*DEJI ADELEKE, EPITOME OF PHILANTHROPIC ALTRUISM*

By Bode Opeseitan

When the list of Africa’s greatest and most unassuming philanthropists of all time is released, one name that is certain to feature prominently on the priceless scroll of honour is multi-billionaire businessman, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.

Adedeji Adeleke belongs to the rarest lineage of discreet billionaires not only in Africa but across the globe who have made a monumental impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people.

His level of kindness is the highest in the hierarchy of philanthropy called altruistic philanthropism. The Jewish Virtual Library in its classification of eight levels of charitable giving ranked grudging philanthropism as the worst while the best is the charity given in a dignified manner to sustain people before they are impoverished.

Across the world, only a handful of billionaires belong to that golden generation. Whenever the quintessence of charitable causes in that class extend any act of kindness to humanity, it is not in anticipation of any payback in any form. It is from the abundance of the generosity of their hearts. They build schools, roads, hospitals and other amenities for the society with absolutely no string attached.

They provide scholarships up to the university level in different parts of the world for people who can never repay them.

They regularly change the stories of market women, traders, plumbers and other artisans or professionals who cross their paths for good. When they promise, they deliver. They don’t hoodwink.

Spread all over the world are people of different religious faiths and ethnic nationalities they have bankrolled from nothing to greatness. That is what Deji Adeleke has done. That is what has earned him the trust, abiding faith and deep respect of all those who encountered him.

Yet, this philanthropic colossus does not want anybody to acknowledge or celebrate his irrevocable commitment to helping others to thrive.

“Whatever I do for anyone is between me and my GOD”, he would tell his friend of several decades, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke Ila.

His musician son, David O (David Adeleke) is even more famous than him by miles.

Never one to flaunt his kindness or oppress humanity with his wealth, Deji Adeleke does not even want his works to speak for him. He wants the seed of goodness he has sown in others to germinate and flourish to the glory of God and for the benefit of that person without any self-glorifying link with him. To this noble personification of kindness, his divine assignment is done the moment he has planted the seed of giving in any of the people he has supported. He does not want to profit from any accolade therefrom. He does not orchestrate, spin or launder his charitable deeds. He does not play to the gallery. This is perhaps the biggest lesson he has served fellow billionaires a-la-carte.

When I asked Oba Abolarin to mention one exceptional act of kindness of Dr. Adeleke he could recall, Kabiyesi said, “They are just too numerous (Won ti po ju, Bode, won ti po ju u), he said repeatedly, with all the emphasis he could muster.

“That was why he established Adeleke University, Ede”, said the bosom friend of the billionaire as he began, very reluctantly, to unveil the veil, saying it is important this once to let the people know Adeleke’s brand of philanthropy in order to inspire others.

“He (Adeleke) paid the school fees of over 2000 students annually in different parts of the world. Then, he said, ‘why can’t I just start a university?’ That was why he started the university to fund the education of the less privileged. Between one third and half of the university’s student population is on his scholarship,” said the monarch delightfully about his friend in whom he is exceedingly pleased.

The trigger to celebrate Adedeji Adeleke had its root in my recent trip to Washington DC. I had taken a Uber Luxury ride from the Amtrak Train Station to my destination. Behind the wheel was a Nigerian from Rivers State, Henry.

Having easily established we were both Nigerians, Henry lamented the chronic misrule in Nigeria and expressed the hope that he would one day return home and partake in the efforts to rebuild the country to make his benefactor and mentor, Adedeji Adeleke proud.

He told me of how Deji Adeleke gave him and six others who were members of an acapella gospel group, The Ambassadors, their big break in the 90s by sponsoring them to the United States of America. He could not stop singing the praise of Dr. Adeleke.

“Several times, whether in Nigeria or when we were on trips outside the country, people of different backgrounds would approach him and start thanking him profusely, saying but for him, they would not have had a university degree,” recalled Oba Abolarin. Both Oba Abolarin and Dr. Adeleke are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a faith that shaped who and what he (Adeleke) has become.

My friend and brother who was close to Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Deji Adeleke’s elder brother, Mr. Remi Oyeyemi, said the impact of Deji Adeleke’s generosity is felt not only in every nook and cranny of Osun State but in far distant places.

