Dino Melaye is a Nigerian politician, lawmaker and democratic evangelist. He was once a member of the House of Representatives. He also served as a senator, representing the Kogi West Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic party.
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Dino is one of the most controversial senators in Nigeria. He is also called ‘the singing senator’.
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Dino Melaye Early Life
Dino Melaye was born on January 1, 1974 in Kano State, Nigeria. He attended Command and Air-Force Secondary School, Kaduna and proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he bagged a degree in Geography.
Dino claim to have received 7 other degrees from other local and international institutions. He has an M.Sc in International Relations & Diplomacy, Advance Diploma in Law, Security & Conflict Management, Certificate in Emerging Leaders and many others.
While he was in school, he led the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He also became the Secretary General of African Youth Council before moving to the Commonwealth Youth Council. Also, he was appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to chair the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth.
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Dino Melaye Personal Life
Dino is a divorcee. He was married to Tokunbo Melaye for ten years until they divorced. Together, they have three children.
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Dino Melaye Political Life
In 2015, Dino was elected as a senator representing the Kogi West Senatorial District. Prior to that, he was a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Kabba/Ijumu federal constituency of Kogi State.
Thereafter, he contested again in the February 23rd 2019, Kogi West senatorial election. He won under the People’s Democratic Party, defeating Sen. Smart Adeyemi of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
However, the election generated lots of controversies and Dino’s victory was annulled. So, a fresh election was conducted on Nov. 16, 2019. This time, Sen. Smart was ahead from the election results of some local governments. But, the opposition refused the result, and it was declared inconclusive due to election violence.
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Book – Antidotes for Corruption
Melaye launched his book titled Antidotes For Corruption: The Nigerian Story on May 15, 2017 in Abuja. The book launch witnessed the gathering of important dignitaries, both within and outside the country. Some of dignitaries include; Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Bukola Saraki, Dame Patience Jonathan, Yakubu Dogara, James Rawlings, e.t.c. The book Antidotes for Corruption: the Nigerian Story cost N50,000.
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Awards And Recognition
Melaye is a recipient of several awards. He has been awarded for his contribution both in his constituency and in Nigeria at large. Some of his awards are:
- Best Honorable Representative of the Year, Global Youth Awareness and Development Initiative
- Protector of the Youth, P.D.P National Youth Vanguard
- Epitome of Servant, National Association of Kogi State Students.
- Youth Libra Award, Visioners Club of Kogi State
- The Great Motivator of Students, Nigerian Economic Student Association
- Diplomatic Member of the Year, St. Monica’ College
- Most Performed National Legislator, Vision 2020 Youth Group
- Most Vibrant Honorable Member, Abuja Merit Awards
- African Parliamentarian of the Year, 2005
- Icon of Good Leadership, Kogi Peoples Forum, 2008
- Senator of the Year, Senate Press Corp, 2016 & 2017
- Outstanding Law Maker of the Year, Nigerian Goodwill Ambassador Awards, 2018
- Man of Integrity Award, The Nigerian Association of Christian Journalist, 2019
- The Most Courageous and Outstanding Vocal Politician, Sun City News Magazine, 2019
- Peace Builder/Award of Excellence, Peace Achievers Award, 2019
- Man of the Year, Kwarafa Reporters, 2019
- Senator of the Year, Weekender Magazine, 2019
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Dino Melaye Quotes
“No deputy or governor or president is excellent until all Nigerians are excellent.”
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
“We don’t need more politicians in leadership but more leadership in politicians. We must make Nigeria work, leaders at all levels must be sincere in the project Nigeria.”
“The people owns the government, the government does not own the people. People are citizens and not subjects, government must respect her citizens.”
“Political maturity is not measured by how many grey hairs on your head, it is measured by your ability to listen to your conscience above money.”
“When leaders fail, followers pay the price”
“The venom of the viper does nothing to the back of a tortoise. No shaking.”
“Build your dreams and take a first step towards achieving it. When others see challenges, you see chances.”
“If you tell the truth, you die, if you tell lies, you will still die, so why not say the truth.”
“Truth has no volume.”
“Government exist to serve the governed not the people in government.”
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Life Lessons From The Story Of Dino Melaye
Fearlessness
To ignore the right thing for fear of what people will say is an act of cowardice. Dino has warmed his way into the hearts of many Nigerians due to the way he face situations and speak the mind of the masses especially in the national assembly. Although, a lot of people see him as a controversial man, it does not remove the fact that Dino Melaye is not easily intimidated.
The moment you become fearless, you become limitless. There is nothing you put your mind to that you cannot achieve when you overcome your fears.
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Dynamism
Dino is full of vigor and energetic. He is a dynamic politician whose next move is unpredictable. He can be different things on different occasions; a singer, choir master, dancer, law maker etc. Importantly, he does all of these effortlessly and perfectly. He is a jolly good fellow.
The lesson here is to be versatile. Learn different skills and diversify your business so you can stay relevant in your industry.
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