..he is a decent politician devoid of  politics of bitterness – Betty Akeredolu

..his belief in gender parity in STEM, top-notch – Bemore girls from Ose

Born on July 1st, 1944, Sen. Dr. BODE OLAJUMOKE hails from the Imeri Community in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. He has devoted his service years to the development of his immediate community and has put the small community on the world map due to his patriotic contributions to nation-building in Nigeria. He is a voice that resonates and commands respect in the political space in Nigeria.

Unlike some wealthy individuals in Nigeria, who visit their roots once in a blue moon, Bode Olajumoke’s visits to Imeri when he was in active service were constant and eagerly anticipated by everyone in the Irekari axis and Ose as a whole.

His visits, both before and during his tenure as the Senator representing Ondo North senatorial district, were carnival-like events, witnessing large crowds of individuals seeking financial help to pay children’s school fees, medical bills, business empowerment, etc., at his residence. He would attend to all without prior appointments.

One Yoruba adage says, “Okin sowon laarin awon eiye,” meaning the ostrich is rare among birds. In the annals of Ondo State political history, particularly in the Northern senatorial district, Bode Olajumoke is a rare politician with an outstanding leadership style that remains unparalleled.

He is ‘Okin’ among many. His achievements during his four-year tenure in the red chamber surpass the eight and twelve years of those before and after him. His footprints are visible throughout the senatorial district. Starting from the establishment of a Navy secondary school in Imeri to the donation of academic buildings at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, his indelible legacies are too numerous to mention.

Bode Olajumoke understands poverty, having been born without a silver spoon and with parents who struggled to provide an education. This experience has driven him to prioritize education and welfare of his constituents and vulnerable individuals around him, unlike many affluent Nigerians who forget their backgrounds and accumulate wealth without impacting the less privileged people around them.

If all beneficiaries of his philanthropic gestures were to share their appreciations publicly, the media space in Nigeria would be overwhelmed with testimonials focused solely on his 80th birthday.

In terms of women and girls’ empowerment, Bode Olajumoke demonstrates the spirit of sportsmanship and performs yeoman service to encourage girl-child education. Hardly any family with a female child in higher education in his immediate environment has not benefited from his financial support, dating as far back as the 90s, before his election as a Senator.

He is a rare breed politically, one who does not discriminate or offer help based on political affiliations.

He supports every good cause, one of which is his embrace of the Bemore Empowered Girls initiative by the former First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a platform where girls are trained to become future female technological leaders.

So far, 35 girls from the four communities that make up the Irekari axis of Ose Local Government are proud owners of brand new laptops and solar home systems through his sponsorship of the program, which is a citizen-driven initiative. These girls will never forget his impact on their lives.

Despite not sharing the same political background as the founder of the initiative, having been briefed on the objectives of the program, he immediately subscribed to it, even though he is no longer in active service. Save for his sponsorship, girls from this axis would not have benefited from this impactful citizen-driven initiative like their peers in other parts of the state.

Celebrating him on his 80th birthday, the Founder of the Bemore program, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, described Sen. Bode Olajumoke as a decent politician who does not engage in the politics of bitterness. Her message to him reads:

“Happy birthday to you, sir. Wishing you many more years. Despite the political divide, you supported the BEMORE program, recognizing that the advancement of the girl-child has no political coloration. You are a decent politician, and I assume that you don’t belong to the school that plays politics of bitterness. I love you for that, for showing exemplary leadership. I see you as a friend and am proud to be associated with you. Congratulations on your new age!” – Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (Ada Owere I)

Some of these girls couldn’t hide their emotions upon hearing about his 80th birthday and showered encomiums on him to appreciate his gesture.

Taiwo Oniyire, a 2021 participant in the Bemore Summer Bootcamp, and now one of the Renewed Hope Initiative scholarship beneficiaries, eulogizes him thus: “As you celebrate your 80th birthday, we are filled with immense gratitude and admiration for the incredible impact you have had on our lives and countless others. Your unwavering support and generosity in sponsoring our participation in the BEMORE SUMMER BOOTCAMP have been nothing short of transformative. Your commitment to fostering equality and empowering the next generation of tech leaders is a testament to your visionary spirit and profound dedication to making the world a better place.

“Your influence has extended far beyond financial support; you have been a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration. Your belief in the importance of gender parity in science and technology has not only opened doors for us but has also paved the way for many others to pursue their dreams in this critical field. Your legacy is one of empowerment, progress, and positive change, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

“On this milestone birthday, we wish you immense joy, love, and celebration. May your day be filled with the warmth of cherished memories, the love of family and friends, and the satisfaction of knowing the profound difference you have made. Here’s to many more years of good health, happiness, and continued impact. Your remarkable journey and contributions will forever inspire those who follow in your footsteps”.

One of the 2022 Bemore girls he sponsored, Lawal Deborah, writes: “Happy Birthday to our Daddy senator BODE OLAJUMOKE. On behalf of the Bemore girls from Imeri Comprehensive College, Imeri, we wish you long life and prosperity. More calendars to destroy in good health and wealth, and I pray you shall live long for us in Jesus’ name.
And on behalf of Bemore Girls, we want to thank you for your sponsorship of the Bemore Summer Bootcamp for girls in Naija 2022. We have become more than what we were before because Bemore has demonstrated to us in the Irekari Zone that it is no rocket science to embrace digital technology. “Our experience in the Bemore Summer Bootcamp today is due to your support and grace that made us achieve something there. We never knew we could change our world, but thanks to your support for sponsoring us girls in Irekari to attend Bemore. 

“Some of our stories have changed, and we shall continue to be proud of you Daddy, because you are a good, loving, caring man; without you, Irekari is nothing in Ondo State”.

Without gainsaying, Daddy Bode Olajumoke is a role model with impeccable qualities that are worthy of emulation and immortalizing. Long may you live, Daddy.

Credit: Mary Agidi (Bona-fide daughter of Idogunland by paternal, and Imeri kingdom by maternal, of Ose Local Government)