The Phenomenon: X-raying The Realizations Of Adegbonmire And Jimoh Ibrahim As Senators.

Prof Alfred Olatunji

Bi ilu ba ti oju agba baje, aiko mo iwa wu won ni (English: If society turns upside down as elders watch on, blame this on their moral deficit.)

We continue to beam our searchlights on the additionality of Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator representing Ondo South district. This analysis will help voters decide whether he should return for a second term. 

In this serial, we compare the projects and achievements of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim with that of his closest neighbor and colleague, Senator Adegbonmire of Ondo Central.

Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, also a lawyer - but an accomplished lawyer by all definitions. Senator Adegbonmire represents the good people of Ondo Central senatorial district. He has made significant strides in his role since his election to the National Assembly. His achievements encompass various sectors including education, infrastructure, agriculture, and community development. 

Some of his key projects and accomplishments are highlighted below.

First, Senator Adegbonmire has sponsored notable bills aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in his constituency e.g., for the establishment of the:

1. Federal University of Agriculture, Akure.

2. Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital. 

3. Federal University of Art, Culture, Science, and Tourism in Igbara Oke, Ifedore LGA.

These bills have successfully gone through their first readings in the Senate and are a part of Senator Adegbonmire's commitment to improving educational access for young Nigerians in Ondo State.

Second, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire has influenced several infrastructure projects. They include the:

4. Dualization of Akure-Ondo-Ore Highway, which was included in the 2024 National Budget.

5. Grading and maintenance of critical roads such as the 30km Oke Iya Community Road along Ijoka, Akure South LGA; the Abo-Oluwa Ijigba 2 Community Road, Akure South LGA; and the Old Board Road, Oda Community, Akure South LGA.

Further, Senator Adegbonmire has prioritized educational reforms through various initiatives, including the:

6. Construction of 12 blocks of classrooms at St. Helens Unity Secondary School, Ondo West LGA.

7. Renovation projects at multiple schools including LA Primary School Erinla and Fagbo Community Comprehensive High School.

8. Distribution of over 10,000 exercise books, laptops, magnetic boards, projectors, and school bags to schools across his constituency.

Also, Senator Adegbonmire has facilitated scholarships for students by procuring UTME/JAMB forms for over 800 students across six LGAs with awards for top performers.

To boost agricultural productivity, Senator Adegbonmire has facilitated 

10. The distribution of over 2000 bags of fertilizers to farmers' associations within Ondo Central. 

11. He has provided support through training programs focused on oil palm processing and other agricultural skills.

Senator Adegbonmire has initiated several community welfare programs, including the:

12. Distribution of 600 bags of palliative rice to residents impacted by the removal of petrol subsidy

13. Installation of solar-powered street lights and boreholes across various communities.

14. Donation and installation of transformers to enhance electricity supply in underserved areas like Igba Community and Oba Afunbiowo Estate.

Adegbonmire is actively involved in creating job opportunities for youth:

15. He has facilitated employment for indigenes into federal jobs including positions within the Nigerian Police Force and Army.

16. He has organized training programs that empower youths with ICT skills and vocational training aimed at self-employment.

We shall stop here today. But in summary, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire's tenure thus far is marked by a strong commitment to legislative action aimed at educational advancement, infrastructural development, agricultural support, community empowerment, and youth employment initiatives. His multifaceted approach demonstrates a dedication to improving the lives of constituents in Ondo Central.

Again, where is Senator Jimoh Ibrahim in the map of impact? If you know his projects, I challenge anyone to showcase them. The centrality of the challenge is for anyone to match Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Senator Adegbonmire, project for project and achievements for achievements. 

I am interested in whether headline appearances in the Senate and IPU and zero impact on constituents could substitute or replace real projects deserving reelection. Senator Adegbonmire has attracted THREE federal universities to Ondo Central alone! Jimoh Ibrahim? One College of Nursing, perhaps because of possible benefits not yet known. Thus far, Mr Ibrahim has done two road rehabilitation too, totalling about 40km. 

Let the challenge continue! Match federal employment for federal employment, not IPU photos and needless commentary on Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan's fight.