Of the states in the South West Region, attention would be shifted towards Ondo state this year as the governorship election is scheduled to hold therein by October. The two-term tenure of the incumbent governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko will lapse and a new chapter in the life of the state would be opened. On-going alignment and re-alignment within the two leading political Parties APC and PDP will definitely shape events in this election year.

But, as the present distasteful situation in Ondo state would have it, the major actors of this election should be the Ondo people themselves, the common voters and party delegates alike. The opportunity to make a better decision about who will lead them in the next four years has finally come, it is time for them to be the master of their fate beyond depressing sentiments.

For any indigent and truly concerned individual from Ondo, it is clear as day that the state has been ran on a retrogressive pace especially in the past 7 years under the stewardship of Governor Mimiko of the PDP. While it is true that Mimiko's government has been able to record only pockets of development so far despite the undeniable influx of cash, it is not a satirical truth that Ondo hasn't been able to maximize its many prospects at greatness because of this kind of leadership that has glaringly proven to lack the know-how to lead effectively.

And as always, the sufferers have been the Ondo masses who constantly decry their perennial poverty and who haven't been given the infrastructure to create self-worth and wealth despite the prospects of bliss which sadly remain untapped in the land. The government so far has not been for the people, it has been widely tagged largely elitist and insensitive.

At 40 and with her abundant resources, Ondo state shouldn't have the habit of owing its own workers; Ondo state shouldn't really stack up debts, especially not to the tune of a 100 billion; Ondo state shouldn't haven't any difficulty creating jobs and avenues for empowerment..more so, Ondo shouldn't even be heavily reliant on Abuja money. But sadly, all these sickening strangeness are Ondo's harsh and daunting reality at the moment especially in this 7 years of the Mimiko administration. Development has been pegged, and it's no doubt painful.

All these have seem to give the APC an edge in the scheme of thoughts and opinions among Ondo citizens as they head to the polls.

While the ruling PDP in the state is losing some of its chieftains to the opposition APC ahead of the coming governorship election, the opposition party itself is bedevilled with serious internal squabbles which may spell doom for it at the polls. Interested aspirants in the two parties have kick-started their campaigns across the 18 council areas of the state, an indication that they mean serious business.

As expected, an avalanche of names have sprung up from different coffers, politically-minded groups and spurious political permutations, each rightly or otherwise, touting one or two names as possible successors to Mimiko.

As this race gathers momentum, it's getting obvious by the day, that the candidacy of one of the APC aspirants largely described in and around Ondo state as an incurable philanthropist, consummate industrialist, and a long-serving progressive loyalist, Dr. Olusegun Abraham, is gathering the most steam. His popularity in core Ondo mainstream is not unconnected to the fact that he has effectively, albeit silently, contributed to the development of Ondo state and her citizens for over 30 years. Having run a similar campaign on the same APC platform 4 years ago, Olusegun Abraham his being heavily tipped by truly concerned and informed Ondo people to make the much-needed difference from the Alagbaka house. Olusegun Abraham is from Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North East Local government, the zone also tipped to deservedly produce the next governor in the state.

Other names that have shown interest and who have started gathering gradual moss include, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who won his second term seat to the senate in 2015 elections. He is from the Akoko South West local government; also is former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan is also eyeing the seat. He is equally from Akoko South West local government. He defected from the PDP to APC before the last general election.

The list also includes former governorship candidate of the defunct ACN, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, is also not backing out of the next year poll. The APC stalwart is from Owo local government. It will be recalled that Akeredolu in a recent interview published by a National daily boasted that he will be the next governor of the state.

The National Secretary of Labour Party (LP) Kayode Ajulo may likely contest the seat under LP platform. Ajulo who is known to be one of Mimiko’s confidants is the Board Chairman of Ondo State Radiovision Corporation (OSRC).
Ajulo is from Ifira-Akoko.

Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, a member of PDP from Akoko North East is one of those eyeing the seat. He was a former House of Representatives lawmaker, representing Akoko North East/West.

Dr. Olu Agunloye, from Akoko North East, may likely contest. He was among the defunct ACN governorship aspirants in 2012. He dumped the party for LP after he was not given the ticket. He also joined PDP in 2014. He teamed up with old PDP group led by Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim to frustrate Mimiko’s return to the PDP.

Another person interested in the seat is Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba. He is a leader of APC and a member of the Board of Trustees of the party. He is from Owo local government.
Relatively, Niran Sule from Owo local government is also eyeing the seat.
He was among the defectors who joined APC from PDP.

Akinfehinwa Awodeyi A.K.A Apata, also from Owo local government indigene, has never hidden his interest to rule the state. During the general elections, as he was campaigning for his party candidates, he was also building his political structures ahead of 2016.

Mrs. Jumoke Aniwofose, the daughter of the first Civilian Governor of old Ondo State, late Adekunle Ajasin is also interested in the seat. She was the former State Chairman of the defunct ACN before she resigned to contest as governorship aspirant of ACN in 2012.

