Ekiti Governor, Senate Leader, others honour Adeyeye over NPA Board appointment

As Senators Arise, Obanikoro say reward for SWAGA leader long overdue

Politicians across parties divide and corporate gurus converged in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Thursday night to honour former Minister of Works, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, who was recently appointed as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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In attendance to grace the occasion were Ekiti State governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; former governors of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni and former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura.

The list also included, Senators Olu Adetumbi, Chairman, South West Development Commission,AIG Tunde Ogunsakin rtd., Senators Iyiola Omisore, Lekan Mustapha, Ayo Arise, the Managing Director, NPA, Abubakar Dantosho, former Ebonyi state Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, amongst others.

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The leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele who incidentally is from Ekiti State as the celebrant described the former Minister as a resilient, consistent ally of President Tinubu.

The Senator representing Ekiti central recalled the role played by the new Chairman of the Board of the NPA in the formation of the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), the early campaign platform that championed President Bola Tinubu’s presidential bid.

He said:”If anyone had told me it would take this long for Senator Adeyeye to be appointed, I would have said it’s impossible,” Bamidele said. “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.”

The Senate Leader tasked the management of the NPA to work with the Chairman of the Federal government revenue agency with open arms as he noted that the former Minister will add value to it.

“Let me be clear. Senator Adeyeye is not just in office—he is in power. He has earned it. Work with him openly and transparently, and you’ll get the best from him.”

Former Minister of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro spoke in similar vein.

He said:” 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 recognized and there is no doubt that bigger recognition will come. This is a precursor to what will come.”

Senator Arise, also recalled that Adeyeye’s contributions to the Tinubu campaign and the All Progressives Congress (APC) 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.

Tinubu has honoured us—Governor Oyebanji

The Ekiti Governor who thanked President Tinubu for the appointment given Adeyeye described it as an honour done Ekiti state.

“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.”

Oyebanji also commended the Ekiti chieftains across all parties for setting aside political leanings and differences to honour their colleague.

“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,” in apparent reference to the presence of former Governors, Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose.

In his remarks, Senator Adeyeye thanked Tinubu for redeeming his promise to reward his contributions to his victory.

“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 Ports Authority forward.”

Adeyeye who thanked Governor Oyebanji for gracing the occasion assured him of his support ahead the off-season governorship election in the south west state.

“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.”

Politics must grow beyond bitterness. “The peace we enjoy now is unprecedented, and it must be protected.”

He further assured Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantosho of a warm working relationship with his executive team.

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