“Selfless act of giving is the pastime of the Adeleke family. Their father was also renowned for his generous spirit in his lifetime. People know Senator Demola Adeleke more for his dancing skills but the people of his senatorial district felt his impact in the little time he served as Senator,” said Mr. Oyeyemi.

Blessed indeed are the cheerful givers. May GOD continually bless and preserve Adedeji Adeleke for his pristine and selfless philanthropism.

©️Bode Opeseitan

ONDO 2020:
OLAFESO CKNGRATULATES JEGEDE, CHARGES PDP ON EQUITY, FAIRNESS

Distinguished gentlemen of the Press,

A few hours ago, I sent a congratulatory message to Barr. Eyitayo Jegede who won the Ondo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Primary held yesterday. I wished him luck and offered my best wishes on the task ahead of him and us all.

We congratulate H.E. Gov. Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and his H.E. Gov. Fintiri and other members of the Primary Committee for the success of yesterday.

As a democrat, we participated in the Primary in our bid to contribute our quota to the development of the State. Over a year ago, we started this process of talking to our people. We’ve been to the 18 Local Governments and the 203 Wards across the whole State. We interfaced with our people and we’ve seen the kind of mysterious poveety that revolves around our people across the State. We remember the efforts of our leaders, Chief Ajasin, Chief Adefarati, Chief Agagu, and Dr. Mimiko who developed this State to be the Sunshine State.

I pray that the flag bearer meets the hopes and yearnings of our people for sustainable economic policies and better life for each and everyone of us as passed on by Baba Ajasin. The need for a critical look at our educational and health sectors as bequeathed by Baba Adefarati and Dr. Mimiko. Our desire is to begin to look at our infrastructural development from where Dr. Agagu left it. The tragedy is that until we look at the efficiency of our parties, that’s when we can talk about an efficient government.

Yesterday, 175 delegates voted for us. That’s the input of the material and human resources we’ve injected into this race. Be that as it may, we can not overemphasize on the need to move forward to get Ondo’s sun to shine again.

I want to thank my brother and friend, Rev Bunmi Jenyo who served as my Zonal Secretary of the party. He’s been with me all the way and have relocated to Ondo for the past 3 months. My childhood friend, Chief Kole Omololu remain dependable and cherished. My incredible team ably led by Hon. Dayo Akinsoyinu, assisted by Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele have been wonderful. Ade Adegba greatly coordinated Central for us, Engr. Alabi was resolute in the North and Hon. Lubi Akpoebi in the South was marvelous. I want to thank all LG and Ward Coordinators for the amount of work done.
I want to also thank my brother, Dr. ‘Kunle Akindele and his team from Abuja. The whole team have been great
Yesterday’s result might have downplayed the enormous work done by this team but I’m sure that we will keep it up and ensure that our party win the incoming election.

I will thank our sponsors for believing in our dream for a better Ondo State. I want to thank those who were with me all day, through thick and thin, my PAs Ariyo Adeola and Jide Akinnusi and my security details who haven’t slept for over 72 hours now. My Social Media team led by Wándé T. Ajayi has been fantastic and I want to thank them.

I can’t mention all names for they are just too much. I’m a blessed man to be surrounded by fantastic human beings.

But of all these great people I’ve mentioned that supported me, I have my wife and my daughter here today. My daughter is my script writer, my chancellor and adviser. My last recorded television campaign was written by her and she helped me in ensuring that I carried on. That underscores her believe in her dad. The only emotion I’ve had thus far has been when she asked her mom if “Mom, will Papi still be Governor”. Because it’s very important to her. She knows I can do it case we debate on a lot of things. But my master to her is very futuristic. I said “the future belongs to God. God give us responsibilities to change lives in whatever capacity we find ourselves.” I want to thank her so much, she is just 10 years old. I want to thank my wife of 16 years for the long hours on the kitchen. Cooking and uncooking to get us all to where we are. But now that we’ve cut away from that, we will now continue our lives in a different way. To serve humanity and do what we can to shape lives. I want to thank my family and my children all over the world. Kunle in Finland is as if he was ever away. Tolani in the UK and the rest 4 in the US.

I’m becoming a father to all now and as we age gracefully, we will all wish to stay together. I want us all to continue to be friends, to be able to do what we can for humanity as I’ve decided to dedicate the rest of my lives. I am not retiring from politics. “Politicians don’t retire, they die” Sometimes, you set your destination to he East, but God will think otherwise and change your course to the North. We are going to devout the rest of our lives to serving the society in whatever way we can.

