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Why I Joined Politics, Oyo Commissioner Designate, Afonja Explains

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One of the newly confirmed Commissioner nominees in Oyo state, Prof. Raphael Afonja has said that his participation in politics was borne out of a desire and commitment to serve his fatherland and the people; and not to gather wealth.

The Ogbomoso-born Professor of Engineering said this on Thursday during an interview with Mega Icon Magazine in Ibadan, the state capital.

According to Afonja, he joined the political sphere of Nigeria having served the people in the United States in different capacities, and saw the need to come home and give back to his people.

He added that the passion to serve and see real changes in the lives of his people inspired him to aspire for Federal House of Representatives (Ogbomoso North/ Ogbomoso South/Orire Federal Constituency) in the last election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I put in a lot of effort, sacrifices and  I was told to step down, of which I did with no regrets”.

Speaking further, the mitigation specialist, Afonja said, ” I believe I have served the people in the United States in different capacities, although I have gained a lot and the country has afforded me many opportunities. I saw the  need to come back to Nigeria and serve  my father land and give back to my people. I believe in service to humanity.

“When I visited back in 2007 , I saw the struggle that people were going through but at that moment I thought it was not the right time to come back home. I needed time and it should be a gradual process. I want to be very sure that it was  time to leave the States and come back to Nigeria. By the year 2016 after I lost my mother, I came home to bury my mother, and that was a turning point for me. I sensed that some of the people that came for the funeral were struggling, and when I visited our Community in Ogbomosho I got a firsthand of what poverty was like.

“That drew more of my empathy towards the people around me and  I saw the need to come home and give back, but I soon realized that I need a platform to do so. One of the things that came to mind was to partake in politics,  when it comes to  policy making and not just talking about things  but coming up with what I like to call actionable ideas, what can we do to help the people and that was why I started my non-profit organization – ICARE. Our organization focuses on women empowerment, food security, education, and medical outreach. I felt like those four major areas overlap in so many ways. Like I said earlier what motivated me is my empathy for the people”.

He continued, “I believe that government does not only create jobs,  especially when it comes to tackling  unemployment but  create the environment that allows businesses  and investors to thrive. Since I am now part of the system I can engage people effectively by creating avenues that will bring them some kind of relieve.  In the US I have worked at the Federal, State  and Local level, so I feel like with all of the experiences and skills that I have gathered over time, I can add value when given the opportunity to be part of the government.

” I am glad to be part of the executive government of our great state, and this will give me the opportunity to have an impact in line with the vision of our amiable governor, His Excellency, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde in taking the people of Oyo state out of poverty.

“I felt the need to serve and I just can sit back and be given people money all the time without looking at other platforms to reach the masses.

“Recently,  I  came up with this plan to build a cashew processing plant in Ogbomoso, and this plant from my business plan will bring about 1000 jobs for our people. One of the things I found out is that people coming from Vietnam and Indian  do come to buy our cashew nuts and the only time when people make money is that period when they harvest cashew, after the season is over, that will be the end of the opportunity for them to make money.

“If you go  to Vietnam or India you will  find their people working  all year round because they are the one processing it and selling it but  in our own case once the harvest is done that is  the end , so there are many things I have been working on even before I was nominated  for commissioner in Oyo  state, I have been thinking about ways through which  we can come with actionable ideas that will create jobs for our people.

“I am not a political jobber, I have my job as a professor, but I want to use my influence and wealth of experience to contribute to the development and growth of my fatherland”, the Commissioner nominee said.

Prof. Afonja, however promised to apply his intellect, expertise, skills, experience and energy towards achieving the vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration.

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Relief as Rep ‘Lafi’ Empowers 300 Constituents Through Skill Acquisition Programme

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Over 300 constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State benefitted from a skill acquisition and empowerment programme organized by their representative in the National Assembly, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye.

The event, held at Faith Joe Event Centre, Alegongo, Akobo, Ibadan, aimed to address the challenges of unemployment and economic hardship by equipping participants with practical skills and financial support.

The programme focused on empowering youths, students, and unemployed graduates to become self-reliant. Each participant was provided with a certificate, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, an umbrella, and ₦100,000 as a startup grant to kickstart their businesses.

The tools and financial aid were designed to enable beneficiaries to establish sustainable sources of income.

Participants received comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience to ensure they could effectively utilize the tools provided. The POS machines were configured with the personal details of the recipients, ensuring proper use and discouraging unauthorized transfers.

Addressing the participants, Akinmoyede who is the Chairman House Committee on Nigeria/ Mexico Parliamentary Friendship enjoined the beneficiaries to explore the opportunity for their benefit by ensuring that they use the machines for the purpose it was meant for.

He added that all the machines have been configured with the documents of individual beneficiaries which will make it very difficult to transfer to another person.

In his goodwill message, the Oyo Central Senatorial chairman of APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji said comparing what the lawmaker has been doing in the area of dishing out empowerment and palliatives to his constituents, it is difficult to tag him a first-timer at the national assembly.

While appreciating Akinmoyede for his gesture at the event, former APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, and Hon. Akinbode Emmanuel said they were yet to discover the magic wand being used by the lawmaker for his constant and habitual empowerment programmes.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the end of the training, Afolabi Kuburat, Akinropo Akindotun, Ajala Abisade Iyabo, and Grace Anuoluwapo Ayinde lauded the lawmaker for giving them the opportunity to be self-reliant at this time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship.

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Oyo: Olafisoye Facilitates Capacity-Building Training for 300 Constituents

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The House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency Oyo State, Hon. Prince Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu has initiated another skill acquisition and capacity-building training for no fewer than 300 members of his constituency.

The initiative which is being organized in partnership with Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan is part of a strategic effort by the lawmaker to foster rural development of cooperative for their economic emancipation and break the shackles of poverty so as to alleviate the impact of the high cost of living among the people in Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency he represents.

The training programme is coming up on Monday 18th November, 2024 at Faith Joe Event Centre hall. Alegongo, Ibadan by 8.00am.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the lawmaker, Alimi Abdullahi stated that the capacity-building is designed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills with a view to building sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of lives of the people of Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency.

All the participants for the training are expected to be at the venue by 8am so as not to miss any part of the training.

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#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls

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The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory in the recently concluded Ondo State gubernatorial election.

Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor of the Sunshine State, was declared the winner of the election on Sunday at 2:30 pm. He defeated his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a landslide victory.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described Aiyedatiwa’s triumph as a testament to his resilience, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the development of Ondo State.

He praised the electorate for reaffirming their trust in visionary leadership.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on this historic victory. Your emergence reflects the confidence and hope the people have in your ability to deliver purposeful and transformative leadership,” Oseni remarked.

The lawmaker commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders for their pivotal roles in ensuring a transparent and credible election.

He also applauded the people of Ondo State for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the polls, which bolstered the election’s credibility.

Oseni expressed optimism that Aiyedatiwa’s administration will usher in renewed development, unity, and prosperity for the state.

“As you prepare to assume office, I urge all stakeholders and citizens of Ondo State to lend their support to your administration. Together, you can advance progress and strengthen the democratic foundations for a better Ondo State,” he stated.

 

He further expressed confidence that Aiyedatiwa’s second term will be characterized by impactful governance and innovative policies that will advance the state’s growth and enhance the welfare of its people.

 

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