Well, for all Ondo citizens, and even Nigerians at large, I believe it is high time we all stopped allowing shallow parameters peg us back and blur our sense of judgment. One thing that is sure is that, when bias-based parameters reflective of short-sightedness are embraced, they clearly expose the shallow-mindedness of the general Nigerian followership, and as a result, impede the chances of getting consummate and people-oriented leadership.

As already stated above, time is now for the enduring people of Ondo to make a better decision as touching electing a new leader. This decision should be based on the test of integrity, compassion and godliness.

The much-deserving Ondo people must know that after all is said and done, the power belongs to them, and as the 2016 gubernatorial election beckons, they must get ready to employ their constitutional right to make the Sunshine state actually shine.

Olubi Olasogba wrote from Akure

PDP!

Asiri1991:
PDP!

PDP?? Hahahaha

Ko le werk

Asiri1991:
PDP!

Some people just mumu sha....lol

PDP is dead on arrival in Ondo state

anybody just campaigning now is not serious. wey e suppose de share rice since 4 years ago

mikolo80:
anybody just campaigning now is not serious. wey e suppose de share rice since 4 years ago

Hahahaha. ..you nor serious oh

TlekeA:

Some people just mumu sha....lol
PDP is dead on arrival in Ondo state

Very dead....Dr. Mimiko mess up gan!

Finekunlex:


Hahahaha. ..you nor serious oh

istruena.can you imagine adedibu just campaigning at dying minute.nope.share d rice every year before y-year

PDP and LP can't win ondo state becos of Mimiko
No other way than APC

mikolo80:
istruena.can you imagine adedibu just campaigning at dying minute.nope.share d rice every year before y-year

Stomach infrastructure to the rescue! Hahahahaha

Well, mikolo80, stomach infrastructure should go parri-passu with technocratic governance. ..that's wwhat most Naija politicians don't know.

And in Ondo state now, na APC ) sure pass oh....that Olusegun Abraham guy make sense kinda

seunny4lif:
PDP and LP can't win ondo state becos of Mimiko
No other way than APC

Gbam!!!

Thank God APC has better candidates like this Olusegun Abraham guy now compared to 2012 when they used Akeredolu

I'm from ondo state
Mimiko really disappointed everybody and thank God I no vote am
Agagu remain the best

TlekeA:


Gbam!!!

Thank God APC has better candidates like this Olusegun Abraham guy now compared to 2012 when they used Akeredolu

TlekeA:


Stomach infrastructure to the rescue! Hahahahaha

Well, mikolo80, stomach infrastructure should go parri-passu with technocratic governance. ..that's wwhat most Naija politicians don't know.

And in Ondo state now, na APC ) sure pass oh....that Olusegun Abraham guy make sense kinda

that milady is why WE tha t KNOW need to get involved in politics to show how it could be done.imagine akala invest his stoolen 26 billion in a massive palm oil plantation.now multiply by 36 governors,4r regimes,commisioners ,ministers senators. we should not be suffering like this even with corruption

With d hapenings at dis moment frm d APC-led fedral govt, i dnt think a sane & reasonable fellow in Ondo State would vote APC. because its now crystal clear dt APC's change is a confirmed scam!

DeWorlex45:
With d hapenings at dis moment frm d APC-led fedral govt, i dnt think a sane & reasonable fellow in Ondo State would vote APC. because its now crystal clear dt APC's change is a confirmed scam!

Abeg, no be scam. They are just having a hard time trying to forestall the bullshit that has be on in the country for a while... they are not a scam...

For Ondo ehn, they need a practical leader, not a career politician again...else, that state will just peme sharperly

Who is this Olusegun Abraham man though ..he seems to be the one gathering the most moss for the right reasons....

Who sabi am abeg make we know. ...

Finekunlex:
Who is this Olusegun Abraham man though ..he seems to be the one gathering the most moss for the right reasons....

Who sabi am abeg make we know. ...

Oh boy..factually, the guy bin try oh, him be chartered engineer, plus him be pastor...lol...I got this below off his website. . www.segunabraham.com

He describes himself as a consummate politician and experienced industrialist who is compassionately committed to the welfare of all the people of Ondo state, especially the poor.

Segun Abraham was born in the rustic town of Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State on the 24th of December 1953. His dad was a cocoa farmer and his mother was a cocoa trader. His grandfather migrated from Irun-Akoko to Ikare-Akoko due to the popular demand for his business as a blacksmith (Agbede) in the late 1800s.

His parents were very religious, humble and accommodating but very strict. The family had early morning devotions at 5.00 am daily, which was compulsory for all the children to take active part in the daily family devotion. In the evenings, there was always family devotion as well before bed at 8.00 pm daily. This molded Segun Abraham’s views on discipline, godliness and family.


