Kunle Adelabu
Major youth stakeholders in Ikorodu Constituency I have canvassed support for the candidacy of Prince Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan as the representative of Ikorodu Constituency I in the forthcoming General Elections in 2027.
The stakeholders who were part of youth leaders that spoke at the “Breakfast with Bolowotan”, held last Saturday with the theme, “Beyond the Ballot: Co – Creating Ikorodu Constituency 1”.
The event convened by Comrade Lekan Biliamin Oba at the Ita -Elewa Youth Centre was attended by representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS), various youth platforms, and youth political groups among others.
At the interactive session, representatives of the various youth groups and stakeholders unanimously adopted Prince Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan as the consensus candidate to represent the Ikorodu Constituency I.
Hon. Jessica Enitan Oba, the Council Leader, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), speaking said that Bolowotan is well grounded within and among youths of Ikorodu and issues affecting them and urged stakeholders to give him maximum support.
The Council Leader also used the occasion to plead with Bolowotan not to abandon the youth constituency when he attains the position but to see them as partners to always cultivate.
“I am thankful to God for Hon. Bolowotan’s emergence. As you can see, he’s not struggling to connect with us because he has been part of us before now. He is youthful in his thoughts, actions, and that’s what a lot of the speakers have alluded to.
“In his dealings, he’s with us; he likes us and he will always be part of us. We might just think that he is older in terms of age, but I can tell you categorically that he is one of us and part of the youth constituency.”
Hon. Jessica Oba, emphasising that Bolowotan is the best candidate for the position, said he has vast knowledge in business, administration and community development.
“Sir, my plea to you is that you should continue to be who you are. The few times I have spent with you, there’s always something to take away; something positive. He has vast knowledge, and is very good with business.
“He understands community development and leadership. Please sir, don’t let these qualities drop. Connect with us even more, and be available for us more. Everyone of us in this hall, especially those ones that couldn’t make it, will be there to support you.
“We’ll be there to walk with you and may God help all of us,” Hon. Jessica Oba said.
Prince Eniola Adeyemi, a former aspirant for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat, Lagos State House of Assembly, said that Bolowotan is a good and sellable product because of his good qualities and called for massive support for him.
“Today is about a man, Hon. Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan. He is beyond words — a different human being.
“The truth is that Bolowotan is a reputable product, and he’s a fighter.”
The young grassroots politician recalled the contest for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat years back and how Bolowotan displayed leadership and youthfulness in him.
“What makes a Bolowotan feel like a young person? Am I his mate? That is someone who loves the youth. He sees himself as one of us and acts in the same manner.”
He pledged his support and that of the entire youth in Ikorodu for Bolowotan as the next representative of Ikorodu Constituency I.
Wake-Up also stressed the need for youth and the generality of Ikorodu constituents to understand the power and mandate of a representative, adding that the exceptional performance of Rep. Babajimi Benson, the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency should not be used as a yardstick in measuring any state lawmaker.
“Let’s not forget that a legislator is not part of the executive arm of government. But the error, or misconception, came from the kindness of my leader, Honourable Babajimi Benson.
“JB made legislative work look as if it was an executive arm of government, because with him, money is flowing everywhere and also projects, programmes and supports.
“People kept wondering, how is he making all these happen? It is beyond the ordinary, because JB succeeded through networking, ability to lobby, and much more.
“But, let’s not forget that a member of the House of Assembly representing Ikorodu can only do so much. Yes, facilitation is important. It is one of the things a legislator can do for us, but sponsoring bills, moving motions, and carrying out oversight functions are the key responsibilities of legislators.”
Adeyemi added, “With the support of the youth, a lot can be achieved. I want to encourage us to engage the non-partisan youth—not just APC youth, but non-partisan youth.
“Even if someone is a Peter Obi supporter, don’t fight them. Don’t bully them online. People have their reasons. They may be angry about certain things. They may feel that Tinubu has not done this or that. But as young people, let us continue to engage respectfully.
“Let us persuade others to vote for APC, vote for Bolowotan, vote for Jagaban, and vote for all our candidates,” the young politician concluded.
