By Ayodele Ologunola
Men of true substance are rarely adorned in gold; it is only when the layers of dust are brushed aside that the real treasure beneath becomes evident. As Charles de Gaulle once observed, “Nothing great will ever be achieved without great men and women; and they are great only if they are determined to be.” These words aptly capture the political journey and public service record of Hon. Ade Adeogun.
Hon. Adeogun served as a member of the House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly, representing the people of Akoko South West and Akoko South East Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Throughout his tenure, he distinguished himself as a grassroots politician who places the welfare and aspirations of his constituents above personal interest.
To him, politics is not an end in itself but a means of uplifting society and improving the living conditions of the people. He believes that political power should be deployed to stimulate development, reduce poverty and create opportunities for the masses. This philosophy guided his interventions, contributions to debates, and participation in policy formulation during his time in the National Assembly.
Within the political landscape of Nigeria and Ondo State in particular, Hon. Adeogun has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the progressive ideals championed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He sees public office as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal gain, a conviction that has shaped his approach to governance and representation.
Concerned about the persistent hardship and limited dividends of democracy experienced by the people of Ondo North Senatorial District, Hon. Adeogun has expressed his readiness to offer purposeful representation if given the mandate to serve in the Senate. He has identified economic revival as a top priority, with plans to attract capital and investments that will stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, positioning the district as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
He maintains that Ondo North remains one of the most underserved senatorial districts in the country, having suffered years of economic marginalisation and infrastructural neglect. Federal roads traversing the district, including major trunk routes linking the South-West to parts of the North, are largely in deplorable condition. Despite successive budgets, tangible federal presence and investments in the area have remained minimal, reinforcing the perception of exclusion from the national development agenda.
The absence of large-scale private enterprises capable of employing significant numbers of people has further deepened poverty in the district. Youth unemployment, frustration and social discontent are widespread. Against this backdrop, Hon. Adeogun has pledged to give the people of Ondo North a stronger voice at the national level and to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that governance begins to have a meaningful impact on their lives.
His development agenda places strong emphasis on investment promotion, particularly in agriculture, tourism, entertainment and innovation, as pathways to economic growth and job creation. These priorities reflect his belief in sustainable, people-driven development.
During his four-year tenure in the House of Representatives between 2019 and 2023, Hon. Adeogun recorded notable achievements across communities in Akoko South West and South East Federal Constituency. His interventions cut across road construction and rehabilitation, bridge projects, electrification support, construction and renovation of community halls, schools, police facilities and security offices, as well as the provision of boreholes and water projects.
He also facilitated educational support through scholarships and bursaries, supplied computers and textbooks to secondary schools, and provided buses to community cooperative societies. In the agricultural sector, he supported thousands of farmers with agrochemicals and farm inputs, while artisans and small business owners benefited from grants, tools and empowerment programmes.
In addition, Hon. Adeogun facilitated access to agricultural loans, COVID-19 intervention grants, and relief materials for victims of accidents and natural disasters through relevant emergency agencies. His efforts also extended to human capital development, with the facilitation of employment opportunities for dozens of constituents across security agencies and other public institutions, as well as overseas scholarships for deserving beneficiaries.
Beyond constituency projects and empowerment programmes, he sponsored five bills and maintained a strong legislative presence throughout his tenure, earning him recognition as an active and visible lawmaker.
The message Hon. Ade Adeogun is conveying to the people of Ondo North Senatorial District is straightforward and unwavering: the restoration of hope through credible, people-oriented leadership. He envisions the creation of a sustainable economic framework that will empower citizens, correct years of neglect and chart a new course for collective prosperity. Undeterred by cynicism or doubt, he remains confident that with perseverance and the right leadership, Ondo North can realise its full potential and secure a better future for its people.
By Ayodele Ologunola
Publisher, The Focus Magazine
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