Politics
2024 Edo Guber: Talk Edo Initiative Unveils Agba As Notable Political Personality, Urges Him To Contest
Talk Edo, an offshoot of The Talk Initiative Nigeria, a project/programme founded in 2015, has announced the adoption of the immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, as a political personality of interest in the build-up to the 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
In a release signed by its Spokesperson, Joesph Iyamu Oronsaye Jr on Thursday, September 14, 2023, the Initiative said: “We believe the time has come to act by fully endorsing the aspirant and asking him to run for the upcoming elections in Edo state 2024.”
The Initiative stated: “Our state needs to thrive economically, uplift its people, and become a shining example of progress for Nigeria and the world.”
Created as a movement on all platforms to “air views and pay attention to the voice of the people, using our social media platforms, radio/television stations, and print media to advocate for good governance and development,” the Initiative said it was proud to announce its interest in Agba.
“The Talk Edo Initiative is proud to announce that its platform is now dedicated to creating awareness about a political aspirant who they feel is in line with the goals, vision, and mission, for which the Talk Initiative brand was created in 2015, which is to promote good governance, strong leadership, development at all levels of the state, promote values and our Edo culture,” the release quoted the movement to have said.
The release, which captured the rationale for the movement’s adoption, reads: “Edo State, located in the heart of Nigeria, in the South-South region of the state is a vibrant state with a rich cultural heritage and a history that dates back centuries, and also Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State in southern Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan, with a total population of 1,782,000 as of 2021,
“Benin City used to be the centre of Nigeria’s rubber industry; and, oil production is also a significant industry; it was an important city of the Edo kingdom of Benin, which flourished during the 13th to the 19th century.
“With the above history of Benin Kingdom and Edo state, there has been a loss of direction towards development and good leadership. Edo holds tremendous potential in various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and technology.
“In all this put together, we would agree that Edo state needs people of character, integrity, and someone with the capacity to help drive the Edo we need.
“The Talk EDO platform has (thus) endorsed the person of Prince Clem Agba, CON, a focus-driven man, a personality with integrity, capacity, and competence who had been tested at the state level as commissioner for environment and public utilities.
“Prince Clem Agba provided leadership in the urban renewal and drainage infrastructure drive of the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration, which included beautification; greening of the streets, planting trees and ensuring that the state capital had functional street lights.
“He played a vital role in finding solutions to Edo State flood and erosion challenge with a robust stormwater project to tackle the problem of erosion in Benin city. It was a breakthrough that came more than 30 years after the last major stormwater project was done in 1979.
“This significant project was in addition to the clearing of the notorious costain Isonorho dumpsite in just five days; which posed as a problem that had overwhelmed over five governments [both military and civilian] for over two decades.
“Due to his unwavering commitment to service and development of society, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole invited him to join the Edo Rescue Team as a member of the state cabinet in 2009, a team fully charged and prepared to take Edo state to the highest possible height in political governance and development.
“While in office as the minister of budget and national planning, he focused on national planning, early budget submission to the national assembly, and strengthening the department of monitoring and evaluation in the ministry in order to effectively drive the national monitoring and evaluation process.”
The release continued: “The driving force behind this initiative, Talk Edo, is to extend a voice to the voiceless, advocate for good governance, and seek strong and credible leadership in Edo state.
“Talk Edo has a major responsibility to bridge the gap between Edo state and the world. It could be called ‘Edo meets the World’. The major goal is to promote the values of the state, and in Prince Clem Agba, we have seen all qualities that lead our vision and mission for a better Edo state.”
The movement said its objectives were to drive awareness about and conversation around the aspiration of Prince Clem Agba as a notable personality for the position of Edo State governor in 2024; as well as influence and lead key discussions around his achievements as commissioner and minister, among others.
Politics
Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi: The Compassionate Grassroots Mobiliser Poised to Redefine Representation in Irepodun
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming primaries in Irepodun Local Government, the conversation surrounding credible, accessible, and people-oriented leadership has continued to dominate public discourse. Among the distinguished personalities attracting widespread admiration and growing acceptance across the constituency is Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, a vibrant grassroots politician whose steadfast commitment to humanity and community advancement has earned him immense respect among the people.
Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi has consistently demonstrated that leadership transcends political rhetoric and should instead be anchored on tangible service to the people. During his tenure as the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, he utilized the privilege of his office not for personal aggrandizement, but as a strategic platform to uplift countless individuals across Irepodun Local Government and beyond. His stewardship reflected uncommon humility, dedication, and an enduring passion for community development.
Beyond official responsibilities, Akeweje distinguished himself as a philanthropist driven by genuine compassion for the welfare of the people. Through personal sacrifice and selfless investment, he facilitated the installation of solar-powered streetlights in Irepodun Local Government, thereby improving security and enhancing socio-economic activities. In another remarkable gesture, he personally financed the construction of a befitting Corpers’ Lodge to provide conducive accommodation for members of the National Youth Service Corps posted to the area, a development widely applauded by residents and stakeholders alike.
His humanitarian disposition did not begin with his aspiration for elective office. Long before declaring interest in representing Irepodun Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Akeweje had already cultivated a culture of consistent assistance to vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly. Inspired by the “Owo Arugbo” initiative championed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, he replicated similar interventions within the local government by extending financial support and relief packages to aged men and women across different communities.
One of the most remarkable testimonies to his compassion and social responsibility was the recent empowerment programme through which approximately 800 women across Irepodun Local Government benefitted from financial disbursement and support initiatives. The intervention not only alleviated economic hardship among beneficiaries but also reaffirmed his reputation as a leader deeply connected to the struggles and aspirations of ordinary citizens. For many residents, the programme further reinforced the belief that Akeweje possesses the empathy and practical understanding required for effective legislative representation.
