- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Leader of the Senate in Nigeria, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, has credited divine grace for his ability to serve Ekiti Central, pointing to 11 mini stadia, 5 intensive care units, and other infrastructure projects as proof of service to the district during his time in office.
Bamidele while feeding questions from journalists at his country home, Ward B in Iyin-Ekiti, listed ongoing projects including the 11 mini stadia for youth development in Ado Ekiti, Efon, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ijero, and Ekiti West.
He also noted five intensive care units and amenity centres under construction in Iyin-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, Aramoko, and Efon.
Other interventions, he said, include blocks of classrooms across schools, distribution of over 100 transformers, installation of more than 6,000 solar streetlight poles, and completion of 80+ kilometres of inner roads in towns across Ekiti Central.
“All of this, for me, was made possible by God for me to facilitate in my position as a senator and as Leader of the Senate,” Bamidele said. “I have given back to the people in every way that I could.”
Bamidele described his unopposed return as the party’s candidate as a call to greater service. “I see my involvement in politics as a ministry, and that is why I am guided by the grace of God,” he added. He thanked members of the press for serving as a bridge between his office and the people.
When asked about his message to National Assembly aspirants, Bamidele said every contest produces winners, but not every contest produces a loser. “Losing a contest is not the same as being a loser. It could simply mean that it is not your time. It could mean that God has a better plan for you. It could also mean that geopolitical considerations do not support your aspiration.”
Recalling his own experience in the 2010–2011 Senate race, he said: “I believe I won the primary election, but it was not given to me. It was given to someone else based on certain geopolitical considerations within the party. I felt terrible about it, but I did not lose hope, and I did not see myself as a loser.”
He urged the party to ensure all primaries are conducted freely and fairly, and advised disgruntled aspirants not to see themselves as losers. “Their time will come,” he said.
Student Leader Backs Bamidele at Primary:
At the senatorial district primary election, FUTES Student Union President Olumide Esan declared support for Bamidele.
“Good morning, sir. My name is Olumide Esan. I am a student of FUTES and the Student Union President of FUTES Iyin-Ekiti,” he said. “We are here to support our prominent leader, the distinguished senator and Senate Leader of Nigeria, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele. We are here to vote for him in today’s primary election.”
Esan described Bamidele as a role model who has taken the district’s development personally. He cited the senator’s role in facilitating the university market, roads linking parts of the community, and the establishment of a federal university.
“On behalf of the students, I would say everyone should try to look up to him and emulate his leadership qualities. People should work hard and serve the community the way he has done,” he concluded.
