Iroko Legacy Platform: Akinlaja Extols the Virtues of Mimiko

Hon Joseph Akinlaja Prof Femi Mimiko and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State
Hon Joseph Akinlaja Prof Femi Mimiko and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Rahman Mimiko, has received commendations for what has been described as his timely and strategic intervention in running governance since his inception into office since February 24, 2008.

These commendations came fro m speakers and guests on Wednesday at the inauguration/public lecture of Iroko Legacy Platform, which held at the Adegbemile House, Akure. The topic for the inauguration was Legacies of Good Governance As Catalyst of Socio-Political Development.

One of the Speakers Hon Joseph Iranola Akinlaja who is the Chairman of Iroko Legacy Platform said the administration of Governor Mimiko is not just a pride to Ondo State but the entire black race, he also gave kudos to Ondo youths who availed themselves in celebrating the legacies of excellence and governance and also warned that Iroko Legacy Platform will not just be championed by the youths but people of older generation as well.

In his words, ''it is most gratifying and commendable that today we all can see a developed and prosperous Ondo State which has become the pride of Africa and the Black race. We are also here to celebrate the life of a man that has displayed courage, and out of his wealth of experience rekindled our innovative instinct as a State, showcased our character and turned the dream of Ondo State into reality.''

''I must also note here that I am encouraged by the teeming supports we have received from our youth who are endowed with fresh ideas, bubbling energy and a passionate desire for the sustenance of Iroko Legacies – you are the hope of this nation, without you, we really can't talk of a future with hope and confidence. Although that does not mean that Iroko Legacy Platform is exclusively for the youth, people of older generation have a part to play in this as well.'' Akinlaja stated.

Akinlaja who is currently representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency at the National Assembly itemized all the achievements of Governor Mimiko in the areas of urban renewal, transportation, sports, social welfare, agriculture, etc. For him (Akinlaja) the intervention of Governor Mimiko in the state health sectors particularly the Abiye programme is considered as mother of all achievements. According to him, ''Abiye has recorded so much success such that it has been signposted as the model for tackling infant and maternal mortality in the developing world. This global acclaim is evident in the fact that the World Bank officially listed Ondo State Abiye programme on its website as one of the success stories coming out of Africa.''

He disclosed that Iroko Legacy Platform is saddled with the responsibility of documenting the achievements of Governor Mimiko among other things, such that even when he eventually leaves office, generation yet unborn will be able to have access to those records of his indelible milestones.

Another speaker at the well-attended event who is a chieftain of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Dr. Yinka Odumakin, in his own part gave kudos to the Governor for his achievements in office and style of governance, which he said qualified him for a national leader, while calling for the continuity of the legacies of the Governor, said “Dr Mimiko has done so well for the people so much that any subsequent government that attempts to discontinue any of his existing programmes will incur the wrath of the people because he has used his peculiar style of governance to settle some problems of his generation.”

Consequently, Odumakin declared that Mimiko has redefined governance, adding: “We have pretenders who lay claim to Awoism in the Southwest but with no legacies to be identified by the people like that of Mimiko.

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Articles by Emmanuel Ajibulu