The future of our state is in limbo and expect we enshrine Integrity, character and intellectual capacity to create a vision for our people. To me that’s very important and we must not do anything to reduce it. We must ensure we engage our people.

I want us to be sure that our party will continue to embrace equity and fairness in every decision we are taking. I want us to know that acquiring power for nothing is the most dangerous thing anybody can do and it destroys society. That to me is unforgivable.

I wish Eyitayo Jegede the very best and we must take back Ondo State to return the lost glories.

To you all, supporting us is not a waste of time. I thank you and God will continue to bless you all.

Olorogun Dr. Eddy Eniola Olafeso

PDP ZONAL SECRETARY CELEBRATES ERELU OBADA AT 69

A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Her Excellency, Erelu Olusola Obada has been applauded by the Zonal Secretary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo on the occasion of her 69th birthday anniversary celebration.

Rev. Jenyo, who described the Ilesa-born politician as a rare gem whose antecedent cannot be swept under the carpet, in a Press Statement, obtained by Nigeran Platform in Osogbo on Saturday, stated that Erelu Obada is a great woman of substance, by every standard.

In a personally signed Press release, the South West Zonal Secretary of PDP also described her as a special gift of God and said “Happy birthday to a virtuous, energetic and amiable mother and a woman of substance, Her Excellency, Erelu Olusola Obada on this special day”.

“You have been outstanding among inexhaustible personalities who are genuinely devoted to the good and progress of humanity in every sense of the word”.

“You are an iconic leader with astounding qualities and achievements capable of distinguishing you from mere men. You have indeed left an indelible footprints on the sand of time. You are obviously relentless in your efforts to build an egalitarian society”.

“You are a rare gem, a special gift of GOD for mankind”.

He therefore prayed for many happy returns of the auspicious occasion to Her Excellency “many happy returns with smiles on your cheek, bliss in your heart and greater heights in the land of the living, AMEN”.

“Congratulations your Excellency!”, Rev. Jenyo felicitated.

SOUTH WEST PDP

PRESS STATEMENT

RE: MEETING HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, OYO STATE, IBADAN ON FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2020.

(1) We take due cognizance of a purported Zonal meeting of the South West Zone of our Party summoned entirely at the pleasure of the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Oluseyi Makinde.

(2) We therefore wish to place on record that the meeting was summoned by Gov. Oluseyi Makinde without any recourse to the Zonal Caretaker Executive Committee, thus it remains an informal gathering of the friends of the Governor and not a Zonal meeting of the Party.
In view of the foregoing, its resolutions, if any is not binding on the Party in the South West Zone.

(3) We declare that the Zonal Executive is constitutionally empowered to drive the affairs of the Party in the South West, and this is a responsibility it cannot delegate. Therefore any Zonal meeting not convened by the Zonal Executive is a direct affront on the Party’s constitution and an unlawful repudiation of same. This action signals the beginning of anarchy within the Party in the Zone and it will be absolutely irresponsible of the Zonal Executive to just ignore it.
We are therefore left with no choice other than to report this development to the National Secretariat who will determine the appropriate response to issues of impunity like this.

(4) We must declare that the current Executive Committee of the South West Zone values very seriously the amity, understanding and cooperation that exist in the Zone and will continue to trenchantly ensure its sustainance.

(5) We also wish to implore all Party leaders to appreciate the recent growth and development in the Party’s fortune and resist any temptation to create any form of disaffection in the Party capable of reversing our gains.

Ayo Fadaka
Zonal Publicity Secretary.

