As the campaign moves into full swing, Comrade Japheth Abolade Odesanya, an aspirant for the Ikorodu Local Government Chairmanship position has been described as unique among others and well prepared for the task of administering the council if elected. Japheth, a former Secretary to Ikorodu LG, former students’ union leader and a journalist, is vying for the position on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alhaji (Prince) Hameed Folorunsho Owolabi, the Director -General for Kolujo Team and Vice Chairman, APC Ward E (Aga-Ijomu), gave the description in an interview with the reporter – in – Chief, THE IMPACT, Kunle Adelabu.
The Director – General, who was also a former Special Assistant to the Ikorodu LG Chairman on Public Enlightenment and former Supervisor for Health in the administration of Late Alhaji Sheriff Anipole, also bore his mind on the large number of aspirants, what stands the symbol of the Kolujo team out, his agenda if elected and expectations from the party leaders and the electorate. Excerpts:
THE IMPACT: It has been revealed by the leadership of your party, APC, that they have received a letter of intent from 23 aspirants that are vying for the Ikorodu LG Chairmanship position, is this not a concern?
Kolujo DG: Well, the large number of chairmanship aspirants vying for the position of Ikorodu LG chairman is a testament to the fact that our party, the All Progressives Congress is delivering what the people want across the three tiers of government and it’s very accommodating. However, among them are serious contenders and pretenders as well. Going through the rank and file of the aspirants, you will agree with me that, some of them have no basis for aspiring to be Chairman in the forthcoming local government election other than to make up the number, Kolujo stands out as a serious contender. He is well prepared and it is evident in our campaign strategy. Kolujo has been doing community engagement and is deeply involved in the party activities and very well known to critical stakeholders in the local government.
THE IMPACT: You said that the symbol of your team stands out among other aspirants, what do you think makes him unique and stand out?
Kolujo DG: Comrade Japhet Odesanya as described by the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi is a unique child of Ikorodu among his peers and he has what it takes to attract what Ikorodu wants. He is well rooted in Ikorodu history and traditions. He understands the yearnings and knows where the shoe pinches our people, as a veteran journalist and a former student union leader that is well connected with both the downtrodden and the elites in Ikorodu and beyond.
In October last year, during his 50th birthday celebration, he brought the who -is -who in the society to Ikorodu and the topic of discussion was centered on local government autonomy delivered by the Senate Majority Leader in person of Sen. Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele.
As a former student union leader, he was part and parcel of the struggle for the entrenchment of the democracy we are enjoying today. In terms of experience, he has served as the Secretary to the local government, a position that is pivotal in local government administration. As a social commentator, his contribution to topical issues is top-notch, his oratory prowess and delivery is unrivaled.
In the last thirteen months, he’s been engaging with various associations in collating their needs assessment in terms of the task ahead.
THE IMPACT: As Kolujo’s DG, what are his agenda with which he intends to administer; what should Ikorodu people be expecting from Comrade Japheth Odesanya?
Kolujo DG: In line with the THEMES PLUS agenda of the state government, Ikorodu should expect a paradigm shift, something significant and governance like never before.
Under his watch, all our primary schools will be ICT driven, the seven geo- political wards will have at least a Primary health centre each. His administration will also unravel the tourism potential of Ikorodu not forgetting youth and women empowerment. Security of life and properties of the people will be top-notch.
The aesthetic value of our environment will be improved upon and priority attention will be given to effective and efficient transport arrangements especially in the CBD area. The internally generated revenue would be optimized.
Lastly, Ikorodu should expect something uncommon, something significant like never before.
THE IMPACT: What is your appeal to the leadership and members of your party?
Kolujo DG: My appeal to the party leadership and members of our progressive family is to look inwards and be very objective in the selection process. Financial inducement should not be allowed as a determinant in the selection process and they should as a matter of fact not allow external influence in the selection process.
The process should be allowed to be free, fair and credible. They should also look into the antecedents of these aspirants; what position have they held in the past because they have seen a situation where an aspirant could not identify the leaders at a particular political meeting and wants to chair the local government.
Lastly, the leadership should be well aware of someone with track records, good knowledge of his environment, trusted with positions of responsibilities and who understands the people of Ikorodu and how their challenges should be administered by the council. This is how to secure our future and future elections of our great party come 2027 and beyond.
With Comrade Japhet Odesanya at the helm of affairs as the next chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, it’s Ikorodu to the world.
