Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has renamed The Dome International Event and Cultural Centre after former Governor Olusegun Mimiko in recognition of his contributions to the state’s development.
Aiyedatiwa announced the decision on Saturday at An Evening of Celebration and Conversation with Mimiko, organised by young professionals in Abuja to mark Mimiko’s 72nd birthday. The facility was renamed the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Cultural and Event Centre.
In his goodwill message, Aiyedatiwa commended Mimiko’s achievements in healthcare, education and other sectors, particularly his free shuttle bus scheme for students. He also praised the organisers and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Ondo State and Nigeria.
During a fireside chat, Mimiko challenged young professionals from Ondo State and beyond to prioritise hard work, personal development and leadership preparation. He said young people should first strive to become good individuals before aspiring to lead, stressing that effective leadership required prior development of capacity in one or more areas.
On President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Mimiko described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant intervention capable of democratising access to higher education, regardless of students’ parents’ financial circumstances. He urged young Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that continuity would help sustain and possibly expand the initiative.
“You are bustling with energy and zeal and have access to readily available, knowledge-enhancing information. You therefore have to make the best of the opportunities available and maximise your chances,” Mimiko said.
The event coordinator and former Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, Hon. Ayo Obe, said the celebration was inspired by the organisers’ experiences of Mimiko’s moral, intellectual, political and material support and mentorship.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Tolu Adegbie, representing the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; and Otunba Bademosi, representing the Osemawe of Ondo, were among the dignitaries who paid tribute to Mimiko.
Tunji-Ojo described the young people mentored by Mimiko as his most enduring achievement, saying their decision to organise the celebration reflected his impact on their lives.
“The best of all the achievements of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the former governor of Ondo State, are the young people he built through mentorship,” the minister said.
He added that Mimiko had not solicited the honour and urged political leaders and public office holders to mentor younger generations.
“This is a lesson for all of us in government, no matter how long. For every entry, one day, there will be an exit. But when the exit comes, who will be there to hold your hands?” he asked.
The Minister of Finance, through his representative, commended Mimiko’s achievements despite the financial constraints he faced in office. He said states could now pursue new development initiatives because more resources were available through the Tinubu administration’s economic policies.
The Olowo of Owo praised Mimiko’s contributions to healthcare, education and infrastructure, praying that God would preserve his health and strength to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.
The Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, through his representative, echoed the commendation and praised the young professionals for honouring Mimiko. He said the initiative could encourage other leaders to show greater commitment to youth development.
Other dignitaries included former Kogi State Governor Captain Idris Wada; Senator Dayo Faduyile, representing Ondo South Senatorial District; House of Representatives member Fessy West Adediranye; Hon Joseph Akinlaja and other former and serving members of the National Assembly from Ondo State; and other prominent guests.
