ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP; SENATOR AKIN ODUNSI A BRIEF PROFILE Born in Otta, Ogun State on July 23, 1945 to the illustrious Amodu-Giwa family, Kamardeen Babalola Akinola Odunsi had his early education at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Practising School, Otta where he passed the First School Leaving Certificate in 1957. Thereafter, he attended the famous CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, where he not only earned his West Africa School Certificate and the Cambridge Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1966 and 1968 respectively, but cut his leadership teeth as the School’s Senior Prefect. For university education, he proceeded to the University of Lagos and graduated BA (Hons) Mass Communication in June 1972. Not one to rest on his oars, he went for his postgraduate studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign where he earned an MS degree in Advertising in 1973. He worked briefly with Vince Cullers Advertising Inc. Chicago, Illinois in the USA before returning to Nigeria in 1974 to join Grant Advertising Ltd. Appointed CEO of the Apapa-based Adwork from 1975 to 1977, Akin Odunsi resigned to co-found Rosabel Advertising in 1978. For 25 years, he held sway as Managing Director of this second wave marketing communications firm, retiring as Chairman of the group in 2003. He still continues to function in the Capacity of Chairman, Board of Directors of the Group up to this day. A consummate boardroom guru, Chief Akin Odunsi (as he is popularly called by friends and associates) serves on the Board of many blue-chip companies. He was at different times Chairman, Board of Directors, Askar Paints Nigeria Limited (1986-88); Commissioner, Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (1992-1994); Member, National Committee on Review of Mass Communication Policy (2002-2003); and Commissioner, Gateway Games Commission (2005-2006). In his primary business community, advertising, he has served in several capacities and was President, Association of Advertising Practitioners in Nigeria (now AAAN) from 1989-92, as a member of the Advisory Committee on Information to the Federal Government. He has presented major position papers within and outside Nigeria and served on Nigeria’s delegation to several national and international assignments. He has been on Nigeria’s delegation to several OAU summits. A recipient of several awards from the alumni bodies of the CMS Grammar School, the University of Lagos, and Merit Award from his home town, Otta, Senator Odunsi is the Maiyegun of Ilaro, Giwa Adinni of Otta, Babalaje of Kooko-Ebiye in Attan-Aworiland and was recently installed as the Maiyegun of Otta for his contribution to the development of the town. He is an outstanding environmentalist and Member of Council of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. Along with his assignment as a national lawmaker, Senator Odunsi is also on the Board of Trustees of the Association of the Advertising Agencies of Nigeria and the Media Independent Association of Nigeria. A devout Muslim, he is also a member, Board of Trustees, Forum for Islamic Education and Welfare and Lekki Muslim Ummah. A sports lover, he is a seasoned golfer, loves travelling and member of Ikoyi Club 1938, Ikeja Golf Club and the IBB International Golf Club, Abuja. Akin Odunsi was elected Senator of the Federal Republic on April, 2007 and sworn in 6 June, 2011. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES The National Assembly is the nation’s legislative power house. It is a distinct arm of government that derives its creation, existence, authority, powers, duties and legitimacy from Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) As your representative in Abuja, you have elected me primarily to do three basic things: Legislation, Oversight and Representation. I was elected on April 9, 2011 under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) now All Progressives Congress (APC). I was inaugurated along with 108 others as a member of the 7th Senate (2011 -2015) on June 6, 2011. Since then, it has been challenging, interesting and revealing experience. COMMITTEES/OVERSIGHT FUNCTION Upon inauguration, I was nominated to serve in the following Senate Standing Committees: i. Nigerian Air Force; Vice Chairman ii. Aviation; Member iii. Foreign Affairs; Member iv. Police Affairs; Member v. National Intelligence & Security; Member vi. Information, Media& Public Affairs; Member Besides, I also serve on the Governing Council of the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS). This is the highest policy making body for