Nigeria, Africa’s populous nation, is considered ‘giant’ not only because of its population and economy but also because it is blessed with both mineral and human resources. And like the Arab proverb says, “Men of great honor and integrity make the country, not wealth!”
Little wonder why we stand in awe and admiration of a man of service and a patriotic politician, Professor Abideen Olaitan Olaiya, one of the very few that Nigeria is truly blessed with, with a track record of outstanding achievements and contributions to the growth and development of the country.
When one ponders about the saying that “a statue has no life, but the quality of a great personality is eternal”, one can see clearly that Nigeria is, indeed, blessed with men of virtues and Valor. One of such personalities is Prof. Abideen Olaitan Olaiya, a man of uncommon intellectual prowess, admirable leadership qualities and lover of humanity.
Prof. Olaiya is an accomplished professional whose educational attainment and political achievements speak to his fitness for any role for an all-round development of our dear nation.
He holds a PhD in Agronomy (Crop Physiology/Horticulture) from the University of Ibadan, an MSc in Agronomy (Farming System) from the University of Ibadan, and a B.Tech in Crop Production from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
He has also had a long and distinguished career as a Professor of Crop Production at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); and has also taught at various times at Crescent University, Abeokuta; and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.
As a highly respected political figure, the distinguished academic giant has made a remarkable landmark in the political ecosystem regionally and nationally.
Prof. Olaiya has been a member of a number of political parties and movements, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord, and the Action Democratic Party (ADP). He was the 2019 ADP Deputy Governorship candidate in Oyo State and a candidate for the APC National Secretary position in 2022 and was also a member of the APC Election Planning and Monitoring Committee.
The agriculture expert has made numerous contributions to his community and the nation. He was Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan; and Director, Membership Registration, Team New Nigeria. He was also the Founding Chair, FUNAAB Muslim Co-operative Society; Leader, Muslim Student Society of Nigeria; Secretary General, Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars in Nigeria; Member, Secretariat Advisory Council of MUSWEN; Chairman, As-Salaam Estate Landlord Association, Ibadan; and Member, Academic Staff Union of Universities.
Given his impressive educational background, political experience, and community service, he is clearly well qualified to occupy any strategic position that is key in the realization of the vision and agenda of the new incoming administration come 29th May, 2023.
No doubt, the Don has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors. His knowledge, experience, and dedication to public service make him an ideal candidate for the position of Minister of Agriculture or any other Ministerial position.
Prof. as he is commonly addressed is a shining example of loyalty, integrity, commitment and competence. His unwavering dedication to excellence and his impressive educational background, political experience, and community service confers on him the prime personality of a leader who is dedicated to the growth and development of Nigeria.
He is a highly respected political figure who has made numerous contributions to his community and the nation, and he is well-qualified to occupy any strategic position that is key for the realization of the vision and agenda of the incoming administration.
Prof. Olaiya’s loyalty and integrity are truly inspiring, and his commitment and competence are an asset to Nigeria.
The progressive thinking Prof. has been a beacon of light in the political world for close to three decades, fighting for good governance and the betterment of the Nigerian society.
As a true mark of dedication and loyalty to the progressives family, he stepped down in 2019 for the APC candidate in the gubernatorial election in Oyo State.
He equally did same at the floor of the National Convention for Chief Iyiola Omisore to become the National Secretary in 2022. These selfless actions could not have gone unnoticed.
He utilized the platform of the Concerned Yoruba Muslim Scholars initiative and the BAT Ambassadors as support groups to bring forth the victory for Asiwaju in the primary and the 2023 elections.
His favorite quote is, “People you served might not serve you, people you loved might not love you, people you helped might gang up to pull you down and people you stand for might stand against you. But always remember that anything you do for humanity is never a waste”.
This quote encompasses his passion for serving humanity with diligence, integrity and competence. In this new incoming administration, Professor Abideen Olaitan Olaiya is a capable hand for a Renewed Hope for Nigeria.