A GOLDEN FISH HAS NO HIDING PLACE: THE CANDIDACY OF ADEROGBA TAOFIK mni, A COMPELLING CHOICE IN IBADAN NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Ambassador Afolabi Olayemi

The much talked about bye elections in Ibadan North fedreral constiutuency is staring us in the face, just few days from now. There is a compelling need to make the right and  quality choice of representation. Williams Shakesphere once said: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” 

At this moment, in the political landscape of Oyo State and the Ibadan North federal constituency to be specific, one name continues to resonate – Hon Comrd Aderogba Adebayo Taofik, mni. Born in Ibadan, a true son of the soil, a member of the prestgious Omo Aj’orosun Club of Ibadan land. A seasoned politician, vibrant unionist, an astute private sector supply chain expert, and grassroots mobiliser, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in his turf.

His success as a unionist and private sector player in the Food, Beverage and Tobacco sector of the Nigerian economy, coupled with his generosity and commitment to community development, made him a household name and a respected figure in Ibadan North. Aderogba embodies the qualities of a true political leader—tact, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the people. His ability to navigate the complex dynamics of Ibadan North  politics while remaining connected to the grassroots sets him apart.

He is a detribalised Nigerian, a patriot, and a political influencer across the length and breadth of Nigeria, this stands him out as a true bridge builder. Aderogba has earned widespread respect across party lines. He prioritises inclusivity, empowerment, and development, making him a beacon of hope for Ibadan North and Oyo State.

He has been able to distinguished himself as a dedicated party man, skilled political organiser, strategic manager, and bridge builder. His leadership not only strengthened the party’s structure but also solidified its dominance in Ibadan North.

With a proven track record in the Nigeria labour movement, party politics, grassroots mobilisation, and a major player in the food and beverage sector of the Nigerian economy, Adebayo Taofik embodies the qualities necessary for effective administration. His expertise in resource mobilisation, man and material deployment, and utilisation is essential in ensuring that party policies and programmes translate into tangible benefits for the members and the masses. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes, build consensus, and implement strategic policies makes him well-suited to lead in an era where efficiency, accountability, and innovation are scarce commodity.

His leadership style and quality as the Promasidor branch chairman  earned him recognition at the national level, and he was elected the National Treasurer of the food union in Nigeria in 2015, a position he held for two consecutive terms spanning eight years before he was elected as the Deputy National President of the same union.

He has attended many leadeship trainings both in and outside the shore of Nigeria, amongst which are: New Manager Development Program, Regenesys Business School, Lagos, 2018; Strategic Planning & Corporate Governance, Highbury College, Portsmouth, UK, 2015; International Union of Food - African Regional Conference On Decent Work Agenda, Dar es salaam, Tanzania, 2016; Strengthening Local Governance Opportunities, Challenges  & Options at Dodoma, Tanzania in 2022; Fighting for our Future, IUF 28th Congress Geneva, Switzerland, 2024 etc

In recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities and contributions to the labour movement, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) nominated him to attend the Senior Exective Coures44 at the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic studies, Kuru, Jos in 2022.

In an environment where leadership demands experience, resilience, and foresight, Aderogba’s background and leadership qualities make him a compelling choice for higher responsibility as member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the green chamber. If the goal is to elect a quality and responsive representative/leaders basically through the lens of merit and shared vision in Ibadan North, Aderogba Taofik is best fit for the job, he is a round peg, in a round hole.

The right time is now when leadership is not just a mere designation, Ibadan North deserves a representative that has the Capacity, Competence and the Commitment to lead. This is more than an ambition. It is a movement. It is a declaration of intent. It is the fulfillment of a predictive moment that signals the end of an era of exclusion. In reality, the chain is broken. The affray is over. Ibadan North is ready for quality representation.