- Ondo State has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators advocate for economic growth and social development of the state, ensuring constituents' concerns are heard at the national level
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Ondo state in the 10th National Assembly
As part of our ongoing Know Your Lawmakers series, we spotlighted the senators representing Ondo State in the National Assembly for the 2023-2027 period as the state gears up for its gubernatorial election slated for Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Ondo, known as the 'Sunshine State,' was established on February 3, 1976, from the defunct Western Region, with Akure serving as its administrative capital.
The state is represented by three senators, each from one of its senatorial districts. These lawmakers play pivotal roles in championing local concerns, influencing national policies, and driving initiatives that foster economic growth and social development for the state and its people.
TheRadar compiled the three senators representing the state’s senatorial districts below:
1. Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho (Ondo South)
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South Senatorial District, assumed office on June 13, 2023. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibrahim was born on February 24, 1967, in Ondo State
Ibrahim is a distinguished academic, holding degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, Harvard University, and Cambridge University.
As a lawmaker, Ibrahim has focused on bills aimed at unlocking economic potential and enhancing public services. Notably, he sponsored a bill to boost the bitumen mining industry, hoping to tap into Ondo State's rich natural resources.
In addition, he introduced a bill for the establishment of a Federal Data Bank to support data-driven development across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Ibrahim's legislative efforts also include the creation of a Federal Polytechnic in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as well as proposals for the Insurance Bill, 2023, the National Vocational Centre (Establishment) Bill, 2023, and the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Bill, 2023.
2. Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele (Ondo Central)
Senator Adegbonmire Adeniyi Ayodele, currently serving his first term as the representative of Ondo South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, has responded to claims that he has not sponsored any bills since taking office.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, a legal expert with a focus on commercial litigation, arbitration, insolvency, and debt recovery, clarified that he has sponsored three significant bills.
Through his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Bolarinde Akinloye, the senator outlined the three bills he has introduced: one for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture in Akure, Ondo State; another for the creation of a Federal University Akure Teaching Hospital; and a third aimed at establishing the Federal University of Art, Culture, Science, and Tourism in Igbara Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area.
Other achievements listed include, “influencing the dualisation of the Akure-Ondo-Ore Highway into the 2024 National Budget, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Procurement of UTME/JAMB forms for over 300 students with scholarships for the two best-performing students (male and female) in each of the six LGAs.
“Distribution of fertilizer to the Farmers Association in Ondo State as part of activities to boost agricultural production and food sufficiency.”
3. Ipinsagba Emmanuel Olajide (Ondo North)
Senator Ipinsagba Emmanuel Olajide is currently serving as the representative for the Ondo North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate.
As a lawmaker, Senator Olajide is responsible for advocating on behalf of his constituents, addressing their needs and concerns at the national level, and contributing to the legislative process.
As part of his developmental efforts, Senator Olajide earlier facilitated a training to provide sustainable income opportunities, improve livelihoods, and foster entrepreneurship among the youths and women of Ondo State.
The training was launched by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFund) and organised in collaboration with Lyrics Consulting Limited as part of the federal government's efforts to combat unemployment and reduce poverty.
#OndoDecides 2024: Meet the state’s first military and civilian governors
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Ondo State had been governed by 19 leaders, ranging from military to democratically elected officials, since its establishment in 1976
As the gubernatorial election approaches, TheRadar reviewed the first leaders of Nigeria’s Sunshine state, Ondo.