Jare Olukotun
Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship candidate in Igbogbo/ Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has reiterated his campaign agenda, and assured the youths of Ward C4 (Owode – Ibeshe) of an inclusive governance if he is elected as the Executive Chairman of the council.
The candidate, who has been busy in the past weeks reaching out to individual stakeholders and groups far and near, met with the Isashi, Owode and Ibeshe youths.
During the visit, he was also engaged on his agenda for their area.
He was accompanied to the meeting held at the Ibeshe Youth House, Ibeshe in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, by Bello Yusuf, Councilorship candidate for Ward C4 and other notable individuals.
Bello, who is a prominent youth and a major stakeholder in the ward, commended organisers of the engagement, and stressed that the visit was part of the efforts to garner massive support for the APC Chairmanship and Councilorship candidates in the forthcoming Local Government elections.
He said that the last election brought several projects to the ward and informed the youths that July 12 would create room for more projects if massive votes are recorded.
Aroyewun, expressing deep appreciation for the hospitality and unity among the youth, also lauded the structure and coordination of the forum.
He reminded attendees that the first royal endorsement he received was from Olubeshe of Ibeshe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Richard Ogunsanya. He also added that Ibeshe community stood by him during the primaries.
“Ibeshe is also my root, and I have the desire to do more here”, he said.
He assured the youths of occasional attendance at their meetings, disbursement of student bursaries through community endorsed students’ representatives.
He also pledged to improve the standard of education.
Aroyewun also pledged an inclusive governance driven by feedback and community needs, while calling for peace and unity among the residents.
“Let Ibeshe be the model for other communities. I’m your son, and Ibeshe will smile because I won’t fail you”, Aroyewun assured.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Yusuf, representing the Ibeshe Youth Forum, welcomed the team and pledged the suport of the entire Ibeshe youths for the candidates.
Another youth, Rasaq, reiterated the community’s strong voting culture, pledging to surpass the 500 votes recorded in the last election.
He also called for more youth involvement in governance.
Alfa Abdulwasiu Alad urged the chairmanship candidate to let his work speak louder than words.
“We believe in your promises, but we want to benefit practically. May Almighty Allah guide and protect you”, he said.
Mr. Moruf Anifowose, speaking on behalf of Isashi youths, appreciated the visit while also noting past failed promises by politician. He, however, singled out Rep. Babajimi Benson whom he said has been consistent with his support, and charged the APC Chairmanship candidate to emulate the performing federal lawmaker.
“We’ve been neglected for too long. Only Hon. Jimi Benson has stood with us consistently. Please, don’t forget us”.
Mr. Ismaila Gbadebo, another representative from Isashi, called for more local government presence and empowerment.
“We are your people too. Visit us and empower our youths. We are ready to participate actively in your campaign and deliver more votes”.
Hon. Saheed Basanya, former APC councilorship aspirant, commended the candidate for his commitment to grassroots development and youth empowerment.
The event concluded with the youths endorsing the APC Chairman candidate and the Councilorship candidate, Yusuf Bello, while they also pledged their full support.
