MEET SULEIMANA ADEDIRAN (Oyo State SDP Deputy Governor): The Gold-Hearted Man From Oke Ogun By Olayinka Agboola African elders have a way of making predictions and pronouncements over the fate and future of new-born children. This is one of the most beautiful features of the African culture. This time around, Oke Ogun Area of Oyo State is on the vision, precisely, the household of the Adedirans.When Suleimana Abdulateef Adediran was born on that beautiful seventh day of December, 1964 within the serene Molo Womologun Compound of the Adedirans in Kisi, a sprawling town located within what we now call Irepo Local Govenment Area of Oyo State, the elders perhaps, had the fore-knowledge that he was going to grow up to become a gold-hearted Nigerian. As a young child, little Suleiman was quick to identify that the most ideal attitude to life is to be gold-hearted and to be humble, kind and God fearing. He held on to these fundamental ideals. Right from his days at Ansar-udeen Primary School, Isale Odo in Kisi till when he got admitted into Kisi Community Grammar School, the young man maintained focus. He ensured that he meticulously took care of his studies. By the time he finished his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at Ansar-Udeen Height, Saki, the golden nature of his heart had started being manifested because he was well loved and respected. In fact, when he got employed as an ‘Auxilliary Teacher’ at Ansar-Udeen Primary School between 1983 and 1986, he was the man all the pupils wanted. He was so much desired to the extent that he almost did not take up his admission into the University of Ibadan where he later studied Political Science. He also holds a Master’s Degree in the same field, specialising in International Relations. Before joining politics, Suleimana worked as the Public Relations Officer at the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe where he even rose to become the Principal PRO of the company.Those close enough to this fabulous Nigerian have also, in one way or the other experienced and ‘tasted’ the gold in his heart. While studying at the University of Ibadan, he was the National President of the Old Irepo Local Government Students’ Association at a time. At another time, he also served as the President of the Faculty of Social Sciences within the same campus. Even at this period, he served as the President of about five other related associations. All in all, he used these offices to generate goodwill from God Almighty and from the people - which further added melody to his golden heart. He personally encouraged young people from his community to embrace education and the principle of ‘Omoluabism’! Suleimana’s sojourn into politics started when he was appointed as the Chief Personal Assistant cum Adviser to the Chairman, Board of Directors at the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe. Later, he came down to Oyo State to become a Special Assistant to a one-time governor of the state. He was later moved back to Ibadan.Afterwards, he was appointed as the Caretaker Chairman of Irepo Local Government. Shortly after this, he contested to become the Chairman of the same local government. He won against his opponents in what can best be described as a landslide victory. He was chairman between 2007 and 2010. While occupying this position, he did not forget his golden heart at home. He governed with the fear of God and respect for his people. This endeared him to his people and his popularity spread like wild fire. He became the toast of both the young and the old. This, perhaps can be said to be the reason why youthful Engineer Oluseyi Makinde decided to beckon to him to join the team to rescue Oyo State as his running mate by being his deputy in the fast approaching gubernatorial election in the state. They are both contesting under the platform of the Social Democratic Party of Nigeria.Some of Suleimana’s awards and honours include: 1. The best in Arts and Social Sciences at Kisi Community School, Kisi - 1982 2. The best in Arts and Social Sciences at Ansar-Udeen School, Saki - 1986 3. National Award Winner, Nigerian Institute of Economics - 2009 4. Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Oyo State Chapter - 2010 5. The Best Chairman of the year (NANS Rating) - 20086. Honoured as Basorun of Kisi (Albayan) - 2008 7. Honoured as Saraki of Igboho (Ansar-Udeen) - 2008 Suleimana is happily married with children and his hobbies include conflict management, playing table tennis and engaging in meaningful discussions. For all intents and purposes, it is clear that Engineer Makinde’s choice of this gold-hearted man as his deputy is a right decision which will not only benefit the people of Oke Ogun, it will also tremendously and positively affect the lives of all the good people of Oyo State. Suleimana Adediran and Oluwaseyi Makinde are magical names divinely fused together to achieve success and progress for all. SDP! PROGRESS!!
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 06:37:07 +0000
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