APC LG aspirant backs Obasa’s son for Agege council poll

Yomi Durojaye 

The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government and a leading aspirant in the July 12 council election, Mr Oluwagbenga Abiola, has welcomed his party’s decision to field Abdulganiyu Obasa as the APC’s flagbearer in the upcoming local government poll.

L,-R: Hon. Gbenga Abiola and AbdulGaniyu Obasa

Abiola is a political protégé of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and APC leader in Agege, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos, Abiola affirmed his loyalty to the party and to Obasa.

NAN recalls that on Monday, Agege stakeholders urged Obasa to allow his son, Abdulganiyu, to contest the council chairmanship.

According to them, this would reward the Speaker’s years of humanitarian service and political impact in Agege.

Reacting to claims that he faced pressure to withdraw, Abiola said he remained deeply grateful to Obasa for shaping his political journey.

He pledged total support for the Speaker’s leadership and said he would never oppose the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.

Abiola stated: “Let me make it clear — I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me. He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LG, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.

According to them, this would reward the Speaker’s years of humanitarian service and political impact in Agege.

Reacting to claims that he faced pressure to withdraw, Abiola said he remained deeply grateful to Obasa for shaping his political journey.

He pledged total support for the Speaker’s leadership and said he would never oppose the party’s direction or Obasa’s guidance.

Abiola stated: “Let me make it clear — I will never go against my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. This is the man who made me. He appointed me Special Assistant on Media when he became Speaker in 2015. In 2016, I was appointed Sole Administrator of Agege LG, thanks to his recommendation to the governor. That appointment made me the youngest council boss in Lagos State at the time.

“In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support. So tell me, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”

He admitted his ambition to become Chairman, but insisted he must submit to the party’s collective decision.

“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest. I respect and support that. I stand with Obasa, with APC Agege, and with all decisions taken by the party and stakeholders,” he added.

Abiola noted that service to people was his true goal and believed more opportunities would come in the future.

“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right. I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory,” he said.

He added that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to fully support the party’s decision.

Chairmanship aspirant promises improved healthcare in Agege — Sola Osolana

 

A chairmanship aspirant in Agege Local Government Area, of Lagos State, Sola Osolana, has promised to run an all-inclusive government, if voted into power.

Sola Osolana 

Osolana said his development plan would be hinged on the HEEDS agenda, which is a personal development plan to give Agege the overhaul it needs and deserves. According to him, HEEDS stands for Healthcare; Empowerment of women and youths; Education with good infrastructure; Development of Infrastructure and Sustainable Development.

The aspirant, who contested in 2016, said he has gathered the needed experience to serve, having been a supervising councilor in the present administration. Osolana resigned from his position recently.

He said: “I have seen the lapses in this current administration and that is one of the reasons why I am aspiring to be chairman. I believe the local government administration can work if the right thing is done, and people can feel the impact of government at the grassroots.

“One of my aims is to turn the maternity centre into a mini general hospital, a functional one where doctors and nurses will be available even at night. There will also be availability of drugs. I had mentioned this as far back as our first year in office but nothing was done.

“Depending on the size of the ward, there must be a minimum of two health centers in each of the seven wards, where women can give birth easily and simple general ailments like malaria and typhoid can also be treated free for the elderly.

“Elected officials most times complain of funding, but even the ones they collected, do they spend judiciously and give proper account? I am a businessman and a good manager of resources. People say it’s not rocket science to develop a place, but with consistency, you will get results. We don’t make enough Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) because the rates are too high; people dodge the payment and so nothing comes in.

“It’s very possible for us to have a digital database of all houses and businesses in Agege so that our IGR can be consistent and development will come.

“I contested for the chairmanship in 2016 but party elders and leaders decided they wanted the present chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi. I was begged to step down, which I did, and even worked for his victory because the party’s decision is overriding.

“Serving under the person I stepped down for and also supported is an avenue to gather experience in local government administration which I believe I have enough of now. I also saw the lapses in the administration, and that is one of the things motivating me to contest for the position.

“Everyone one has his/her leadership style and qualities. The leadership style of the present administration does not allow for ideas and innovations. I was part of the outgoing administration, but we were just there as figureheads.”