By Emmanuel Oluwadola
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The legacy of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu can never be easily forgotten, Acting Governor of the State, Lucky Ayedatiwa has declared.
He declared this yesterday at the 10th remembrance ceremony of the former governor which was held at The Dome International Event Centre, Akure.
The event was graced by dignitaries from various parts of the state and beyond including former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, Agagu’s Deputy, Ambassador, Omolade Oluwateru, wife of the late Governor, Mrs Olufunke Agagu, traditional rulers, among others.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Aribo Olayato, Aiyedetiwa noted that Agagu as a governor used his influence to develop the state.
“Late Dr. Olusegun Agagu was a brilliant icon whose legacy cannot be forgotten. He used his resourceful prowess and intellect to contribute to all aspects of the state. Development of education, and enhancement of the State’s capacity as an oil-producing state, to mention but few. He led a transparent government and also had zero tolerance to abandoned projects,” he said.
The former Deputy Governor under Agagu, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru said working with Agagu was a remarkable moment for him, he said he was passionate about his job.
“Agagu was very amiable and accessible. He was a governor who carried everybody along. He started a lot of great projects during our time like the stadium. It’s unfortunate that the government that came after us abandoned it. I want the current government to go and complete it. It’s a continuum.”
Also speaking, the former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni congratulated the Agagu’s family, stressing that Agagu lived a life of service to the people of Ondo State and his legacy cuts across all areas.
“The best service is the service to the people and this is what late Dr. Agagu lived for. He was our leader who we looked up to for advice in times of trouble. He was a gift to humans that we will not always want to describe with past tense. He gave himself to the services of the people of Ondo State and Nigeria.”
Speaking on the theme “Good Governance: A Review of the Purposeful and Impactful Vision and Mission of Dr. Olusegun Kokumo in Ondo State,” The first Vice Chancellor of OSUSTECH, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju said the former governor worked for his achievements throughout his lifetime.
“He didn’t wake up to become the Governor of Ondo State, he worked for it. He never forgot his roots. We are all here today because Agagu impacted our lives in one way or another.
The son, Feyi Agagu said this 10th year remembrance of his father was the most special one ever seen, adding that his late father’s political associates, friends and families took the ceremony upon themselves.
He, however, said as a family they were surprised with the turnout and love that was shown by the people of Ondo State yesterday, stressing that this will forever remain in their hearts.
Welcoming dignitaries to the ceremony Ondo State SUBEB chairman. Victor Olabimtan said the event was organised by all the torchbearers of the late Agagu dynasty to keep his memories alive.
“We are celebrating Agagu now not just because of who he was, but also, because of the circumstances that prevented us from giving him a well-deserved farewell during his internment.
“This 10th memorial anniversary is not only a colloquium but also a full-fledged celebration of life to give Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu the befitting honour we couldn’t accord him during his burial a decade ago. And this is our way of keeping his memories and his good deeds alive,” he said.
On behalf of the families, friends and associates of Agagu, he applauded the State Governor, Arakinrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for immortalising the departed leader by naming Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) after him.
