Rep. Wale Raji Engages Eredo Youth Leaders, Pledges Inclusive

Rep. Wale Raji met with Eredo community youth leaders to discuss development, youth empowerment, and political inclusion.
He addressed infrastructure concerns, including updates on the Poka Palace Road and new school projects in Odomola.
The lawmaker encouraged youth participation in federal employment opportunities and reaffirmed his commitment to equitable development across all wards.

Rep. Wale Raji, member representing Epe Federal Constituency, on Sunday, June 21, 2025, hosted the leadership of the Conference of Community Youth Leaders (COCYL) at his constituency office in Epe, in a meeting that underscored his commitment to youth inclusion and responsive governance.

Ekohotblog reports that the visit, led by COCYL President Mr. Wahab Ismail, brought together traditional youth leaders (Olori Odo) from various communities under Eredo LCDA.

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It provided a rare platform for open dialogue on development priorities, federal employment access, and the active role of youths in governance.

Opening the engagement with humility, Rep. Raji apologized for any past lapses in communication with the youth body. “I appreciate your patience, trust, and confidence in me,” he said. “Leadership comes with accountability. I owe you that.”

Using a powerful analogy, the lawmaker compared political representation to a formal employment relationship.

“When I campaign, I’m applying for a job. When you vote, that’s my appointment letter,” he said. “Every request, whether about roads, schools, or health centres, is my duty. Just as an employee is evaluated by performance, so am I by your expectations.”

He also emphasized the importance of unified leadership and collaborative responsibility. “When I campaigned, I did so not just for myself, but for the President, Governor, Senators, Assembly Members, Council Chairmen, and Councillors. Political leadership must be collective and supportive.”

Highlighting the performance of his office, Rep. Raji noted that the Epe Federal Constituency Office is one of the most structured and efficient in Nigeria, with over seven active staff handling diverse administrative roles. “We are not perfect, but we are effective and consistent,” he said.

In addressing infrastructure, he confirmed that the Poka Palace Road project, previously delayed, had been re-awarded to a new contractor.

He also announced that the construction of a 1km road in Odogbawojo would commence soon based on direct community requests.

Responding to a request from the monarch of Odomola, Rep. Raji unveiled plans to build both primary and secondary schools in the area.

“This is to prevent children from crossing the expressway to attend school. Their safety is paramount,” he explained.

He further urged understanding over the phased approach to project implementation, particularly in the case of UPE Primary School in Iraye.

“Development must be equitably shared across the 20 wards. Iraye, Odomola, and Odo-Egiri are all within Ward M1 , we must balance our interventions,” he said.

On economic empowerment, he encouraged the youths to take federal job openings seriously. “Be vigilant. Apply and send your slips for follow-up. We want to see our youths gainfully employed at the national level,” he said.

The lawmaker ended with a heartfelt call for collective progress. “Let’s work together. What we are enjoying now is the result of legislative continuity. I’m here to serve you with humility, honesty, and commitment. Governance is a trust, and I intend to keep it.”

COCYL President Mr. Wahab Ismail commended Rep. Raji’s leadership and consistency. “This meeting speaks volumes. It shows we are not forgotten,” he said.

Supporting him were Secretary Mr. Ismail Olabo and Treasurer Mr. Adeyemi Adeleke, who presented a formal list of requests, including youth appointments, better roads, empowerment programs, bursaries, and market stall allocations for young people.