Political heavyweights and captains of industry have applauded the appointment of a former Minister of Works, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority by President Bola Tinubu.
They paid tributes to the ex-minister at an event organised by the duo, Sen. Ayo Arise and AIG Tunde Ogunsakin (rtd) in his honour in Abuja on Thursday night.
The event was put in place to celebrate one of them who had distinguished himself through hard work, Selfless service and determination to succeed.
The trio Sen. Ayo Arise ,AIG Tunde Ogunsakin (rtd) and Sen. Dayo Adeyeye are childhood friends who attended same Secondary School from form one to form five.
Among those who graced the occasion were Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; former Ekiti Governors, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni; and a former Nasarawa Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura.
Also present were Chairman of the South West Development Commission, Senator Olu Adetumbi, NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, Senator Iyiola Omisore; a former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe; and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, among others
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, hailing from the same Ekiti State as the appointee, described Adeyeye as a resilient and loyal ally of President Tinubu.
“If anyone had told me it would take this long for Senator Adeyeye to be appointed, I would have said it’s impossible.
“He was among the first to champion this movement and stuck with it through thick and thin. That’s why this moment is not just a personal victory for him—it’s symbolic of loyalty finally being rewarded”, Bamidele said.
The Former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, echoed Bamidele’s sentiments.
“You threw yourself into the SWAGA business when it wasn’t popular. When Asiwaju was taken with reservations, you took yourself into SWAGA, you criss-crossed the entire South West for Tinubu.
“The appointment you got is well deserved. I am happy that you have been recognised, and there is no doubt that bigger recognition will come. This is a precursor to what will come.”
Oyebanji described Adeyeye’s appointment as an honour to Ekiti State.
He said, “The President gave this position to Ekiti, and he could not have chosen better. Senator Adeyeye is loyal, intelligent, and deeply experienced.
“From his time as a Minister, a Senator, and a university council chairman, he brings the right mix of discipline, wisdom, and patriotism.”
He praised the unity displayed by Ekiti political leaders across party lines in honouring Adeyeye.
“I am lucky to be surrounded by four former governors who are all backing me. That has never happened in our state’s history.
“This new unity is the strength behind our progress,” he said, referencing the presence of Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose.
In his remarks, Adeyeye expressed gratitude to Tinubu for fulfilling his promise.
“He told me not to worry, that he had plans for me. And he kept that promise.
“The President promised a quality board, and he delivered. We are ready to work together as a family and move the Port Authority forward.”
He also assured Oyebanji of his full backing ahead of the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.
“We’re not just supporting you, Mr. Governor. We’re going to win by a landslide.
“There is no opposition. The former governors, the people—they’re all behind you.”
Adeyeye called for an end to politics of bitterness and emphasised the importance of sustaining the prevailing peace in the state.
He further assured NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, of a harmonious working relationship with his team.
Senator Arise and AIG Tunde Ogunsakin (retd) also recalled that Adeyeye’s contributions to Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign in the south-west were both strategic and sacrificial.
“The role Adeyeye played wasn’t just political—it was foundational. He took risks, built alliances, and never wavered’, Arise said.
The former Chairman, senate committee on privatisation also described their Alma mater, The Annunciation Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti as a citadel of learning that is lucky to have produced two Senators and an AIG among other notable Nigerians.