Politics
2023: Why I’m running for senate – Faozey
Engr. Faozey Oladotun, Oyo central senatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in the last general elections, on Tuesday, ended speculations about his re-run bid, saying that he was back in the race to fulfill his vision for the development of the state by possessing legal authority to engage in the formulation of public policy, as well as to create a sustainable development platform for his constituents , particularly the youths; in order to harness their full potentials .
Oladotun, noted that their energy has not been totally harnessed for productive use, assuring that the platform will renew the hope of the people.
He, specifically tasked the youths to tap into the opportunity of this generation by taking advantage of the fourth industrial revolution driven by digital technology.
“To be realistic and fair to ourselves, this generation belongs to the youths . The present occupant of Oyo Central senatorial district, Oloye Teslim Folarin, became a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria at the age of 39 years.
“Even, in developed countries, most of the richest people are the youths, including Facebook C.E.O, Mark Zuckerberg, whose fortune made him the sixth richest in the world. He’s just 37 years old. The ideology, I want to sell is about tapping the opportunity of this generation, that’s my vision, that’s what I want to bring on board because; we own this generation”, he said.
The APC chieftain, who disclosed this while addressing a press conference in Ibadan , the Oyo state capital, also revealed that he has learnt some lessons from the previous political process that would be crucial to making decisions about his future aspirations.
According to him, “initially, I didn’t plan to embark on politics, even in those days, I usually tell people that I will never participate in politics. I came back to Oyo in 2018 for different purpose. There is a non- governmental organization in Italy, its role is to bring in innovative road construction products. I came in and we wrote FERMA, informing the agency about the concept, unfortunately, we were unable to get the approval to execute the project, even up til now; because they wanted something. So, because of this delay in approval process , one of my brothers in Oyo town, who is also a politician, later advised me to contest for the National Assembly seat so that I can be able to facilitate these developments for my people; with less stress. That was when my journey into politics started. We sat together and drafted some plans as to how to go about it.
“Also, in Nigeria, we have almost 2 billion minutes international calls coming in monthly, and from that 2 billion calls, government is not making a cent. So, we introduced international sort out to the federal government which will pass through Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Telecommunications, but they didn’t see the light in it, because they wanted immediate gains, the proposal did not fly. If, we calculate 2 billion minutes calls, even if the government only introduces N5 as tax, its a huge revenue which is billions of naira monthly into the covers of the government. But, up till now, that policy has not been implemented in Nigeria.
“So, the political process started due to gallant of approvals that we were unable to secure for these projects. My people would have benefited from these projects , so, in terms of policy making, I want to get involved actively ”, he declared.
Speaking further , the successful ICT guru, also announced his readiness to establish the first Oyo Incubation and Innovation Tech hub in Oyo town. He explained that the hub will assist in research and development, adding that anyone with innovative idea would be mentored, empowered with start up fund among others.
The Oyo – born politician, also revealed that he is planning to launch the first electric vehicles with charging stations in his town.
He said, “We are trying to set up the first Oyo Incubation and Innovation Tech hub which is going to be situated in Oyo town. The purpose of setting up this hub is that anything that relates to research and development would be coming out from there and anyone with an innovative idea can come down, we will give mentorship , start up fund and some other things that are related. For example, we planned to launch the first electric vehicles and set up charging stations for at least 10 electric vehicles. I want to create platforms for people, particularly the youths to be self-reliance.
“Because, we have created the platform, a lot of investors will come in that in the whole of Oyo state, in Oyo town that’s where we have electric cars , it’s going to be reflected on google, thus placing the town on the map. That’s what we are trying to do.
Oladotun, however, assured that Oyo town, as one of the hubs in Nigeria, would be used for the upcoming Internet Governance Forum (IGF) meeting which is billed for Poland before the end of this year, saying “it is even going to be the first in the Southwest , we don’t even have it in Lagos presently.
“We are using our Oyo Tech Hub to host Internet Governance Forum meeting which is a global thing. A lot of people will participate at a global level. This will surely attract huge development not only to the town, but the state in general”, he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.
The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.
He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.
Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”
While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.
According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”
He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.
Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.
Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.
Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”
He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”
The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.
-
News1 week ago500,000 risk eviction as Ibadan landlords reject Makinde’s 1,000m road plan
-
News5 days agoOseni Secures Prestigious City People Political Award Nomination
-
Health6 days agoOyo confirms Lassa fever death in Ibadan, activates emergency response, traces contacts
-
Crime & Court6 days agoJoshua crash: Driver faces fresh charges as court adjourns trial