Daud Olatunji
An entrepreneur and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Chief Sakiru Jimoh, popularly known as Jimson, has donated a multimillion-naira campaign office to boost the 2027 governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola, fondly called Yayi.
Jimoh, who hails from Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local Government Area and holds the traditional title of Bobaselu of Igbehin, Abeokuta, said the donation was driven by his conviction that Adeola had demonstrated the capacity to advance the development of Ogun State.
The businessman, who has interests in the hospitality and oil and gas sectors, also called on influential individuals and other residents with the financial capacity to support political initiatives capable of promoting grassroots participation and good governance.
He said, “Yayi is from Ogun State, and I am also from Ogun State, specifically Abeokuta. I believe that if I have the capacity to support a candidate or someone who has genuine love for his state, there is nothing wrong with doing so.
“If other individuals who have the means can also contribute in this way, I believe we would not be where we are today.”
Explaining why he chose to support Adeola ahead of other political aspirants, including opposition figures, the APC chieftain described the senator as a leader whose legislative representation and development initiatives had distinguished him from previous political office holders in the state.
According to him, Adeola’s interventions in road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, education, market construction and empowerment programmes demonstrated his commitment to improving the living conditions of residents.
Jimoh argued that the senator’s performance in the National Assembly had raised expectations about what he could achieve if elected governor in 2027.
“This is not the first time we shall be having a senator in the state, but Yayi has taken serving humanity to another level.
He said, “Yayi is from Ogun State, and I am also from Ogun State, specifically Abeokuta. I believe that if I have the capacity to support a candidate or someone who has genuine love for his state, there is nothing wrong with doing so.
“If other individuals who have the means can also contribute in this way, I believe we would not be where we are today.”
Explaining why he chose to support Adeola ahead of other political candidates, including opposition figures, the APC chieftain described the senator as a leader whose legislative representation and development initiatives had distinguished him from previous political office holders in the state.
According to him, Adeola’s interventions in road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, education, market construction and empowerment programmes demonstrated his commitment to improving the living conditions of residents.
Jimoh argued that the senator’s performance in the National Assembly had raised expectations about what he could achieve if elected governor in 2027.
“This is not the first time we shall be having a senator in the state, but Yayi has taken serving humanity to another level.
“If Yayi could do such wonders as a senator, he definitely will do so much more if he becomes the governor of the state. So, it is just right for all of us who want progress for our dear state to support Yayi to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun come 2027,” he said.
The businessman maintained that political candidates should be assessed based on their records, competence and contributions to society rather than their geographical origins.
He dismissed criticisms surrounding Adeola’s place of origin, insisting that the benefits of development projects should take precedence over where political leaders or the resources supporting such projects originated.
“People may say some of the projects are coming from the North or elsewhere. But whether a project comes from the North or even China, we are the ones who will use it. What matters is the benefit to the people,” Jimoh said.
He urged Ogun residents to put aside sentiments and support Adeola’s ambition, arguing that the state’s development should remain the overriding consideration in choosing its next governor.
“My message to the people of Ogun State is that we are not blind. We can all see what is happening around us. We should not allow ourselves to be distracted by criticisms about where someone comes from.
“Even if Yayi comes from Ghana and is giving us what we want, I do not see anything wrong with supporting him. We should give him our full support so that we can have a better Ogun State,” he added.
Explaining the rationale behind the campaign office, Jimoh said the facility was established to bring political leadership closer to party members and residents, particularly those in Ewekoro, who previously had to travel to Abeokuta to access their leaders.
He said the office would provide a platform for grassroots politicians and residents to interact with political leaders, exchange ideas, resolve concerns and communicate the needs of their communities.
Jimoh added that the facility was designed to strengthen political mobilisation and ensure that party members had easier access to information and leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“For instance, if a party member in Ewekoro has an issue to resolve or needs information, the person may have to travel to Abeokuta. But with an office in Ewekoro, our people can easily access their leaders without having to travel that far.”
The facility, according to him, comprises a spacious ground-floor meeting hall with a seating capacity of about 100 people, an upper-floor conference hall, a director’s office and a secretary’s office.
It also has a borehole provided for public use, while the building was constructed in Adeola’s name and donated by Jimoh.
He explained that the conference hall would accommodate meetings involving political leaders from Ewekoro and other local government areas, as well as engagements with the senator.
Jimoh reiterated his commitment to grassroots mobilisation, saying the office would serve as a permanent meeting point for political engagement and help bridge the communication gap between elected leaders and their constituents.
Commissioning the facility, Adeola commended Jimoh for what he described as a selfless gesture, saying the support would encourage him to remain focused and committed to the development of Ogun State.
The senator expressed appreciation for the donor’s confidence in his leadership, adding that the support was an encouragement to pursue his vision of taking the state to greater heights.
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