70th birthday

    He said Mimiko’s contributions to the developement of the state were tremendous.

    A statement by Makinde noted  the transformative and developmental paradigm that Mimiko brought to Ondo State has positively affected lives and numerous communities.

    The statement reads in parts:”One would imagine why your impacts and imprints endures till this very moment despite exiting public office several years back; the answer is not far-fetched, yours has been a life defined by transformative and purposeful leadership hinged on long-standing values and clearly thought-out solutions.

    “The very enduring innovative and carefully planned solution-driven landmark accomplishments in the health sector that gave birth to specialised institutions- Mother and Child hospital, the world-class Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Center, Trauma Centre, University of Medical Sciences- earned the Sunshine State tremendous recognition even as the WHO carried out a study on the Abiye safe motherhood programme.

    “Of your tremendous and sterling accolades, I am a proud beneficiary of your leadership recruitment initiative and school of thought that has produced significant number of leaders across several sectors and sections of the society; many of whom have gone ahead to become captain of industries, accomplished public servants, leaders of thoughts, among others.

    Read Also: Ondo Polls: SDP deputy governorship candidate resigns

    “Without equivocation, I owe you a heap of gratitude for my political debut and rising political profile as a public office holder.

    “The wholesome political orientation and tutelage that you have invested in me has helped me achieved tremendously well in the course of my stewardship to the good people of Ondo East and West federal constituency.

    “To set the record straight, my foray into active politics that began with my appointment as Ondo West Local Government caretaker chairman was at your instance.

    “This platform allowed me gain insight into the workings of government, the intricacies of politics and political participation, and also gave me an opportunity to interface with the people, and also play my part for the betterment of our community.

    “In the spirit of the celebration of your birth anniversary, on behalf of my beautiful wife and I, and alongside my teeming supporters, I wish you a resounding happy birthday and a life of continued impact like you have always been known for.”

  • Borrofice wins, Akeredolu’s men lose in Ondo

    The embattled Ondo North Lawmaker and Senatorial Candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prof.Ajayi Boroffice has retained his seat at the Upper Chairman.

    He emerged victorious after polling 53,199 to beat the Action Alliance (AA) candidate, Dr Tunji Abayomi with 43,100 and Mr Segun Alonge scoring 34,490.

    Unconfirmed report said former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, may have lost the battle to represent Ondo Central senatorial district in the senate with the results being released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officers in some of the Local Government Areas that make up the district.

    Although the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state,Dr Rufus Akeju has not announced the results officially, reports from the six Local Government Areas of  the central senatorial district showed PDP’s Ayo Akinyelure, who was at the Senate before he was defeated by incumbent Senator Tayo Alasoadura may likely take the seat.

    Mimiko contested under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) after he dropped his ambition to contest the presidential election under the Labour Party (LP).

    Read Also: Boroffice supporters back Akeredolu

    The results of Ondo South senatorial district was yet to be announced as at press time but feelers said the candidate of the PDP, who is the former commissioner for Transport in Ondo state, Nicholas Tofowomo, was leading other contestants.

    In Okitipupa/Irele federal constituency, the PDP candidate, Mr. Ikengboju Gboluga polled 31,042 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Albert Akintoye of the APC who polled 19,875 votes.

    The result was announced by INEC Returning Officer in charge of the federal constituency, Prof Enuwo at Stella Maris College in Okitipupa.

    Also, in Akoko North East/Akoko North West federal constituency, Olubunmi  Ojo of the APC polled 20,988 votes to defeat Mr Wale Ogunleye of the PDP who had 12,969 votes and the incumbent federal lawmaker, Stephen Olemija of the AA who had 10,979 votes.

    In Akoko South West/Akoko South East federal constituency, Ade Adeogun of the APC polled 19,047 to emerge winner while two of his closest rivals, Dr Victor Ategbole of the AA got 14,694 votes and Martins Abiloye of the PDP polled 12,907 votes.

    INEC Returning officer Prof Taiwo Abraham declared the result at Oka-Akoko.

    However, six House of Representatives seats are still awaiting official declaration by INEC Returning officers as at press time.

  • I will beat Mimiko mercilessly, says Alasoadura

    The lawmaker representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura has boasted that he would beat the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko in the coming senatorial election.

    Mimiko is contesting the seat under the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) while Alasoadura, the incumbent Senator is of the APC.

    At a media parley in Akure, the state capital on Saturday, the lawmaker who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum resources(Upstream) said” I am a strong grassroots politician who had visibly impacted on my constituents. I am working hard and confident of overwhelming Mimiko and other candidates.

