CELEBRATING A Political Highflyer: IFEDAYO ABEGUNDE AT 70
BY: OLASEENI OYESUSI
While defining Birthday, we refer to significant milestones in individuals’ lives and cause for celebration by family, friends and, of course, the celebrants themselves. Certain birthdays–such as the 16th, 21st and the turn of decades–carry special cultural and practical significance.
Seventieth birthdays also known as Platinum take a rightful place in this category and is noteworthy birthday celebrations.
One of the oldest and best-known references to the special significance of reaching 70 years of age comes from the Bible. The King James translation of Psalm 90:10 reads: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength, labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
However, Birthday celebrations especially for an Achiever is always a dual celebration. One is direct while the other is indirect. The former is the actual celebration of years spent either few or many while the latter is the celebration of achievements over this year. The achievement may not necessarily mean the number of mansions to one’s credit or the fleet of cars in his or her compound or the number of children he or she has. However, while it is everyone that are qualified to celebrate the former, not all are genuinely qualified to celebrate the latter.
The latter is being celebrated by the number of lives one has impacted, it is being celebrated by the number of faces one has been able to put smiles to, it is also being celebrated by the number of empires one has been able to build.
However, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde, the Executive Director, Corporate Service of NDDC without being immodest has what it takes to belong to the latter as illustrated above. Abena has been in politics for decades and has used all his various offices to develop the people. As a member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly on two different occasions, he actually made the development of people his watchword. He performed excellently well and as Secretary to the Government of Ondo State he was always at the beck and call. So, without mincing words, Hon Ifedayo Abegunde also known as Abena deserves all the celebration.
Abena, a distinguished civil engineer, architect, and politician. This significant milestone is not just a day for celebration but a moment for profound reflection on his remarkable journey.
It is a testament to his impact that numerous distinguished organizations from across various states have come together to honor him.
Born in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, Abegunde’s educational foundation was laid at Saint David’s Primary School, Akure from 1960 to 1966, followed by his secondary education at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure between 1967 and 1971. He left for the United States to study at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1984, later enhancing his expertise with a Master of Architecture from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1988.
Abegunde’s professional career began as a civil engineer, but he quickly transitioned to architecture and made significant strides in politics as a member of the House of Representatives. His diverse skill set empowers him to bridge imaginative planning with practical implementation in architecture, resulting in projects that exemplify both artistic ambition and technical precision. His tenure in the House of Representatives has honed his negotiation, communication, and strategic thinking abilities, making him not just a representative, but a fierce advocate for his constituents.
Hon. Abegunde exemplifies impeccable character and visionary leadership. His unwavering commitment to service and excellence is evident through his numerous roles, including- Chairman of the House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs between 2003 and 2007. He was also
Chairman of the House Committee on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) from 2011 to 2015. Abena was appointed Secretary to the Ondo State Government in 2017 and resigned in 2020. He was also Chairman of the Ondo State Afforestation Project between 2008 and 2010. Meanwhile, he was Systems Engineer at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Crystal City, Northern Virginia from 2000 to 2002, Systems Engineer for the State of Maryland, Annapolis, Maryland from 1998 to 2000. As a politician, he was Secretary of the Support Group Directorate during the Presidential Campaign and Chairman of the Swaga 23 Ondo State Chapter from 2020 till date.
As a two-term member of the House of Representatives and a prominent leader associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abegunde has received numerous National and International Awards that reflect his extraordinary dedication to societal betterment. He was recognized as Ondo State Man of the Year by Trace News Magazine in 2016, affirming his role as a driving force for positive change in the State. Equally in 2024, he earned the title of Man of the Year from the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Abegunde’s 70 years on Earth have been extraordinarily eventful, impactful and fruitful. His contributions to service and humanity are profound and span numerous facets of life. We salute him today and wholeheartedly wish him many more years of unparalleled success.
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