Osogbo Agog As Dr Peter Ogundeji “Peter De Rock” Marks 40th Birthday In Grand Style
Written by News Desk on November 18, 2025
Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was filled with jubilation as thousands of political leaders, family members, friends, and associates gathered to celebrate the 40th birthday of a philanthropist and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Dr Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, popularly known as Apata.
The celebration featured a high-profile colloquium and a book launch held in honour of the celebrant.
Delivering his speech at a colloquium and book launch held in his honour, Dr Ogundeji steered the conversation away from personal festivities and towards a subject he described as urgent: the decisive role young people must play in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The event, themed “Youth Involvement in Politics: A Panacea for Development,” attracted dignitaries, traditional leaders, political figures, academics, and a strong contingent of young people from Osun State and beyond.
Speaking with warmth and conviction, Dr Ogundeji anchored his message on his own life story—one that began 40 years ago in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He recalled his early years hawking polythene bags in the busy Abobo markets and later learning discipline and perseverance under the guidance of his grandmother in Ola, Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State.
He explained that these beginnings not only shaped his character but also prepared him for a journey marked by unrelenting resilience
Dr Ogundeji expressed profound gratitude to God and to all who have supported his journey over the years. He emphasised that “development without youth is like building a house without a foundation”, adding that sustainable progress can only be achieved when young people are placed at the centre of leadership.
He noted that his work through his foundation, APATA Cares, has demonstrated that digital training, empowerment schemes, and apprenticeships can successfully guide young people away from idleness and social vices.
The colloquium, themed “Youth Involvement in Politics: A Panacea for Development,” featured speakers who underscored the urgent need to increase youth participation in governance.
Discussants, including Dr Harrison Idowu of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, and Comrade Moses Oyegbemi, highlighted the importance of political mentorship and leadership training from seasoned political figures to adequately prepare young people for leadership responsibilities. They reiterated that the future belongs to the youth and that they must be given opportunities to shape it.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun urged political leaders to demonstrate integrity in order to earn the trust of young people. He called for deliberate mentorship structures designed to prepare youths for developmental politics.
Representing the Osun State APC Chairman, Hon. Sooko Tajudeen Lawal Olaniyi, Hon. Remi Omolaoye described Dr Ogundeji as a selfless politician and philanthropist whose influence extends well beyond the Osun West Senatorial District. He appealed to party members to avoid internal crises and unite behind whoever emerges as the APC candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
The book was officially launched by the Special Adviser to the President on Agriculture, Hon. Abiodun Yinusa, represented by Engr. Hakeem Olugbode, who commended the celebrant for his consistent service to humanity. He reminded guests that leadership is measured not by age but by impact.
Also speaking was the father of the day and senior APC leader, Chief Suhaeeb Oyedokun, a former Secretary to the Government of the old Oyo State during the Second Republic. He praised Dr Ogundeji’s life story, noting that although his beginnings were humble, his achievements now serve as a guiding light for young Nigerians aspiring to a successful future.
APC governorship aspirants, including former Osun State Commissioner for Finance Alhaji Bola Oyebanji and Prince Dotun Babayemi, were represented at the ceremony.
The event also attracted prominent attendees from within and beyond Osun West Senatorial District, including APC chieftains at national, state, local government, and ward levels, as well as royal fathers and members of the academic community.
