BIRTHDAY: Hon Afeez Bolaji ‘Repete’ Celebrates with ‘People with Special Needs’, Unveils Vision for Oyo Central

BIRTHDAY: Hon Afeez Bolaji ‘Repete’ Celebrates with People with Special Needs, Unveils Vision for Oyo Central’s Sustainable Development.

Afeez Bolaji Repete, a former Deputy National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Special Assistant to Late Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Youth and Sport, has outlined his vision for the sustainable development of Oyo Central Senatorial District.

Repete, who has been involved in various initiatives to unite APC members in Oyo Central, emphasised the need for transformative leadership that prioritises the needs of the people.

He made his intention known shortly after donating food items and cash to the needy in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, to mark his birthday.

Repete highlighted the district’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance, noting that it serves as a hub for residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial ventures.

“The narrative of our communities is remarkably the same – hopes of potential, an amalgamation of resilience and aspiration, awaiting strategic transformation,” Repete hinted.

Repete’s vision for Oyo Central focuses on several key areas, including education, healthcare, agricultural and rural development, infrastructure and public utilities, youth and women empowerment and so on.

His words:”The blueprint for our future entails a transformative educational system that extends beyond mere legislative motions. It envisions universal access to free and quality basic education, complemented by the establishment of skill development centers tailored to meet the unique demands of localities and emerging industries.

“Healthcare, an unequivocal priority, will be made accessible. Primary healthcare centres will be revitalised through synergistic collaborations with federal and state governments, supplemented by mobile clinics and health units to serve remote communities.

“Agricultural and Rural Development, The demands of communities such as Abogunde, Gambari, Ayede, Alata, Ajinapa, Bamgbola, Elekuru, Agbogunde, Gaa Fulani, Iwofin, Olukunle, Olokoto, Olokuta, and Ayeye in Surulere and Ogo Oluwa LGAs are clear. They seek empowerment programmes for farmers, encompassing subsidised inputs, access to modern tools, and improved road networks connecting markets.

“Youth and Women Empowerment, We would support youth and women empowerment, as an entrepreneur myself, we would establish a microfinance fund to support youth and women businesses, organise leadership training and mentorship programmes as well as advocate for policies that protect women’s rights and promote their inclusion in governance and economic activities.

“Infrastructure and public utilities will be upgraded towards ensuring uninterrupted power supply by championing renewable energy projects.”

Repete’s commitment to transparency and accountability includes establishing a feedback mechanism for constituents to voice their concerns and track progress.

He concluded that the Oyo Central Senatorial District deserves nothing less urging people to join his movement on the journey to greatness.

He said:”As we approach 2027, let us not be swayed by promises as fleeting as the morning dew. Instead, let us choose leadership anchored in integrity, vision, and an unyielding commitment to progress.”

“Oyo Central deserves nothing less. Let us heed the call for transformative change and march boldly into a brighter tomorrow. Join our movement on this journey to greatness.”

Repete acknowledged that Oyo Central has been blessed with a succession of astute and capable leadership since the advent of the fourth Republic.

He said the district owes much of its progress to Late Senator Lekan Balogun, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Hazmat Adeseun, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Yunus Akintunde.

His words: “It means much more repeating that Oyo Central has been blessed with a succession of astute and capable leadership since the advent of the Fourth Republic in May 1999.

“The district owes much of its progress to great personalities such as the outspoken and sagacious Late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun (1999–2003), the indomitable former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin (2003–2011, 2019–2023), Senator Hamzat Ayoade Ademola Adeseun (2011–2015), first and only female representative, Senator Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu (2015–2019), and the current steward of the district, Senator Yinus Akintunde.

“Each of these individuals has left indelible marks, their legacies intertwined with the district’s storied journey.”

He added that the district comprises eleven local government areas, each with the quintessential characteristics of a nation.

His words: “This illustrious district comprises of eleven local government areas, each with the quintessential characteristics of a nation, it has thriving cities, historically significant towns, and many notable villages.

“My nine-hour driving tour, commencing from the serene terrain of Iresa-Adu to the quiet locality of Iresa Apa, traversing Ajaawa and Odo Oba into the regal heart of Oyo via Jobele, Fiditi, Ilora, Awe, and Iware, culminated in an exploration of the district’s nerve centre as I visited places like Akeetan, Ojongbodu, Agunpopo, Kosobo, and Owode, intertwined with numerous settlements and vibrant communities within these six LGAs (Surulere, Ogo Oluwa, Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba LGs), underscored the essence of my fact-finding mission to unravel the true state of development within our district.

“On another occasion, I embarked on an exhaustive expedition through the expanse of Akinyele LGA, visiting localities such as Moniya, Arulogun, Igbooloyin, Ijaye, Iroko, and Ajibode, and extending my journey into the environs. My foray into Lagelu took me into Olorundaabaa, Iyana Offa, Ejioku, Lagun, Lalupon, Oyedeji, and Apatere, while Egbeda revealed treasured places like Erunmu, Olodo, Kumapayi, Olodan, Ajiwogbo, Olode, Asejire, Adegbayi, and Ogungbade.

“In Oluyole, I toured Arapaja, Idi Ayunre, Orita, Odo Ona Elewe, Soka, Ayegun, and Alomaja. Finally, I returned to Ona Ara LGA, the cradle of my origin, comprising Gbaremu, Baba Nla, Ogbere Kehinsi, Akanran, Badeku, Ajia, Jago, Amuloko, Olunloyo, Olorunsogo, Foworogi, Bakatari, Eleshin, Olosunde, Kajola, and Ojebode.

“The narrative of these communities is remarkably the same narration, hopes of potential, an amalgamation of resilience and aspiration, awaiting strategic transformation”, Repete submitted.