the Institute which is the training and research unit of the National Assembly. I am happy to report that in this capacity I have contributed immensely in adding my voice to the daunting capacity constraints of not only the National Assembly, but that of the States and the Legislature generally within the region. Through our foresight, projection and approval of various curricular, I have contributed to making NILS a reference point in its capacity building, support and sustenance of a dynamic and effective Legislative and democratic culture in the country and beyond. My activities go beyond NILS. The various Standing Committees of the Senate are actually the bulwark for Legislative activities. My contributions in this regards are pleasing to me. I have been one of the most reliable members most of my chairmen turn to for counsel and support in the discharge of our oversight responsibilities. I participated actively in the screening of the Ambassadorial and Ministerial nominees both on the floor of the Red Chamber as well as at the Committee levels. I had the unique honour and opportunity to represent the country as a member of the High level delegation to the 36th Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Paris, France between October 24 and October 31, 2011. Interestingly, the theme, “How Youth Drive Change”, is one of the priority agenda that I dedicate my stewardship in the National Assembly to. I have been playing a very critical role in the various investigations and enquiries aimed at improving the Aviation sector in the country. For instance, besides the yearly vetting of the budgetary proposals of the Ministry and its agencies, it is on record that I was active on the: 1. Reconciliation of the Indebtedness of Arik Air Limited to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency; 2. The Crash of Dana and Allied Aircrafts; 3. Violation of Aviation Laws and Practice by Foreign Airlines and Lapses in the Operations of Regulatory Agencies; and 4. Infrastructures/Airport Renovations etc Meaningfully, I have devoted the last couple of years to addressing the issues concerning the welfare of the masses in the various Committees that I serve and in my interface with colleagues and other stakeholders. In the last two years, I have dealt with matters of Constitution amendment to favour my Senatorial District, health, Petroleum Subsidy, National Security, Poverty Alleviation, Unemployment, Agriculture and Rural, Women & Youth Empowerment, Power Generation and Distributions, Local Government administration, Human Trafficking and Education. I make bold to say that I was one of the architect of what has become the National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) that is providing great relief to the issues of insurgency in the country as a member of the Senate Committee on National Intelligence and Security, as well as that of the Nigerian Air Force. BILLS In a crowded Senate of 109 members, consisting of a majority from another party, I have been able to modestly table two Bills standing in my name. These are: The National Agricultural Land Development Agency Act (Amendment Bill 2012 (SB 135). Constitution Amendment to Change the name “Egbado” to “Yewa” (SB 168). While the former is at the second reading stage, the latter has been passed by the Senate and incorporated into the amendment effected by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review. I am forcefully pushing for the former Bill because it aims at re-energising the Farm Settlement Scheme and making agriculture more attractive to the youths. When passed into law it will serve as a means to ending the nation’s food security crisis, solve the embarrassing employment deficit and could spark off an agro-industrial revolution across the country. CO-SPONSORED BILLS With like-minds in the Senate, I have also collaborated to table other Bills. Some of these are: 1. The Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2012 (SB. 218) - Sponsored by Senators Akin Odunsi, Atiku Bagudu, Umaru Dahiru & Ita Enang 2. Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill, 2011 (SB 05) - Sponsored by Senator Domingo Obende (Edo North); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi. 3. Electronic Transfer of Funds Crime Bill, 2012 (SB. 69) - Sponsored by Senator Adegbenga S. Kaka (Ogun East); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 8 Others 4. A Bill for an Act to Make it Mandatory for Government Ministries, Department and Agencies to give priority to Local Manufacturers and Indigenous Companies in the Procurement of Goods, Works, and Services, and to Prohibit the Exclusion of Locally Produced Goods in the Procurement Process and for Other Related Matters Bill 2012 (SB. 147) - Sponsored by Senator Mohammed S. Lafiagi (Kwara North); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi. 5. National Council of Traditional Rulers (Est. etc) Bill 2012 (SB. 141) - Sponsored by Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 35 Others 6. The National Social Security Agency Bill, 2012 (SB. 114) - Sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 15 Others In the process of amending the 1999 constitution, I also participated in two interactive sessions - Lagos for the South West and Abeokuta – for our Ogun State constituents. The reports have since been accommodated and reflected in the amended constitutional review arrangement by the National Assembly. MOTIONS In the course of my legislative activities, I have to my name a full Motion on: Indiscriminate killings of innocent citizens in Yewa by men of the Nigerian Customs Service. The Nigerian Customs Service however made reconciliatory moves that led to the withdrawal of the Motion. Not being a loner, I have in the course of networking, joined my Distinguished Colleagues in co-sponsoring at least 12 other motions. These include: 1. Abandoned Mass Transit Buses - Sponsored by Senator Patrick Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 13 Others 2. Proclamation of State of Emergency in Certain LGAs of the Country - Sponsored by Senator Victor Ndoma Egba (Senate Leader); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 13 Others 3. Expansion, Provision of Facilities & Standardization of the Four International Airports of Abuja, Kano, Lagos & Port Harcourt - Sponsored by Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto East); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 26 Others 4. Economic Growth & Worsening Inequality in Nigeria; A call for New Approaches to Poverty Reduction - Sponsored by Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (Ekiti North); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 30 Others 5. Violation of Aviation Laws and Practice by Foreign Airlines in Nigeria - Sponsored by Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo West); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 27 Others 6. Deteriorating Services by Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) Providers - Sponsored by Senator Gbenga B. Ashafa (Lagos East); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 39 Others 7. Nigerias 52nd Independence Anniversary - Sponsored by Senator Victor Ndoma Egba (Senate Leader); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 106 Others 8. Refusal of Chief Justice of Nigeria to Administer Oath on Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo - Sponsored by Senator Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 106 Others 9. Incessant unfair treatment and harassment of Nigerians in Foreign Countries - Sponsored by Senator Matthew I. Nwagwu (Imo North); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 13 Others 10. Development of Solid Minerals Sector as a Panacea to the Bankruptcy of States of the Federation and Creation of Jobs in Nigeria - Sponsored by Senator Abu Ibrahim (Katsina South); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 43 Others 11. Urgent Need to Investigate the Imminent Collapse of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos - Sponsored by Senator Gbanga B. Ashafa (Lagos East); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 54 Others 12. Appeal to Academic Staff Union of Universitites (ASUU) to call off the strike action and return to work - Sponsored by Senator Victor Ndoma Egba (Senate Leader); Co-sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi and 106 Others CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS FACILITATED BY SENATOR AKIN ODUNSI 1. Provision of a Comprehensive borehole project at Ata Village, Ilara; Imeko Afon LG - Completed 2. Hand pump borehole at Koko Atan Village, Atan Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 3. Hand pump borehole at Onibuku, Iju Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 4. Hand pump borehole at Idimu Village, Oko Omi, Iju Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 5. 300 KVA Transformer, Golden Estate, Ogungbayi Community, Itele; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 6. 500 KVA Transformer, OPIC Estate, Agbara; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 7. Hand pump borehole at Igbo Odo, Agbara Ward 2; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 8. Hand pump borehole at Osi Quarters, Otta Ward 1; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 9. Hand pump borehole at Oruba Quarters, Otta Ward 2; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 10. 