When the name Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, FNSE comes up in a conversation, one thing is certain — you are speaking about a man who embodies loyalty, humility, and excellence.
At 55, he stands tall as a builder of dreams and destinies. To some, he is Mr. Loyalty. To others, he is the quiet achiever whose engineering touch transformed Ondo State’s physical and developmental landscape.
But to those who know him closely, he is simply a man who builds — not only roads and bridges, but people, opportunities, and trust.
At a time when politics has become a game of convenience and shifting loyalties, Engr. Adegbenro stands as a refreshing exception.
His loyalty to his political mentor and former Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, remains unwavering — an attribute that has defined his public and private journey.
“He’s the kind of person who stays true, no matter the storm,” says a long-time associate. “In a world full of political turncoats, Gboye is a man of rare consistency.”
A Career Built on Vision and Discipline
A trained civil engineer and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Engr. Adegbenro’s foray into politics came naturally through his professional excellence.
His appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure under the Mimiko administration opened the door to a period of transformation that would later define his public career.
He rose through the ranks — from Special Adviser to Acting Commissioner, and eventually Commissioner for Works, a position he held for an unprecedented six years, the longest in Ondo State’s history.
During that golden era, Ondo State witnessed massive infrastructural renewal. From the dualisation of Arakale Road in Akure to similar projects in Ondo and Igbokoda, his leadership redefined urban connectivity.
The Owo Phase 1 dualisation and the Oba-Ile/Airport Road also came alive under his supervision.
It was also during his tenure that the Modern Democracy Park in Akure — now a central hub for civic events and cultural gatherings — was conceived and constructed. The project remains a landmark symbol of urban renewal and civic pride.
Perhaps his most iconic legacy is The Dome, the state’s International Event Centre — a structure that has become a symbol of Ondo’s architectural pride. The imposing Engineering Building at the Works Ministry complex also stands as a monument to his vision of modern, functional public structures.
Even years after leaving office, one of his enduring achievements continues to shine — literally. The modern street lighting system installed along Oba Adesida Road, Ondo Road, and Arakale Road in Akure during his tenure still functions efficiently till today.
This lasting illumination remains a glowing testament to the quality of job delivery and the engineering standards he upheld on every project he supervised.
A Heart That Gives Without Noise
At 55, Engr. Gboye Adegbenro’s life also tells a quiet story of compassion and generosity. While his professional record speaks volumes, his humanitarian side often goes unnoticed.
Through discreet acts of philanthropy, he has reached into communities to touch lives — from youth empowerment initiatives to personal interventions for struggling families.
“He doesn’t make noise about what he does,” another associate shared. “He prefers impact to attention. That’s the kind of person he is — gentle but firm, modest but deeply effective.”
Back to His First Love — Engineering
Today, at 55, Engr. Adegbenro serves as the Chairman/CEO of AGE Infrastructure Limited, one of Nigeria’s growing indigenous engineering firms. Despite his rich political background, he has chosen to return to what he loves most — designing, supervising, and building.
He finds fulfillment in his profession, often saying that engineering is not just about structures, but about creating solutions that improve lives. His company reflects his belief in precision, integrity, and innovation — values that mirror his personality.
Loyalty as a Way of Life
In an age of opportunism, Adegbenro’s kind of loyalty is almost old-fashioned. Yet, it is this very quality that endears him to many. He remains a loyal friend, devoted family man, and a professional guided by principles rather than politics.
As he celebrates his 55th birthday, tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and political associates who describe him as a man of quiet strength, rare loyalty, and enduring impact.
A Legacy That Still Shines
For Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, life at 55 is a reflection of purpose and grace. His roads still connect, his lights still shine, and his legacy continues to inspire.
As Akure’s streets remain aglow with lights he installed years ago, they serve as a poetic metaphor for a man whose impact keeps illuminating paths — long after he has moved on.
Happy 55th Birthday to Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, FNSE — the loyal engineer, the silent achiever, and the man who built modern Ondo. Àsèyí sàmódún lórúkọ Jésù.