    Alasoadura said” Mimiko has never won real election in the state, the one he won on February 23,2009 from Benin after 22 months in the  tribunal was a mandate from the court as against the one given by the people to late governor Olusegun Agagu on April 14,2007 which was reversed

    “The second election he won in 2012 was through the power of incumbency both from Abuja and in Ondo state.

    The lawmaker who listed several achievements he had recorded in the last four years said his reelection would give him more opportunity to provide for his constituents as a ranking senator.

    According to him, “I am a core progressive, I only defected to PDP because Yoruba race was totally marginalized then we were short-changed, I joined PDP at that early stage with Agagu and there was monumental progress all around during that era.

    Read Also: I will continue to serve you better – Mimiko

    “After six years in the PDP, I retraced my step and returned to my political root as member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and in 2014, I decided to go to the Senate and fortunately I won.

    Alasoadura said he had sponsored three bills and many motions especially that of the upgrading of Adeyemi College, Ondo to University of Education status.

    He disclosed that a sum of N2b was approved for the take-off of the institution in the 2018 budget.

    The former Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, Forum of Finance Commissioners in Nigeria, said he had secured employment for many graduates in the military, police and Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) while many people-oriented projects were delivered in many communities within Ondo Central District.

    Alasoadura added that it was through his letter to the presidency that the rail line going through Ore-Benin will now be extended to Ondo-Akure-Owo-Benin route.

    On agitation for restructuring of the country, the senatorial candidate said he would only subscribe to any system that would encourage devolution of power, where local government would be autonomous and excessive power at the centre decentralized.

    He urged the people to support Buhari and other APC candidates in order to be victorious at the polls next Saturday.

    The lawmaker lamented that Agagu his visible achievements had to leave office unceremoniously, because of the defects in the nation’s judicial system.

  • Mimiko emerges ZLP presidential candidate

    The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on Sunday elected former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, as its presidential candidate for the 2019 election.

    Mimiko was elected as a consensus candidate by members of the party in Abuja at its national convention.

    The presidential hopeful said that he would levearage on the party’s social democratic ideological orientation to convince Nigerians to work with him.

    According to him, with the party’s pedigree and those of its leading lights, he will not have trouble convincing Nigerians why the party is the preferred option for them in the elections of 2019.

    “As a social democratic party, committed to the enduring principles of good governance, utilitarianism and a restructured federal system for Nigeria, ZLP is set to capture the imagination of Nigerians.

    “The party will lead the process of renewing the Republic.

    “I am resolutely committed to a programme of restructuring the Nigerian federation.

    “This is with a view to affording every segment of the country the opportunity and privilege of development at its own pace.

    “This will be done in such a manner that the age long beauty in competitive development will be fully tapped,” he said.

    Mimiko said that he was persuaded beyond any doubt, that such restructuring would give vent to the spirit of Nigerians.

    He added that the spirit of accomplishment, which had made stars of individual Nigerians all over the world, would be ignited again.

    Mimiko urged the members of the party not to be intimidated by the big parties, but concentrate on the size and weight of ZLP ideas.

    The former governor also called on the party to focus on the purity of its ideological commitment.

    “We must focus on our compassion for the weak and the poor in society.

    “We must focus on the clarity of vision and thought that we bring to the fore for Nigerians, as we go into the elections,” he said.

    Mimiko said that it was with the confidence in the ability of Nigerians to make existential decision in the 2019 elections that he made a decision to serve.

    He stressed that he was out to disrupt settled assumptions, by focusing on our new ideological narratives that affected the people directly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mimiko governed Ondo State between 2009 and 2016 under the platform of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectively.

    Mimiko had earlier declared his presidential ambition under the Labour Party  but later defected to the ZLP.

    The Chief Returning Officer and the Chairman of the party, Dan Nwanyanwu, said the Mimiko fulfilled all the party’s requirements and obeyed the constitution of the party.

    Nwanyanwu reiterated the party’s support for Mimiko, adding that the ZLP will go all out to ensure victory for its presidential candidate. (NAN)

  • Mimiko declares for presidency

    The former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has declared his interest to contest for Presidency in the 2019 general election.

    Mimiko made his declaration at the National Headquarters of the Labour Party with all LP National Executives and smaller political parties present in Abuja.

    The two-term former Governor is contesting under the platform of the Labour Party.

    He vowed to frontally attack corruption, end killings, injustice and restructure the country with great support from the youth.

