Wale JAGUN & Seun AJAYI
The former Senior Special Assistant to the former Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Saheed Ibikunle, has taken a step further in his quest to contest for the Ikorodu Constituency I seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly by publicly declaring his intention.
At the declaration event, which was held at the premises of the Ultimate Education Concept College, Gbasemo, Aga, Ikorodu, on Friday, August 17, 2018, Hon. Ibikunle also unveiled his campaign agenda to his operational group popularly known as ’Omoluabi’ and others.
The aspirant who was former Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Government and an educationist, based his campaign for the Assembly election on six point agenda: Fresh innovative bills; repositioning Ikorodu for better political deals; education, economic empowerment and employment promotion; security of lives and property; senior citizens welfare initiative and health insurance.
The aspirant stated that he’s the best man to represent the Ikorodu people at the Lagos State House of Assembly come 2019.
“The best choice and nexus of connection to deliver the desirables, lead the participatory developments expected of his constituents is standing before you today.
“My proposed Legislative Agenda is built around THE OMOLUABI TENETS to simply WALK THE TALK.
‘Our Omolauabi Campaign is aimed at introducing a complete new approach to legislative representation in Ikorodu Constituency I.
“You will agree with me that dynamism is the grail of modern leadership and development across the globe. Therefore, it is not out of place, as a people, to collectively chart a new political path and direction for our beloved Ikorodu. This is the only way we can guarantee suatined growth and development for our community and its teeming constituents.
“My aspiration to represent Ikorodu Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly is, therefore, a direct response to the yearnings of our people for fresh approach and new ideas in our political representation at the state assembly.
Speaking on his legislative agenda, Ibikunle stated that he shall work towards sponsoring new bills.
“Recognizing the place of effective legislation as the primary duty of a legislator, I shall work with my colleagues and other stakeholders to sponsor and promote fresh innovative and need-oriented bills for our dear State.
“Ikorodu’s political relevance in the state, and among comity of divisions, requires fresh approach. We cannot continue to complain of ‘marginalisation’ when we are yet to challenge our approach to legislative representation.
Otunba Ibikunle, speaking on his agenda for education, economic and employment empowerment, stated:
“Education is the right of every Nigerian child. As a veteran education administrator and consultant of over 25 years experience, I shall use my mandate to lobby the state government to create more public schools across Ikorodu constituency I.
“I will use my mandate to vigorously pursue an economic empowerment agenda that will convert the idle energy of our youths into something of economic value, to both the community and the state at large.
Ibikunle promised to propose Primary Education Regeneration and Control Bill and Technical and Vocational Education Industry-Based Integration Bill.
On security, the aspirant stated:
“I shall also institute the Ikorodu Security Trust Fund (ISTF) as a financial pool to assist the security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional duties. Similarly, I shall work hand-in-hand with the State Government to fortify the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC)for better and effective service delivery.
On the Senior Citizens Welfare Initiative, Ibikunle stated:
“The Senior Citizens Initiative would harvest the data of the elderly, profile them and create a special status for them to have access to qualitative health care delivery, monthly upkeep, respect and special treatment in the society.
He also stated that he shall promote health insurance bill for the people of the state.
Hon. Giwa Imale, the Director-General of the Omoluabi Campaign Organization, urged those present at the declaration to support Otunba Ibikunle for the Assembly position.
He also enjoined them to spread the ‘Omoluabi’ gospel by talking about it to others in their respective wards.
The Director-General also revealed that the aspirant and his team have made wide range consultations and received assurances of the stakeholders.
“Over 200 consultations have been made and we’ve been given the confidence to carry on with our bid.”
