Kunle Adelabu
In an effort to sustain good governance and quality representation being experienced in Ikorodu Constituency II in the last three years, a group of football promoters and stakeholders across the three councils that made up the constituency have come up with a platform to ensure that Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA) is re – elected for the second term.
The group tagged, “AMA Unity Front Movement” which was inaugurated at the weekend with a formidable structure at the Constituency, Domains (LCDAs) and Units (Wards), to make it a formidable independent grassroots platform for mobilisation and engagement for AMA.
This movement which was described as apolitical, but a call to unity, progress, and purposeful engagement for everyone who believes in the active lawmaker, and the future of our constituency, was initiated by Mr. Yinka Ajayi Pratt (Coach Eko), Mr. Taiwo Surajudeen Adeyemi and Mr. Kehinde Sharafadeen Adeyemi (The Edunz).
The team inaugurated by Hon. AMA, has Mr AJayi Pratt, Board of Trustees (BOT) 1; Taiwo Adeyemi, BOT 2. The Constituency executives include the Team Lead General, Kehinde Adeyemi; Deputy Team Lead, Adedeji Kareem; Secretary, Uche Martins; Assistant Secretary, Oluwaseun Adebayo; Treasurer, Sharafadeen Akinyemi.
Others are Financial Secretary, Gbenga Anifowoshe; PRO, Oluwafemi Daisi, Organising Secretary, Barr. Aminah Adebayo; Welfare Officer, Oluwafemi Olaide Dina; Chief Welfare Officer, Odunayo Idowu Hammed; Youth Captain, Ademola Imoleayo and Women Captain, Kemi Ajenifuja.
The Deputy Team Lead General, Adedeji Kareem, while welcoming guests and members of the movement stated the aims of the convergence for AMA and emphasised that the movement has no affiliation to any political party, but came into being to promote good governance and development as exemplified by the lawmaker.
“This movement was not initiated by politicians, nor was it formed as a political party. It was founded by concerned individuals and community members, ordinary people who appreciate good governance, believe in positive leadership, and are genuinely committed to unity and development within Ikorodu Constituency II.
“The spirit of this movement grew (organically) through community engagement, particularly through sports “football”.
He furthered, “The AMA Football Championship, which includes the All-Stars Unity Cup Competition and the Youth League Cup Competition, brought together youths, teams, and communities across wards and LCDAs. Beyond competition, it fostered unity, discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.
“As we all know, sports bring people together irrespective of tribe, culture, religion, colour, or language. On the football field, differences disappear, and what remains is teamwork, respect and collective effort toward a common goal.”
He stressed that the state lawmaker’s sustained support towards sports development and investment in community progress mobilise the electorate for him massively.
“While sports laid the foundation, what truly triggered the formation of this movement was the continued support and unwavering commitment, especially in the area of finance from Hon. Dr. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA).
“His consistency, reliability, and genuine investment in grassroots initiatives motivated many individuals to make up their minds that they were willing and ready to openly support his leadership.
“From that conviction, people resolved not only to appreciate his good works but also to organise, mobilise, and lend their voices and efforts toward supporting the re-election bid of Hon. Dr. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA).”
Alhaji Kareem who also said that the movement has started awakening civic consciousness and mobilising the community to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote for AMA, listed the purpose of the movement:
“To promote unity and peaceful coexistence among residents of Ikorodu Constituency II, irrespective of ethnicity, culture, religion, or background; to support community-driven development initiatives that improve the quality of life of our people; and to encourage and sustain programmes that empower youths and deepen grassroots participation.
He also said that the platform would provide a neutral base where well-meaning individuals can contribute meaningfully to the growth of the constituency and support Hon. Dr. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA) by promoting his good works and encouraging continuity of initiatives that have positively impacted lives.”
The first -term lawmaker, Hon. Aro Moshood, accepting the movement’s ideals, described the development as significant and said its formation would assist him in promotion of unity and purposeful engagement with constituents.
“Today marks a significant milestone — the official inauguration of the AMA UNITY FRONT MOVEMENT. This movement is not just politics; it is a call to unity, progress, and purposeful engagement for everyone who believes in me, and the future of our constituency.
“It is no secret that not everyone is naturally drawn to active participation in politics. But I have always believed that the round leather game has the power to bring people together. It can unite us beyond our differences, beyond affiliations, and beyond personal interests, towards a common purpose that strengthens our constituency.”
Hon AMA said he has organised tournaments to bring people from different beliefs, orientations, and backgrounds together to demonstrate result-oriented, compassionate, and purposeful politics while emphasising that it was this philosophy that gave birth to the movement.
“It is this philosophy and experience that gave birth to the AMA UNITY FRONT MOVEMENT. The goal of this movement is simple but powerful: to bring on board those who would otherwise remain outside the political process, to empower them, and to show them that their voices matter.
“As we look ahead to the 2027 general elections, I am confident that this movement will serve as a key driver of our electoral success, uniting people from all walks of life, and creating a force that cannot be ignored,” AMA said.
He thanked the chieftains and members of the movement for the initiatives and urged them to focus on community mobilisation and not to be involved in any campaign until the electoral body lifts the ban.
Hon. Ade Bolowotan, the Director -General, AMA Smile Foundation who led a few other chieftains of the political group to the inauguration welcomed the movement on board and thanked them for believing in the good works of his principal.
He assured them that they are partners in progress.
“Our symbol has been performing on all fronts and this movement is only paying him back for his quality representation and good governance and also wants him to do more by returning back to the Assembly.
“We are all co -travellers in the journey to return AMA back to the House and make him deepen good governance and quality representation that his representation has been known for,” he said.
At the well -attended event, the movement presented its flag to AMA and unveiled some of its activities designed to mobilise constituents in the three LCDAs to get their PVCs and vote for him come 2027. Some of the activities are – medical outreach, AMA leadership seminar to assist youth and community leaders build their capacities, AMA U-18 Championship, AMA Female Unity Championship, 3rd edition of AMA All Stars Unity Championship and AMA December Sales.
