Olusegun Mimiko

Early Life and Background

Olusegun Rahman Mimiko was born on October 3, 1954, in Ondo Town, Ondo State, Nigeria. His parents, Pa Atiku Mimiko and Alhaja Muinat Mimiko, were prominent figures within their local community, known for their strong religious convictions and contributions to community development. Mimiko's early life was rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Ondo, where he began to develop a keen understanding of societal needs and public service. His formative years were spent amidst the bustling environment of his hometown, which instilled in him a deep connection to his people and an early interest in leadership and community welfare.

Education

Mimiko's educational journey began at St. Joseph's Primary School in Ondo, where he was a pupil from 1961 to 1967. Following his primary education, he proceeded to Ondo Boys' High School, Ondo, attending from 1968 to 1971, where he distinguished himself academically. He then transferred to Gboluji Grammar School, Ile-Oluji, for his higher school certificate studies, completing them in 1971-1972. His academic prowess earned him admission to the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in 1972. There, he pursued a rigorous course of study in medicine, culminating in the award of a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB; BS) degree in 1980. His medical training laid a foundational understanding of public health and human welfare, which would significantly influence his later political career.

Career

Upon graduating from medical school, Olusegun Mimiko commenced his professional career as a House Officer at the General Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, from 1980 to 1981. He then fulfilled his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program as a Medical Officer at the Nigerian Naval College (NNPC) in Onne, Port Harcourt, between 1981 and 1982. Following his national service, he joined the Ondo State Hospital Management Board as a Medical Officer from 1982 to 1983. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured into private medical practice, first establishing Sopen Medical Centre in Lagos from 1983 to 1985, and subsequently Mona Medic Hospital in Ondo, where he served as the Medical Director from 1985 to 1991. During this period, his medical practice became a significant point of contact with the populace, further deepening his understanding of their challenges.

Mimiko's foray into active politics began in 1999 when he was appointed Commissioner for Health in Ondo State under the administration of Governor Adebayo Adefarati. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional administrative capabilities and a commitment to improving the state's healthcare infrastructure. He served in this capacity until 2002. His reputation for diligence and effectiveness led to his appointment as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Ondo State from 2003 to 2005, under Governor Olusegun Agagu. In 2005, his political trajectory ascended to the national level when he was appointed the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development by President Olusegun Obasanjo, a position he held until December 2006. As Minister, he spearheaded initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria's housing deficit and urban development challenges, gaining valuable experience in national policy formulation and implementation.

In 2007, Olusegun Mimiko resigned from his ministerial position to contest the governorship of Ondo State under the platform of the Labour Party (LP). Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declaring his opponent, Olusegun Agagu, as the winner, Mimiko embarked on a protracted legal battle to reclaim his mandate. On February 23, 2009, the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City declared him the rightful winner of the April 2007 gubernatorial election, leading to his swearing-in as Governor of Ondo State on February 24, 2009. He was re-elected for a second term in 2012, serving until February 24, 2017. After his governorship, he remained an influential political voice, contesting for the Ondo Central Senatorial seat in 2018 (though later withdrawing) and briefly running for President in 2019 under the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), before stepping down.

Major Achievements

As Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko initiated several groundbreaking and widely acclaimed programs, particularly in the health, education, and urban renewal sectors. His signature achievement in healthcare was the 'Abiye' (Safe Motherhood) program, which provided free, comprehensive healthcare services to pregnant women and children under five years of age. This program significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality rates in the state and earned international recognition as a model for developing countries. Complementing 'Abiye', he established state-of-the-art Mother and Child Hospitals in Akure and Ondo, equipped with modern facilities and staffed by highly skilled medical professionals. He also pioneered the Medical Village in Ondo, a cluster of specialized medical institutions designed to provide advanced medical care and training.

In education, Mimiko's administration launched the 'Mega Schools' initiative, which involved the construction and equipping of modern primary schools across the state, featuring spacious classrooms, libraries, computer laboratories, and recreational facilities. These schools aimed to provide a conducive learning environment for thousands of children. Additionally, he introduced a free school shuttle bus service for students, alleviating transportation burdens for families and improving school attendance rates. Urban renewal was another cornerstone of his administration, marked by the transformation of major cities like Akure and Ondo through extensive road construction, beautification projects, and the development of modern markets such as the Akure Mega Market and modern motor parks. His administration also made strides in agriculture with programs like the 'Agric-Village' aimed at boosting food production and empowering farmers, and implemented poverty alleviation initiatives through schemes like the 'Iroko Market'.

Personal Life

Olusegun Mimiko is married to Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko (née Obayori), and their union is blessed with four children: three daughters named Bibitayo, Odunayo, and Oluwamayowa, and one son named Kolawole. He is known to be a devout Christian, and his family life has often been cited as a source of strength and stability throughout his demanding political career. Mimiko maintains a strong connection to his hometown of Ondo and is known for his philanthropic endeavors, quietly supporting various community development projects and educational initiatives. He is also an avid reader and a keen observer of national and international affairs, constantly seeking knowledge and engaging in intellectual discourse.

Legacy

Olusegun Mimiko's legacy is primarily defined by his transformative governance in Ondo State and his political resilience. Affectionately known as 'Iroko' (a strong, resilient tree in Yoruba mythology), a nickname he earned for his unwavering political resolve and ability to weather political storms, he left an indelible mark on the state's development landscape. His pioneering health policies, particularly the 'Abiye' program, are celebrated as a benchmark for public health interventions in Nigeria and beyond. The Mother and Child Hospitals and Mega Schools stand as enduring symbols of his commitment to human capital development. His administration fostered a sense of pride and hope among the people of Ondo State through visible infrastructure development and social welfare programs. Beyond specific projects, Mimiko is remembered for his intellectual approach to governance, his articulate communication style, and his consistent advocacy for equity and social justice. His political journey, marked by shifts between major parties and a triumphant legal battle for his mandate, underscores a career driven by a deep conviction to serve the public good and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.