As family, friends and associates gathered to celebrate Senator Bode Olajumoke on the occasion of his 81st birthday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has penned a glowing tribute to celebrate the impactful life of the octogenarian.
At a public lecture to mark the birthday in Akure on Tuesday, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, described Senator Olajumoke as an accomplished technocrat, politician of repute and philanthropist of no measure, whose benevolence transcends ethnicity and religion.
According to him, “As we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Senator Bode Olajumoke, a paragon of humanism, a great son of Ondo state and an elder statesman, we are reminded of the profound impact that individuals can have on shaping the trajectory of human societies.
“I would like to express our gratitude to Senator Olajumoke for his contributions to Ondo state in particular and the country as a whole. His legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of humanism and the importance of prioritizing human dignity and welfare. I have no doubt that his self-sacrificing contributions would continue to impact generations to come”
The governor commended the inauguration of the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI), a vehicle deployed by friends and associates of the senator to touch many lives in the society.
“I am told that the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI), set up by friends and admirers of Senator Bode Olajumoke is to perpetually engrave his values, demonstrates the importance of investing in the education and human development of our citizens. This initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to promote education and human welfare” the governor said.
Similarly, guest speaker of the occasion and former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, eulogized Senator Olajumoke for his exemplary leadership qualities, his love for the masses and for putting his hometown, Imeri, on the national map.
In his lecture, titled “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain” Dr Mimiko did a historical analysis of brain drain from a global perspective to the national outlook.
He said to fully tackle the subject of brain drain, Africa must come to the realization that it has moved from being “involuntarily conquered to being voluntarily conquered,” and the way out is for us all, particularly our leaders “to create circumstances and environment that will ensure that our brains are available for our services and development.”
The former governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his renewed interest in ensuring state policing becomes a reality in Nigeria. He also applauded Nigeria’s National Policy on Health Workforce Migration (2023) as a stand alone effort of the country, which he said must be “translated into fruition, through political will, which will engender adequate funding and policy consistency in the health sector.”
Remarking, eminent personalities at the event including the Olubaka of Oka, Oba Adebori Adeleye, Pro-chancellor of Achievers University Owo, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, former Chief of Staff to late Governor Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, former Chief Judge of Ondo state, Hon. Justice Sehinde Kumuyi, among others, praised Senator Olajumoke for his remarkable achievements in public service.
Appreciating the outpouring of love, Senator Olajumoke, who was accompanied by his wife, Princess Remi Olajumoke, expressed gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his presence and good wishes. He also thanked the team behind BOEHI for their tireless efforts.
John Paul Akinduro,
Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor
(Office of the Deputy Governor)
July 1, 2025