By Stephenie Livingston, Reporter
June 25, 2009 09:21 am
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stephenie.livingston@gaflnews.com
Adeniyi Aderibigbe lives and breathes politics, and he's not afraid to admit it. Aderibigbe is currently finishing up an internship in Washington DC. with the Florida House before starting an internship in July with the office of U.S. Senator Mel Martinez.
Aderibigbe is a 2003 graduate of Lafayette High School and got his start as the state secretary for Future Business Leaders of America. This led to his participation in the Page Program with the Florida State Senate. After high school he continued his passion for politics as president of Santa Fe Community College Republican Club and Minority Director for The Florida Federation of Young Republicans. In 2008 Aderibigbe participated as chairman for the McCain Campaign for President in Lafayette County.
"Because of my involvement with Florida politics and advocating for my fellow college students, I have developed a great love for our state and the welfare of its people," said Aderibigbe in a recent phone interview.
Aderibigbe was also influenced by the career of his father, Adewale Aderibigbe, who retired as Assistant Director of the Federal Ministry of Environment in his home country of Nigeria, West Africa. Adeniyi Aderibigbe's mother, Dorothy Aderibigbe, is a native of Lafayette County and was a long time employee of the state of Florida. Aderibigbe says his family goes back four generations in Lafayette County. He enjoys living in Lafayette County and most appreciates the strong faith, morality and family values of Lafayette residents.
Currently, as an intern with the Florida House on Capital Hill in Washington D.C., Aderibigbe is learning the ends and outs of D.C. politics while helping visitors from Florida find their way around the capital. Aderibigbe also blogs on the embassy's Web site and is responsible for tracking donations to the Florida House.
"Since I have been living in D.C. over the spring, seeing how government works firsthand has really opened my eyes regarding the political process," Aderibigbe said.
Aderibigbe says this internship has been perfect for him since he jumps at any opportunity to discuss D.C. and its politics. He says he enjoys having political conversations with anyone willing.
"It's healthy to have those kinds of conversations whether you agree with the other person's views or not," he noted.
Outside of politics, Aderibigbe says he doesn't have time for much else. However, he does enjoy reading fiction and playing golf.
After finishing a degree at the University of Central Florida, Aderibigbe hopes to make politics his career.
"I'm excited to continue the process," he said.
After gaining more experience and building connections, he plans to run for a state or federal office.
"When dealing in politics anything can happen, things can change overnight," said Aderibigbe. "Right now I'm just waiting to see what happens."
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Photos
2003 Lafayette High graduate Adeniyi Aderibigbe.