As the elected representative for Ogun East District at the Nigerian National Assembly, I feel compelled to share with you, my esteemed constituents, an account of my stewardship thus far.
Serving as your senator has been both a privilege and a profound responsibility, one that I have approached with dedication and a deep sense of purpose.
Firstly, let me take you on a journey back to the genesis of my tenure. Upon assuming office, my team and I embarked on a comprehensive tour of all 103 wards in our district. Our objective was clear: to engage directly with the people, to understand their needs, and to chart a course towards meaningful progress. This grassroots approach has been the bedrock of our legislative agenda, ensuring that the voices of the people resonate in the corridors of power.
It is essential to recognize that the role of a senator extends beyond the confines of lawmaking. While legislation is our primary mandate, the challenges we face in Abuja are multifaceted and often demand a holistic approach. With limited resources and an ever-growing list of priorities, it falls upon us as lawmakers to advocate tirelessly for the interests of our constituents.
In line with this ethos, I am proud to highlight some of the key initiatives and interventions we have spearheaded since assuming office. From implementing a zero-interest microcredit scheme for petty traders to facilitating free eye care programs and agricultural training initiatives, our focus has been on empowering our people and fostering sustainable development.
Moreover, our legislative efforts have yielded tangible results. Bills such as the South West Development Commission Bill and the Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo Bill are testament to our commitment to driving progress and prosperity in our district.
Others are listed below:
- South West Development Commission Bill: which has passed the First Reading Stage and is waiting to be gazetted in the National Assembly Journal, on its way to 2nd Reading.
Federal College of Aviation Technology, Ilara Remo: 2nd Reading taken on Wednesday, 15th November 2023.
National Economic Coordinating and Intelligence Committee Bill: Submitted for 1st Reading
Hospices (Establishment) Bill: Submitted for 1st Reading
Terminal Illness Trust Fund Bill (SB 223): 1st Reading taken on 2nd November, 2023
Draft Federal University of Industrial and Petro-Gas, Oni in Ogun Waterside Bill.
Draft National Academy of Science Bill.
Draft Medical Physics Regulatory Council of Nigeria Bill
Draft Media Practitioners Registration Council of Nigeria (MPRCN) Bill:
On July 5, 2023, I moved a motion for the urgent need to intervene in the flooding issues in Sagamu, Ijebu areas of Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State, Edu and Patigi areas of Kwara North Senatorial District of Kwara State and other parts of the country.
Our idea is to teach the people how to fish instead of giving them fish all the time. So, we are focussing on getting as much of our youth employment, and many of our women gainfully employed. This we believe will take them quicker out of the shackles of poverty, rather than handouts.
In fulfillment of these, we have hit the 2,000 mark and we are still going far. If we get up to 5,000 youth employment this will have a multiplier effect on several families. We also plan to facilitate projects that will support businesses so that our people can have financial support for their businesses. This is why we focus on Credit facilities as revolving loans.
However, our work is far from over.
As we look to the future, our priority remains clear: to uplift our communities and provide opportunities for all. By focusing on youth employment, supporting small businesses, and promoting economic empowerment, we can break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for generations to come.
In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to the people of Ogun East District for their unwavering support and trust. It is an honor to serve you, and I remain committed to advancing our shared vision of a prosperous and inclusive society. Together, we can overcome any challenge and realize the full potential of our beloved district.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.