Politics
Ejiogu’s ‘Rebuild Imo’ Rallying Cry: Will the People Listen?
| By Barr. Canice Manukaji (Obilimba)On a regular day, no one will mistake Tony Ejiogu for a Nigerian politician. With an impressive mien and the intellect of a professor, Sir Ejiogu, who had excelled in boardrooms in the United States and Nigeria, took many by surprise when he took the plunge and threw his heart into the political ring as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.His fiery and inspiring speech during his campaign flag-off in Owerri on August 31, 2023, cleared all doubts that he feels passionate about turning the fortunes of Imo State around and that he indeed appears better prepared than any of the other contenders in the race.His message was simple – “It was time to rebuild Imo”. Hurt by the rampant insecurity and the consequent needless loss of lives and destruction that had become commonplace in his dear Imo land over the past four years, Ejiogu rallied the people to ditch their differences and join hands with him to rebuild Imo and make it live-able again.“Despite our past triumphs and legacies, this is a time of great tension between good and evil, progress and retrogression, and a time to choose whether to continue on the path of destruction or begin the process of rebuilding our dear Imo,” Ejiogu said in his soul-searing message to thousands of supporters at the campaign flag-off that sweltering Thursday afternoon in Owerri.“My first charge in the rebuilding agenda is to make our communities livable again,” he added.Between August 31 when he launched this message and now, Ejiogu has taken the path less travelled by Nigerian politicians. Along with a dedicated team of supporters and party men, Ejiogu traversed the nooks and crannies of Imo State, including places like Obube Ancient Kingdom, which no politician has ever visited despite the community’s historic significance. The people of Obube Kingdom believe his visit was a sign of the light to come after decades of neglect.Beyond Obube, and from Owerri to Okigwe and Orlu Zones, Ejiogu has so far taken his message of Rebuilding Imo to all the strategic communities in the state and interfaced directly with community leaders and thousands of voters.In Isiala-Mbano, the traditional ruler of the Amato Amaraku community, Eze Joseph Mbamara, who could not hide his excitement extolled Sir Ejiogu’s character and leadership virtues, even as he declared that Sir Ejiogu’s candidacy heralds immense hope for a better Imo.When the campaign train touched Ngwuoma-Obube, Agballa and Uluakwo communities in Owerri North LGA, the people went agog as Ejiogu was the first politician of Imo Extraction to visit and pay homage to Obube Ancient Kingdom. In this historic community, Imo State’s creation was first announced in 1976 and Owerri was declared as the capital.”Sir Tony Ejiogu is an exceptional leader, we are praying for him to succeed because he means well for our people, we need a progressive-minded leader, who would create an enabling environment for business to thrive and for the state to prosper,” said one of the leaders of Obube, Chief Samuel Akujiuobi who saw Ejiogu’s visit as a bellwether political event.Perhaps, a major highlight of Sir Ejiogu’s campaign was the endorsement by the APGA leader and the governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, who believes Ejiogu’s candidacy to be a watershed in the party’s history.During Ejiogu’s visit to the APGA leader, Soludo assured of a successful outing because of Ejiogu’s outstanding personality and acceptance by the people.According to Soludo, one of the reasons he believes Ejiogu is the right man for Imo at the moment is because of the quality of his ideas. In his words, “Mr Ejiogu’s manifesto speaks volumes of a man who understands the problems facing Imo people at a fundamental level and is poised to provide solutions and deliver democratic dividends in an unprecedented manner.”At Ngor-Okpalla, Ohaji, Ezinihitte Mbaise and at several markets and churches across the breadth of Imo State, Ejiogu has taken the message of rebuilding Imo to the people.Having taken his message of rebuilding Imo to millions of Imolites across the 20 local governments he toured during his campaign, Ejiogu appears to have said all there is to say, and done all there is to do. One thing is certain, he seems an obvious choice as he appears ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work, and he has demonstrated it beyond the stump speeches. But will the people listen? Are the people of Imo ready to rebuild their land? | |||
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.
Politics
2027: Lagosians Unite For Tinubu As Lawmaker Declares Bid
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.”
Politics
Ward Tour: Akeweje Flags Off Cash Support for Widows, Older People in Oro Ward 2
•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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