Otunba Dayo Adeneye is the Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy in Ogun State. Otunba D1 as many call him is contesting the House of Reps seat of Ijebu Central Federal Constituency on the platform of APC.
His chances are bright as many of his constituents love him, especially the youth who regard him as a bbreathof fresh air. He is an indigene of Ibefun in Odogbolu LGA, now Leguru LCDA.
Last week, he spoke with City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE, about his plans. Below are excerpts of the interview.
Congratulations for a successful tenure in office as a commissioner. Please tell us why did you join the House of Reps race?
It’s all about service, offering myself for service. As you may be aware, the name Dayo Adeneye is not new in the Nigerian broadcast media, entertainment, social and business cycle. Some of what we’ve done are there in the public domain for all to see. I can say that as an early starter in life, providence has been kind to me. But I never took all that for granted, rather, I used them as a springboard to achieve success.
It is interesting to note that if my dossier or biography is written today, it will make an inspiring story for any young man, who wants to be an achiever in the immediate future. With this mindset, I felt I could make more impact on a larger platform, which Politics can provide, hence my foray into it in the year 2014. Starting out with picking the nomination form for the State House of Assembly, but since the party interest supersedes personal interest, I had to support the person that emerged. Thank God, some of the things one has done didn’t go unnoticed.
I was eventually appointed a Commissioner in Ogun State. Almost four years down the line, and with the pragmatic change that the government is undertaking, both at the state and national levels, in which I have been privileged to be part of, I feel that compelling need to take the scope beyond the state level to the National Assembly, perhaps to use the Midas Touch that I have so far garnered, for the betterment of the country. That is my driving force; to serve my people and to also facilitate Bills that would benefit our constituency, so that everyone wins.
At this level of my life, I am not seeking fortune or fame, especially when I am already in my 50s. I have resolved to spend the rest of my life in the service of humanity. Before now, I have been involved in various empowerment programmes, using the available resources that God has given me. It will, therefore, not be a bad idea if I can make use of a larger platform, not only to touch lives directly, but also to fast track even development to the towns that make up our federal constituency.
How do you see your Federal constituency?
I want to say with all sense of modesty, that our constituency is a pretty large one. As a matter of fact, that area ought to have, at least 2, federal lawmakers, judging by its size, in comparison with some other constituencies in the state and the country at large. Accordingly, contesting a federal seat would be highly competitive and anybody so elected, should see it has a call to service, because if people from three very big Local Government Areas could repose their trust on somebody, such an individual must not take that opportunity for granted.
What has been your experience in government in the last 3 years.
First, I must thank God for giving me the grace to serve. It has really been an eye opener and I must sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for giving me the opportunity to serve. It has been an intriguing experience that has widened my horizon.
As you know, the portfolio I handle, is a 24-hour job. You have to constantly be on your toes. The governor is an enigmatic personality, who, mostly is on auto-drive. I have been able to work with him, share his vision, project the success and keep pace with the job. The results are not far to seek, as they can be seen in the effective way the information machinery of the state is managed.
How have you found working with Governor Amosun?
I have found my self working with a transformational czar, who has dedicated his tenure as governor to improving the lives of his people. In all honesty, I want to give the governor thumbs up, for the energy, drive persuasive spirit and most importantly, the intelligence, he deployed in governance. Ogun people have never had it so good. I can only pray and hope that his successor would key into that vision and even surpass it.
How easy was it blending politics and grassroots activities?
It was not difficult at all. I have always been a man of the people. In broadcasting and marketing, to carve a niche for yourself, you need to mingle and interact with people for you to operate successfully in the sector. You meet people everyday, those with like minds and otherwise. You still have to treat and attend to them politely, if you must get their ratings. Also, being a teacher for more than six years, equipped me with the ability to easily identify the area of need in each individual. it was not a joke, when I was drafted to be in charge of gifted children, back in the in United States (US). Likewise, in politics and the grassroots, that natural approach is used. The difference is that the unconventional approach is used in the latter. By and large, if you are a man of the people, it wont be difficult to operate in that terrain
What in your past prepared you for your present role?
First, we have to appreciate the concept of Bibire and Omoluabi. In Yorubaland, where I come from, a thoroughbred man is somebody who is trained, nurtured, and seen to have received, imbibed such training and displaying same in his daily disposition. On this, I’ll like to thank my parents for that, especially my late father, who taught me early in life to know what success means, the culture of excellence.
Also, in my journey through life, different schools have prepared me for the role. For your information, I, hold a masters degree in Mass Communication, which I obtained 32 years ago. This and all other trainings, I had received, prepared me for this role.
What is your message to the people of Ijebu Federal constituency?
First, I want to appeal to them to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). This is the only way they could have an input in the choice of who represents them. This, however, depends on them exercising their franchise; by voting for candidates of their choice and protect their votes, through all legal means. My mission is to provide quality and purposeful leadership for the good of all, and I solicit their support and prayers. I want to assure them that they should continue to support me as they havealways been doing. As our people are peace loving people, they should, therefore, sustain the peace
They should also hope for the best and not cast their vote amiss, which means that Dayo Adeneye should occupy that desired place in their minds, if they want that good representation that will deliver the dividends of democracy at their doorsteps.
Please tell us what you plan to do if voted in.
My plan is to ensure massive federal and state presence in our constituency. The first step I would take, on assumption of office, is to meet with the elders and leaders, to have an idea of what our people really desire. I would be the bridge between them and all relevant tiers of government as well as relevant agencies, to ensure that the dividend of democracy is enjoyed by all. My desire is to attract massive infrastructural, social and people-oriented development to Ijebu Federal Constituency.
Who is OtunbaDayoAdeneye?
Dayo Adeneye is an indigene of Ibefun, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, now Leguru LCDA. I went to St. Catherine Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Federal School of Arts and Science, Victoria Island. Thereafter, I obtained a degree in Business Administration, from Southern University, Illinois. I equally bagged a Master’s degree in Mass Communication in Baton Rouge, USA.
I’m somebody, who has ‘the can do’ spirit with a knack for excellence. A lot of people say that I am unassuming, pragmatic, but also like to venture into unfamiliar fields, especially if I believe something good would come out of it. It is not surprising, that I came back to Nigeria, when lots of people were leaving, because I believe in the potentiality that abound in this country. The testimonies are there on how together my friend and partner, Kenny Ogungbe and I, revolutionized the entertainment industry. That kind of spirit is what moves me and I believe it will take me to that place God has prepared for me.