In addition to his philanthropic exploits, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi has continued to distinguish himself as a unifying force within the political and social landscape of Irepodun. His relationship with the youth constituency remains exceptionally cordial, as he consistently advocates for youth inclusion, empowerment, and productive engagement. He has also maintained profound respect for traditional institutions while sustaining harmonious relationships with party elders, stakeholders, and community leaders, qualities many believe are indispensable for stable and progressive representation.
As the people of Irepodun prepare to make crucial decisions during the forthcoming party primaries, many political observers have continued to emphasize the need to rally behind individuals with verifiable records of service, accessibility, and grassroots impact. In this regard, Akeweje’s name continues to resonate strongly among supporters and community members who view him as a dependable figure that has remained consistently available to the people, even without occupying elective office.
Indeed, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi represents the embodiment of compassionate leadership, visionary service, and grassroots connection. He understands the realities confronting the people because he has walked closely with them over the years, offering support where necessary and standing firmly with them during challenging moments. Having already demonstrated remarkable capacity and sincerity through personal initiatives and community interventions, many believe he possesses the competence, character, and dedication needed to effectively represent Irepodun Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly without disappointing the trust and confidence of the people.
Thousands of Eti-Osa residents in Lagos at the weekend declared their support for President Bola Tinubu, governorship hopeful Obafemi Hamzat and a member of the State House of Assembly, Noheem Adams ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Those who attended the event included the Central Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eti-Osa headed by Engr. Murphy Adetoro, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Others are the chairmen of the three local government areas of Eti-Osa constituency 1, APC ward chairmen, traditional rulers and the Lekki Residents Association who had all earlier adopted Adams, a majority leader of the Lagos Assembly, as the party’s consensus in the area.
Speaking at the event, the Central Working Committee declared ‘no vacancy’ at the presidency and the House of Assembly while maintaining its support for Hamzat as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s successor.
They declared that unlike in 2023, Tinubu will win Lagos in 2027 as the people have become more resolute in their support for the president.
Commending the crowd at the rally, Adetoro said the Central Working Committee of APC in Eti-Osa axis and all the LG chairmen in the constituency had written to the party endorsing Noheem Adams
“Thus, on the day of the primaries, we will all be behind him. What we are doing today is a rehearsal of what is going to happen on the day of the primary election,” he said.
“We are publicly declaring our support for President Tinubu whose achievements speak volumes. We have also started working to ensure the victory of Engr. Obafemi Hamzat who will take over from our active governor.
“Some days ago, we all wrote to the APC leadership in Lagos endorsing our son, Noheem Adams, as consensus.
“We are again confirming our decision that he remains our Recognised candidate. We have seen what he has done at the House of Assembly and we can attest to the fact that he has done wonders, beyond our expectations,” he said.
Another leader and former lawmaker, Yahaya Dosunmu, expressed hope that the next Speaker would emerge from the constituency. “If we have number one and two outside, we are supposed to have three.
“I have been attending campaigns since I was 30, but this level of support is exceptional and confirmation that you truly love Noheem and are ready to continue to support him at the primary and general elections,” he said.
On his part, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, President of the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), said the lawmaker enjoys the support of the entire residents of the constituency.
According to him, Adams has become a rallying point for residents in Eti-Osa.
“What many do not understand is that Noheem Adams is not just for Eti-Osa but the entire Lagos State.
There was an estate that was to be demolished. He stood for us and ensured that the estate was not demolished.
“With his position at the House, it is dangerous to send a fresh member. By God’s special grace, we want to see him beyond the seat of Majority Leader,” he declared before the crowd while confirming an earlier letter the association sent to the APC endorsing him.
Meanwhile, the Arewa group in the constituency said they had mobilised 1500 members from the three councils in the area to support the lawmaker.
In his remark, Adams thanked the leaders, traditional rulers and constituents for their support describing the endorsement as a challenge to do more when re-elected.
He also thanked Tinubu for opening up the constituency with a coastal road adding that this feat has earned the President “massive love from the people of my area.”
•Says 800 widows and older people across Irepodun LGA will benefit
The aspirant for Irepodun Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 Kwara State House of Assembly election, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, has taken his ward tour to Oro Ward 2 in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, where he flagged off his N10,000 cash support initiative for widows and older people.Akeweje, who was warmly welcomed by stakeholders, APC faithful, and supporters, distributed N10,000 cash support each to about 50 widows and older people present, noting that the initiative would benefit 800 widows and older people across wards in Irepodun LGA.Speaking to stakeholders and APC faithful in Oro Ward 2, Akeweje first appreciated them for welcoming him to their midst, after which he unveiled his plans for Irepodun and urged them to support his ambition to represent the constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly so that he can actualise the plans.“Our beloved Irepodun deserves quality representation and purposeful leadership that will facilitate development projects for our constituency, empower our hardworking youth and women, offer employment opportunities to our graduates, and support our older people, including widows.“All these are achievable under purposeful leadership. This is why I am seeking your full support to represent Irepodun at the Kwara State House of Assembly in 2027. Together, let us build a stronger and more united Irepodun where every ward and community has a voice and benefits from responsive and accountable representation,” Akeweje said.The stakeholders and party faithful present took turns to commend Akeweje for his vision for Irepodun Constituency. They also appreciated him for the cash support he offered to widows and older people in the ward and wished him success in the forthcoming APC State House of Assembly primaries.
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