    Read Also: My presidential ambition a rescue mission – Donald Duke

    According to him, “Restructuring is not about about North vs South, Muslim vs Christian. Restructuring will empower every parts of Nigeria. Development will be unleashed in every part.”

    He added that, “There is enough landmass to feed Africa.”

    Mimiko assured women of inclusion and promised to work with any other party willing to join his political ambition.

  • Updated: Mimiko Declares for Presidency

    The former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has declared his interest to contest for Presidency in the 2019 general election.

    Mimiko made his declaration at the National Headquarters of the Labour Party with all National Executives and smaller political parties present in Abuja.

    Read Also:2019: APC faction, Oyinlola, Mimiko meet Ladoja for merger talk – News

    The two-term former Governor is contesting under the platform of the Labour Party.

    He vowed to frontally attack corruption, end killings, injustice and restructure the country with great support from the youth.

    According to him, “Restructuring is not about North vs South, Muslim vs Christian. Restructuring will empower every parts of Nigeria. Development will be unleashed in every part.”

    He added that, “There is enough landmass to feed Africa.”

    Mimiko assured women of inclusion and promised to work with any other party willing to join his political ambition.

  • Mimiko urges investment in entrepreneurial development of youths

    The former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, on Tuesday called on governments at all levels, to invest more in the entrepreneurial development of Nigerian youths, to tackle unemployment.

    Mimiko made the call in his address at the activities marking official opening ceremony of the “Conversations for Change” (C4C) an NGO, with support from UNFPA, in Abuja.

    He said that the call for investment in entrepreneurship has become important because it is key to achieve sustainable national growth and self-reliance of young people in the country.

    According to him, entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses as most people often think, but it is a mindset, a new way of thinking and acting.

    Mimiko said “in this modern age entrepreneurship involves thinking of new ways to solve economic problems and create values.

    “It requires attitude, knowledge and skills, if we get this right our country will better for it, failure to invest in the entrepreneurial development of young people can hinder national growth.

    “It should also be a major part of our educational curriculum; this is important because doing so will help to drive growth of our nation’s economy.

    “It will also enable us to build sustainable value chains of agriculture, modern technology and create necessary jobs for teeming unemployed graduates that churned out yearly from universities.”

    Also speaking, Dr Kechi Ogbuagu, President of C4C and Chairman Board of Trustees, said that the issue about unemployment had become prevalent in Nigeria, therefore the need for entrepreneurship to proffer solution.

    She said that the fact governments had continued to struggle with tasks of creating jobs for young people, much still need to be done to achieve target.
    According to her,hence the need for young people to be supported to become successful entrepreneurs.

    Ogbuagu said “our intention is to contribute to this effort by casting a wider net to include many young people who have great ideas.

    Read Also: Mimiko calls for more investment in quality education

    “Ideas that if well actualized will provide them and in due course other young people with effective and sustainable means of livelihood.

    “300 people applied to take part in the programme, 50 of them were interviewed, but only 15 were selected as our first batch of students in the entrepreneurship fellowship programme.

    “Three of them are into fashion designing, two are into ICT, four are into recycling, two into health and the remaining four are into food processing.”

    She explained that the organisation has organised a one year fellowship programme for young people from 18 to 40 years of age with ideas that is tailored to make them entrepreneurs.

    She explained that the programme which started since July sought to support and mentor young people to succeed and create more opportunities for others to be gainfully employed.

    She identified the social media initiative, employment initiative, demographic dividend initiative and youth mentorship initiative, to be strategic focus by the organization to achieve its plan.

    In a remark, Dr Eugene Kongnyuy, Director of UNFPA in Nigeria, said that entrepreneurship initiative was apt, because youths are key to nation building.

    Kongnyuy said “we need to work with young people because they form 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population and if their energies are channeled into doing creative things, unem0ployment will reduce.

    “Government can only go as far as trying to solve the problem about unemployment, but cannot do it all alone, jobs does not come by creating employment, by entrepreneurship.”

    Meanwhile, Mr Eric Ochigbo, a beneficiary who spoke on-behalf of the programme participants, commended the establishment of the entrepreneurship initiative to be a right step in the right direction.

    According to him, we have been trained on entrepreneurship skills for five days, right now we are on internship in various businesses that we selected for ourselves.

    “We are to acquire practical experience in lines of business we have chosen, hopefully we are expected to establish our individual businesses after completion of the programme in 2019,” Ochigbo said.

    C4C is a non-profit international organisation with the aim of empowering young people to participate effectively in all relevant areas of development.