***Appointment well deserved, Obanikoro, Arise, others
It was a powerful show of bipartisan solidarity and national recognition on Thursday as Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and other political heavyweights gathered to honour former Minister of State for Works, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, following his appointment to the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
For many of the dignitaries present, the moment was not just celebratory—it was redemptive. “Your reward is long overdue,” echoed Bamidele, Obanikoro, and Ayodele Arise, capturing the mood of a gathering that felt more like a homecoming for a political stalwart whose journey has come full circle.
Other dintinguished guests included former Ekiti Governors Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni, former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura and former Minister of information Labaran Maku
Also present were Senator Olu Adetumbi, Chairman of the South West Development Commission; Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Senator Iyiola Omisore; former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe; Senator Yemi Adaramodu; Senator Ayodele Arise, and others including Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon. Abegunde (Abena), and AIG Tunde Ogunsakin (rtd.).
Senate Leader, who also hails from Ekiti like the celebrant, described Senator Adeyeye as a resilient and consistent ally of President Tinubu.
He recalled Adeyeye’s pioneering role in the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), the early campaign platform that galvanized Tinubu’s presidential bid.
“If anyone had told me it would take this long for Senator Adeyeye to be appointed, I would have said it’s impossible.
He was among the first to champion this movement and stuck with it through thick and thin. This moment is not just a personal victory—it’s symbolic of loyalty being rewarded.”
Bamidele urged the NPA management to work openly with the new chairman.
“Let me be clear: Senator Adeyeye is not just in office—he is in power. He has earned it. Work with him transparently, and you’ll get the best from him.”
Former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, echoed similar sentiments, praising Adeyeye’s early commitment to SWAGA.
“You threw yourself into the SWAGA project when it wasn’t popular. You crisscrossed the entire Southwest for Tinubu.
Your appointment is well deserved—and it’s only a precursor to greater recognition.”
Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji thanked President Tinubu for what he described as an honour to Ekiti State.
“The President gave this position to Ekiti, and he could not have chosen better.
Senator Adeyeye is loyal, intelligent, and deeply experienced. From Minister to Senator and university council chairman, he brings discipline, wisdom, and patriotism.”
He praised the spirit of unity among Ekiti political leaders, noting:
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by four former governors who are all backing me. That has never happened in our state’s history. This new unity is the strength behind our progress.”
In his remarks, Senator Adeyeye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for fulfilling his promise.
“He told me not to worry, that he had plans for me. And he kept that promise.
The President promised a quality board, and he delivered. We are ready to work together as a family and move the Ports Authority forward.”
He also pledged his full support to Governor Oyebanji in the forthcoming off-season election.
“We’re not just supporting you, Mr. Governor—we’re going to win by a landslide. There is no opposition. Former governors, the people—they’re all behind you.”
On politics, Adeyeye emphasized unity: “Politics must grow beyond bitterness. The peace we enjoy now is unprecedented, and it must be protected.”
He assured NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho of a collaborative and productive relationship, pledging full cooperation with the agency’s executive team.