SOUTH WEST PDPPRESS STATEMENTRE: MEETING HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, OYO STATE, IBADAN ON FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2020.(1) We take due cognizance of a purported Zonal meeting of the South West Zone of our Party summoned entirely at the pleasure of the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Oluseyi Makinde.(2) We therefore wish to place on record that the meeting was summoned by Gov. Oluseyi Makinde without any recourse to the Zonal Caretaker Executive Committee, thus it remains an informal gathering of the friends of the Governor and not a Zonal meeting of the Party.
In view of the foregoing, its resolutions, if any is not binding on the Party in the South West Zone.(3) We declare that the Zonal Executive is constitutionally empowered to drive the affairs of the Party in the South West, and this is a responsibility it cannot delegate. Therefore any Zonal meeting not convened by the Zonal Executive is a direct affront on the Party’s constitution and an unlawful repudiation of same. This action signals the beginning of anarchy within the Party in the Zone and it will be absolutely irresponsible of the Zonal Executive to just ignore it.
We are therefore left with no choice other than to report this development to the National Secretariat who will determine the appropriate response to issues of impunity like this.(4) We must declare that the current Executive Committee of the South West Zone values very seriously the amity, understanding and cooperation that exist in the Zone and will continue to trenchantly ensure its sustainance.(5) We also wish to implore all Party leaders to appreciate the recent growth and development in the Party’s fortune and resist any temptation to create any form of disaffection in the Party capable of reversing our gains.Ayo Fadaka
Zonal Publicity Secretary.

SOUTH WEST PDPPRESS STATEMENTRE: MEETING HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, OYO STATE, IBADAN ON FRIDAY 19TH JUNE 2020.(1) We take due cognizance of a purported Zonal meeting of the South West Zone of our Party summoned entirely at the pleasure of the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Oluseyi Makinde.(2) We therefore wish to place on record that the meeting was summoned by Gov. Oluseyi Makinde without any recourse to the Zonal Caretaker Executive Committee, thus it remains an informal gathering of the friends of the Governor and not a Zonal meeting of the Party.
In view of the foregoing, its resolutions, if any is not binding on the Party in the South West Zone.(3) We declare that the Zonal Executive is constitutionally empowered to drive the affairs of the Party in the South West, and this is a responsibility it cannot delegate. Therefore any Zonal meeting not convened by the Zonal Executive is a direct affront on the Party’s constitution and an unlawful repudiation of same. This action signals the beginning of anarchy within the Party in the Zone and it will be absolutely irresponsible of the Zonal Executive to just ignore it.
We are therefore left with no choice other than to report this development to the National Secretariat who will determine the appropriate response to issues of impunity like this.(4) We must declare that the current Executive Committee of the South West Zone values very seriously the amity, understanding and cooperation that exist in the Zone and will continue to trenchantly ensure its sustainance.(5) We also wish to implore all Party leaders to appreciate the recent growth and development in the Party’s fortune and resist any temptation to create any form of disaffection in the Party capable of reversing our gains.Ayo Fadaka
Zonal Publicity Secretary.

