The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has described the younger leaders mentored by former Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, as his greatest achievement, saying their emergence in public service reflects his enduring legacy.
Tunji-Ojo spoke at the “Birthday and Conversation with Dr Olusegun Mimiko” held in Abuja on Saturday to celebrate the former governor’s 72nd birthday.
He hailed Mimiko as the architect of modern Ondo State and one of its finest governors, citing his contributions to healthcare, education, youth empowerment and infrastructure despite the challenges confronting his administration.
The minister said projects such as the Mother and Child Hospital and the university of medical sciences remained evidence of Mimiko’s commitment to people-oriented governance during his eight-year tenure.
He said, “The best of his achievements happens to be the people he built through mentorship. The reason why I have to be here today is because the young people that he mentored decided to celebrate him. He didn’t ask to be celebrated.”
Tunji-Ojo urged political office holders to invest in mentoring younger generations, noting that public office was temporary but the impact of leadership could endure through those prepared to carry on its values.
Recalling his relationship with Mimiko, the minister said the former governor had mentored him from his days as a House of Representatives aspirant and continued to inspire him even after his appointment as a minister. He also praised Mimiko’s reading habit and urged young leaders to emulate his commitment to learning.
“Mimiko is not a magician, but he did magic through governance in Ondo State. I can assure you, sir, that we will continue to leverage your ideology,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced at the event that the Ondo State International Centre for Culture and Events, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure, would be renamed after Mimiko. Other dignitaries included former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and serving and former National Assembly members from Ondo State.
