Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has renamed The Dome International Event and Cultural Centre in honour of former governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Ondo State.
The facility has been renamed the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Cultural and Event Centre.
Aiyedatiwa announced the decision on Saturday during An Evening of Celebration and Conversation with Dr Olusegun Mimiko, organised by young professionals in Abuja to commemorate the former governor’s 72nd birthday.
Speaking at the event, the governor commended Mimiko’s contributions to healthcare, education and other sectors, particularly his free shuttle bus scheme for students.
He also praised the organisers for recognising the former governor’s contributions and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of Ondo State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mimiko challenged young professionals to prioritise hard work, personal development and leadership preparation, stressing that aspiring leaders must first build their capacity and demonstrate responsibility before seeking public office.
He urged young people to take advantage of available opportunities and invest in knowledge and skills that would prepare them for leadership positions.
“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,” he said.
Commenting on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the former governor described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant intervention capable of expanding access to higher education, irrespective of students’ financial backgrounds.
He urged young Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that continuity would help sustain and expand the initiative.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the young people mentored by Mimiko as his most enduring achievement, saying their decision to celebrate him reflected the lasting impact of his investment in human development.
“The best of all the achievements of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the former governor of Ondo State, are the young people he built through mentorship,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He noted that Mimiko had not solicited the honour and urged political leaders and public office holders to make youth mentorship an integral part of their responsibilities.
According to him, the true measure of leadership goes beyond achievements in office to include the people equipped with the knowledge, values and skills to sustain development after a leader leaves office.
“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 event coordinator and former Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, Hon. Ayo Obe, said the celebration was inspired by the organisers’ personal experiences of Mimiko’s moral, intellectual, political and material support, as well as his mentorship.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, through his representative, Tolu Adegbie, also commended Mimiko for his achievements despite the financial constraints he faced while in office.
He observed that states could pursue additional development initiatives with increased resources available through the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
Similarly, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, praised Mimiko’s contributions to healthcare, education and infrastructure.
The monarch prayed for continued good health and strength for the former governor, expressing hope that he would remain committed to serving Nigeria and humanity.
The Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo, who was represented at the occasion, also commended Mimiko and praised the young professionals for recognising his contributions to the state.
He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other leaders to demonstrate greater commitment to mentoring and developing younger generations.
Other dignitaries at the celebration included former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada; Senator Dayo Faduyile, representing Ondo South Senatorial District; a member of the House of Representatives, Fessy West Adediranye; Hon. Joseph Akinlaja; and other former and serving members of the National Assembly from Ondo State.
The celebration featured tributes from political leaders, traditional rulers and other prominent personalities, who acknowledged Mimiko’s contributions to governance, mentorship and human development.
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