ONDO 2020 :
EUPHORIA, HOPE AS OLAFESO PICKS PDP GOVERNORSHIP NOMINATION FORM IN ABUJA

The 2020 Ondo State governorship contest received a boom on Thursday, as a leading contestant, within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Olorogun Eddy Eniola Olafeso, accompanied by PDP bigwigs in the State, picked the nomination form, at the National Secretariat, Wadatta Plaza, Abuja. Olafeso is the PDP National Vice Chairman (South West) and a former commissioner of information, implementation and orientation in the State. Some out of eighteen (18) Council Chairmen across the Party in the State are part of the Olafeso’s entourage to Abuja, and he promised a total liberation of the State and its people from the claws of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, Zonal Secretary of PDP in the South West, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, and the Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Kole Omololu are some of the dignitaries who were in attendance. While speaking, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus ably represented by the Deputy Chairman (South), Elder Yemi Akinwonmi who admitted the soaring popularity of Olafeso, said his hands were tied to make much comments on Olafeso’s ambition. “Everyone of us know that you (Olafeso) are very popular but my hands are tied to make further comments’, Elder Akinwonmi had said. While speaking, Dr Olafeso expressed his happiness, appreciation and assurance that he will become victorious both at the PDP Primaries and the October 10 general election in the State. “I am sure and confident that the PDP will produce the next governor of Ondo State”, Dr. Olafeso said, while thanking his supporters. Olafeso said “Today marks a critical step in the journey to redress the nepostistic and fraudulent kind of governance which have resulted into decayed infrastructure, education, social and human capital and capacity development that have dogged every sphere of Ondo State. The political experience in Ondo State, as presently confirmed in skewed in appointments and infrastructural development, abandoning a squabble chunk of the State to abjecct despair”. Dr Olafeso insisted that frivolity and indolence must be totally eschewed from the polity of Ondo State. He said, “Governance is serious business. It is not a place for learning the ropes particularly, because of the demeaning state of human and capacity development as it operates in our Ondo State of today. This is why we have developed our blueprint to stand on these agenda. HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT, AGRICULTURE, INFRASTRUCTURE, SECURITY, JOB CREATION AND POWER”. “The narrative must be different. The ideas must be novel in the NEW DEAL that we are offering our people. We will deliver on our mandate through a new, incisive well orchestrated and highly dynamic and fluid Government policies. It is a new narrative founded upon seriousness of government without the usual rhetoric”, Olafeso said. Also, there are strong indications that other political heavyweights are showing interest to join the political train of Olafeso, going by the irrefutable fact that he is the most experienced, competent and committed to the ideals of the PDP since when he joined the party. Olafeso, an Idepe-born grassroot politician is a household name in the political landscape of Ondo who has contributed immensely to the progress of his party and the entire State in general. Ondo people are confident that he is the only man, embedded with natural environments and unbeatable antecedent to wrestle power from the incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu or any other person from the APC. Also present include Chief Omole Kola, Hon. Idowu Ogunmade, former Majority leader, Hon. Akinsoyinnu Ifedayo, former Minority Leader, Hon. Adebusoye Ofaniyi, Engnr. Ogunwa Omoniyi, former Minority Leader, Hon. Akpoebi Lubi, Barr. Olatemiju Adebimpe and Dr Ogunro Kayode. Others are former Minority Leaders, Hon. Ebiwonjumi Sola, and Hon. Ade Adegba. Part of the Coucil Chairmen who accompanied Olafeso are Adewa Olusola from Okitipupa, Barr. Adefisoye, Ondo East and Alhaji Jamiu from Akoko North West local government. Also in the entourage of Olafeso are Hon. Adeboya Henry, Alhaji Megida Musa, Afolabi Johnson, Mrs Ogunsan Christy, Mrs Olukoyi, Mrs Tolani, Mrs Iwatan among a host of others.

ONDO 2020:

OLAFESO COMPLETES LGS TOUR, PREACHING HOPE, PROGRESS

The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Eddy Eniola Olafeso has reiterated his determination and commitment to salvage the interest and lost hopes of the people of Ondo State, if all hands are put on deck to elect him the governor in October.

Dr. Olafeso made this known to PDP leaders and elders in Akure North local government of the state at the weekend.

The team of Dr. Olafeso had visited the local government to complete his Local Government’s tour, declaring his intention to run for the forthcoming governorship election, from the platform of PDP.

With that visit to the PDP leaders in Iju and Itaogbolu, the local government tour of Dr. Olafeso’s team became complete as the Akure North stands as the 18th and final council to be visited with the message of hope embedded in the aspirant”s assertive postulation.

The former PDP State Secretary and Hon. Commissioner for Information, Implementation and Orientation, Dr. Olafeso also charged party faithfuls to remain steadfast in the ideals of PDP and be united against any intimidating force that is capable of keeping Ondo State in perpetual slavery, poverty and retrogression.

Dr. Olafeso also assured the people of an all-inclusive governance that will make use of natural human resources with which Ondo State is blessed to develop the lots of the masses, with little or no dependence on the Federal Allocation.

While responding, the PDP leaders observed that, apart from being the eldest of all the governorship ticket contenders, Dr. Olafeso also remains the most resourceful in wealth of experience, competence and total commitment to the pragmatic ideals of the party.

They lauded him for his past contributions and relentless efforts to bring the people of Ondo State out of the clueless administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), come October 10, 2020, through the ballot.

The political bigwigs in Ondo State and South West were part of the entourage of the Idepe-born Olafeso with unflinching support, going by the antecedent of the governorship hopeful and their resilient confidence reposed in him.

The Zonal Secretary, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Zonal Publicity Secretary, Ayo Fadaka, four-term legislator in Ondo State House of Assembly from Ondo West State Constituency, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinnu, former minority leader, Hon. Yemi Tademo, J. J. Alabi, Yeyeoge Tolani Agunbiade and Hon. Mrs Onikoyi Oladele, were part of the dignitaries who accompanied the leading contender for the governorship ticket of the PDP.

Others are Hon. Afolabi Eyantan, Adebayo Samson, Kayode Ogunro among others.