How I Have Impacted The Lives Of Kabba People..Kola Ologbondiyan

The media aide to the Senate President and a former Group Political Editor of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, told Ademola Adeyemo that away from the pressure of work, he relaxes with tennis

The Special Adviser to Senate President on Media, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, is a talented lawn Tennis player even as a student in secondary school. Thus, when the Kabba, Kogi State-born journalist became the special adviser, it was easier for him to cope with the heavy loads attached to his office.

He would not allow stress weigh him down as he picks up his bats and plays his loved game of Lawn Tennis routinely.  Ologbondiyan, who started his career as a newspaper vendor in his home town, does not only play tennis, to underscore his love for the game, he has Lawn Tennis Court in his Abuja residence.

“I am a lover of lawn tennis game; it gives me joy hitting the tennis ball here and there. Apart from killing stress, it makes me physically and mentally alert. All work and no play can dull the brain. Everybody needs mental alertness to be able to give a good account of him or herself while performing professional duties.

“So when I’m not in office or on official assignment, instead of idling away, I will take my tennis kits and head for the court to play games. It is a form of physical exercise that improves health because it involves every part of the body.”

Apart from Lawn Tennis, Ologbondiyan has demonstrated how patriotic he could be when it comes to sports generally, being a fanatical supporter of the Nigerian Super Eagles. He was in South Africa when the Eagles played their first match against Argentina. Even the BBC station beamed him live as the media adviser cheered the Super Eagles amid the supporters club at the Johannesburg stadium.

As a journalist, Ologbondiyan is unhappy with the increasing number of fake journalists prowling the streets and urged journalists to try public office, saying men of the pen profession were much closer to the people than politicians.
During the 2011 election, Ologbondiyan, banking on his experience, contested the PDP ticket to represent his people of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency in Kogi State in the House of Representatives.

Explaining his driving force, the Special Adviser said he believes that experience is the best teacher.” I have worked in the National Assembly as a Political Editor for four years, covering the activities of the Senate and I have been appointed an Adviser to the President of the Senate over seven years with the experience of seven years within the confines of the National Assembly. I believe that I have educated myself enough on parliamentary practices and procedures to be able to serve my people in any capacity they want.

“I believe essentially that National Assembly is about representation and representation is about knowing the needs of your people. I have used the office that I currently occupy to affect the lives of my people, even before contemplating coming out to run for the House of Representatives’ seat.

“And when I say that I have used the opportunity provided by the office to affect the lives of my people, it is because of my contact with my principal and my contact with the leaders of the respective communities within Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency. I have identified the needs of the people and I’m working on them.

“For instance, I used my contacts to ensure that the issue of electrification in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu was attended to. I have also used my contacts to secure employment for indigenes of the area. I have also made sure that I advise our leaders on national issues where there is a lacuna to be filled on issues that affect our people. I also demonstrate, in my relationship with our respected leaders, that I can be trusted because I always seek the good of the people,” he said.