By Babatunde Kaka
The clamour for the inclusion of youths in democratic dispensations is spreading like wildfire across Nigeria. It is a known fact that the mantle of youth leadership can not be received on a platter of gold as any youth who is interested in governance has to participate in the very many processes of choosing leaders, particularly through political participation.
The resolve of youths to aspire for leadership positions in governance could not have come at a better time as the #Endsars Nationwide protest proved as a veritable tool to demand the participation of youths in governance. Although marred with various inadequacies, the reawakening and emancipation resolve of youths through their campaign to end bad governance in all form was loud and clear.
Ekohotblog caught up with one of the bright youths of Eredo LCDA, Engineer Wariz Temitope Odeyemi, son of the famous Odo-Egiri born Business mogul, political heavyweight and philanthropist, Alhaji Hon. Odeyemi WASTAB, a former Lagos State House of Assembly member and Commissioner in the Lagos State Civil Service Commission.
Engineer Tope who is popularly known as the leader of “Omituntun” political movement, spoke with Ekohotblog at the 12th year remembrance of the late illustrious son of Odomola, a philanthropist entrepreneur, community leader per excellence, reputable politician, industrialist and National icon, Alhaji Amzat Beyioku Adebowale. While chatting with our reporter, he used the medium to briefly hint at what to expect from him as a Chairmanship aspirant of the APC in Eredo LCDA.
Amongst other things, he gave an insight on what to do differently by his experience and also stated plans to transform Eredo LCDA in terms of good road networks, education, empowerment and others if given the chance to govern.
” When you take a cursory look at Eredo LCDA, as a son of the soil being bread and brought up here, I have been around and have seen a lot of things going on. I believe if the youths and the community at large allow me to be at the helms of affairs in Eredo LCDA, this community will have a better turn around compared to what we are witnessing presently.
“When we talk about doing something different, it goes a very long way. To begin with, when looking at the major agenda we usually have in governance, we look at the roads, community build up, security, health, education, empowerment and a host of people-oriented programs. Basically, if one wants to run an office, you need to study what your people reed. It is when this is done conscientiously that you can deliver to them what they yearn. You don’t need to give them what they want alone”.
“With the way things are presently in Eredo LCDA, we need to open up most of our rural areas because to access most of those rural areas is difficult. Most of the existing roads have been built for ages and they are in deplorable conditions. All these roads need to be brought back to life. So, when these are repaired in addition to the new ones, there will be easy access for commuters to ply. When you have good and accessible roads, this will attract development of all kinds”, he said.
Also Read: Encomium, Tributes As Adebowale Family Remembers Patriarch, Chief Amzat Beyioku
The Master’s Degree graduate of Transport Planning from the prestigious University of Lagos gave an insight into his vast experience in terms of road network construction.
” When you look at Trunk A, B and C roads, the Federal and State Governments have done their best. Most of the Local Government inner roads are always spoilt. When someone of my calibre is at the helm of affairs, I’m assuring everyone that I will work assiduously on fixing all those dilapidated inner roads. A local government without a standard and working Grader can not open up roads. This will not be the case when I’m elected because a Grader will be purchased to be used to continuously open more roads for easy access”, he averred.
Engineer Tope, however, described his chances to be chosen as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress to God and that he is working tirelessly to make his altruistic dreams a reality.
He also took out time to assure the youths and entire people of Eredo LCDA that he would not let them down in light of the precedence of youths who have in the past performed below expectations having being given the rare opportunity to serve the people.
” Let’s leave my chances of being the Flagbearer of the APC in Eredo LCDA to Almighty God, I’m working towards success. I know what it takes to get an office and I believe still have a very bright future. When you get an office at an early stage, if you make any mistake, you’ll definitely suffer the consequences which I do not want to experience”, he said.
It is safe to say that the courage to attain youth leadership position in this part of the world is like a camel passing through a needle’s eye.
As the 2021 Chairmanship electoral process draws nearer, let’s see if the youths can spring a surprise in their bid to take political power from the older generation.
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