Education amd Experience
Olusegun Abraham was born and raised in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, where he had his early formal education. He attended the prestigious Victory College, Ikare, for his secondary school education.

A Chartered Engineer, Dr. Abraham also holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering from Yaba college of Technology and Doctors of Science Decree in Engineering/Business Management (Honorius Cansa) from Bradley University, USA.

He also holds Masters degree in technology management, as well as several international trainings with notable institutions and organisations; among which are Tyndale University College and Seminary, Canada, Institute of Directors, UK (Dynamics of Negotiations), UNIDO (Joint Venture Industrialization), Ingersoll-Rand, UK (International Business Management), Lagos Business School (Chief Executive Program), Institute of Advanced Technology and Management (Leadership through Innovation).

He has also attended many short courses sponsored by the African Development Bank, World Bank and African Carribean Pacific to mention but a few

Segun Abraham has grown and managed Seg. Mahsen & Co. Nig Ltd (SMC), along with his team, into a foremost engineering firm in Nigeria. SMC began with humble beginnings in a one-room apartment which doubled as Segun Abraham’s residence at the time. His lifelong prudence in finance, the deployment of resources and his characteristic hardworking spirit propelled the many successes of SMC. He is a technocrat who has handled World Bank assisted projects both within and outside Nigeria. SMC is among the top few African corporations that have met World Bank standards and qualifications to carry out projects of a certain threshold in water and road projects.

He has been decorated with at least three honorary degrees in recognition of his contributions to business, development and education.

Olusegun Abraham serves as a Consultant to many notable national and international corporate organizations including World Bank and BPE. Chief Abraham has so many years of Professional and Managerial expertise and has over 15 years with different companies across the Federation at the Board level. Chief Abraham has been a Director of Lasaco Assurance Plc since October 19, 2006. He is a member of the Institute of Directors of the U.K. Chief Abraham is also a member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Member Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce, and Member Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce.

He has a Masters Degree in Christian Studies and Theology at the prestigious Tyndale University College and Seminary, Canada and presently serves as a member of the board of trustee of the Family Gospel Mission International.


Politics , Philanthropy and Community Service
Segun Abraham participated in the NADECO struggle in the 90s, which led to Nigeria’s transition from a military-led governing system to a democratic system. The realisation of the goals of this struggle has spurred free speech and broader mass participation in the politics that define our nation and economic development.

He served as the Chairman of the Investments Sub-Committee in the Economic Advisory Board of Ondo State, under the Adebayo Adefarati Administration and was the Chairman of Owena International Hotel, Akure. His innovative ideas led to the transformation of the almost defunct Owena Motel into an international hotel thus becoming the toast of investors competing to buy into the hotel

His service to Ondo and the people of Ondo State through the Economic Advisory Board and Owena International Hotel was done without receiving a salary or any compensation. All debts owed by Owena International Hotel prior to his appointment were settled during his tenure. Furthermore, he used his personal funds to assist in the capacities where he served when necessary.

Segun Abraham was prominent in the formation of AD in 1998, participating in the 1999 general elections of Ondo State through financing and support as required. His involvement in the party continued through the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC).

In 2012, he declared his intention to run for office of Governor of Ondo State under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, his respect and loyalty to the party however made him notably step down for another candidate.
Now in 2016, Olusegun Abraham has registered his intention to run for the governorship position again under the same platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Segun Abraham’s philanthropy reaches the penurious and vulnerable in the society through two charity organisations. The Abraham Foundation gives out yearly scholarships to brilliant but less privileged and physically challenged students in Ondo State. This has been ongoing for over 13 years and has recorded over 2,000 beneficiaries, many of who are lawyers, doctors, accountants, teachers etc. abroad and in Nigeria.

Trinity Foundation, another charity organisation, was set up to meet the needs of the often overlooked mentally challenged persons in our community amongst other charity works. The foundation has constructed two wards for the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital and has footed the medical expenses for many critically ill children to India over several years. Additionally, the foundation donates necessities to orphanages, food and clothing for the widows and old people in the society from time to time. The foundation has sponsored the trainings of several doctors abroad in the field of psychiatry and is in partnership with the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital to provide the support needed for indigene patients who are picked up from the street.

Segun Abraham has built formidable businesses, is an accomplished technocrat and thought leader, a passionate philanthropist both at home and abroad; hence, he is regarded as the foremost champion of education for the less privileged in Ondo State especially in the Northern Senatorial district of the State.


Awards
He has been recognised for his achievements and philanthropy by several bodies. He has been awarded the Senior Advocate of Peace (SAP) Award by the Peace Corps of Nigeria, the NUBIFIE Award of Excellence, National Merit Award in Water Engineering Technology, National Merit Award in Engineering Technology and the ECOWAS Distinguished Corporate Achievers award of Captain of Industries amongst others.

He is happily married to his best friend, Bunmi, and is blessed with many children.