500 KVA Transformer, Oke Suna, Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 11. Completion of Ijamido Hall, Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 12. 300 KVA Transformer, Mapa, Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 13. Hand pump borehole at Ikoga Ile, Ere Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 14. Hand pump borehole at Imotun Asipa, Ketu Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 15. Hand pump borehole at Ajibogun Isale, Ilogbo Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 16. Hand pump borehole at Mero Village, Ilogbo Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 17. Hand pump borehole at Oju Iroko, Alapoti Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 18. Cassava Processing Plant, Alapoti; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 19. Motorised borehole at Sunwa Village, Sunwa Ward; Yewa North LG - Completed 20. Rice Milling Plant, Sawonjo; Yewa North LG - Completed 21. 300 KVA Transformer/Electrification, Oju Iroko-Idiroko; Ipokia LG - Completed 22. Palm Oil Processing Cottage, Tube; Ipokia LG - Completed 23. Construction of 3 blocks of classroom (with VIP toilet, furniture and borehole) at Abule Babalawo, Agboro-gbomo; Imeko Afon LG - Completed 24. Completion of Ijanna-Ilaro Rural Electrification, Ijanna; Yewa South LG - Completed 25. 300 KVA Transformer, Oke Pabre; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 26. 300 KVA Transformer, Idologun; Yewa South LG - Completed 27. 300 KVA Transformer, Ipamesan, Sango Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 28. 300 KVA Transformer, Abule Iroko, Ijoko; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 29. Hand pump borehole at Aparadija/Iroko, Ijoko Ward; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed 30. 300 KVA Transformer, Ipokia Township; Ipokia LG - Completed 31. 300 KVA Transformer, Imeko Township; Imeko Afon LG - Completed 32. 300 KVA Transformer, Oke-Ola Quarters, Ayetoro, Yewa North LG - Completed 33. Energisation of 300 KVA Transformer at Robinson Unit, Atan-Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed and Commissioned 34. Construction of 3 blocks of classroom (with VIP toilet, furniture and borehole) @ Police Primary School, Osuke-Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Completed and Commissioned 35. NDE Easy-Biz Entreprenurial Programme for 22 Youths in Ogun West - Done 36. 300 KVA Transformer, Ilupewo-Unit 14, Otta; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Energisation Stage 37. 300 KVA Transformer, Kajola-Agberiodo; Imeko Afon LG - Energisation Stage 38. 300 KVA Transformer, Ebute-Igbooro; Yewa North LG - Energisation Stage 39. Construction of Science Laboratory @ Oke Odan Grammar School, Oke Odan; Yewa South LG - Project on-going 40. Construction of 3 blocks of classroom (with VIP toilet, furniture and borehole) at Methodist Central Primary School II, Ado Odo; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Project on-going 41. Construction of 3 blocks of classroom (with VIP toilet, furniture and borehole) at IPLG Primary School, Imule; Ipokia LG - Project on-going 42. Construction of 3 blocks of classroom (with VIP toilet, furniture and borehole) at L.A Primary School, Igbesa; Ado Odo/Otta LG - Project on-going 43. Construction of 3 blocks of classroom (with VIP toilet, furniture and borehole) at Ebenezer Anglican School, Olokuta; Yewa South LG - Project on-going 44. Completion of Owode-Ketu Rural Electrification, Owode-Ketu; Yewa North LG - Project on-going, 90% completed. 45. Construction of Ilo-Ifako link bridge linking Ogun and Lagos states - Project on-going, 95% Completed 46. Construction of Town Hall at Ado Odo, Ado Odo/Otta LG - New Project 47. 300 KVA Transformer, Iloye; Sango Otta, Ado Odo/Otta LG - New Project 48. Construction of Town Hall at Ago Sasa, Ipokia LG - New Project 49. Construction of Cassava Processing Centre at Idofa, Imeko Afon LG - New Project 50. Construction of 1 block of 3 classrooms plus VIP toilet and furniture at Community Primary School, Iwoye-Ilogbo, Ilogbo, Ado Odo/Otta LG - New Project 51. Construction of 1 block of 3 classrooms plus VIP toilet and furniture at Baptist Day School, Afon, Imeko Afon LG - New Project 52. 300 KVA Transformer, Imasayi, Yewa North LG - New Project 53. Construction of 1 block of 3 classrooms plus VIP toilet and furniture at St. Peters Anglican Primary School, Araromi-Ibese, Yewa North LG - New Project
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 10:55:50 +0000
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