Politics
Rep Oseni Elevates Oyo Artisans with Landmark N250M Empowerment Project
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has launched a N250 million empowerment initiative for the Blacksmith, Welders, Iron Benders, and Metal Technicians Association of Nigeria (BWAIAN).
The initiative aims to enhance the skills, productivity, and business potential of metal artisans across Oyo State.
The event, which took place on Saturday in Ibadan, attracted a large audience, including leaders of BWAIAN, politicians, and members of the public.
Oseni praised the resilience and economic contributions of blacksmiths, welders, and other metal workers, emphasizing their vital role in the state’s economy.
“This is not just a celebration of progress, but a commitment to uplift the industrious metal workers of Oyo State,” Oseni said.
The APC chieftain who serves as the Chairman, House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele and made available to Journalists, underscored the empowerment initiative as part of his broader agenda to support artisans. The programme will provide BWAIAN members with tools, machinery, and financial assistance to enhance their trade and improve their livelihoods.
During the event, Oseni reflected on his achievements since taking office. He highlighted key educational initiatives, such as sponsoring over 700 students for JAMB exams and providing free WAEC registration for 400 students in 2024.
The lawmaker also celebrated the success of his “Raising 100 Youth Millionaires Project,” which has created 12 young millionaires since its launch in December 2023.
Speaking further, the lawmaker outlined infrastructure improvements in his constituency, including ongoing road construction projects such as the Elebu Junction-Elebu Market-Orita Merin-Idi Ahun Road and the Nihort-Baptist-All Saints-Agbofieti Road. He assured constituents that more projects would soon commence in Eruwa and Lanlate.
Oseni reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents and the people of Oyo State, stating that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve.
“This empowerment programme is yet another stride in my ongoing efforts to make life better and more meaningful for the ordinary citizens of Oyo State,” he declared.
The N250 million initiative includes the distribution of essential tools, equipment, and financial grants to BWAIAN members, aiming to expand their businesses, boost their incomes, and contribute to the state’s economic development.
BWAIAN’s state leader, Munirudeen Adegoke Rauf, lauded Oseni’s gesture and called on other political leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to follow his example by supporting small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.
He assured that the equipment would be used responsibly for the benefit of the association’s members.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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