INTERVIEW: Oyo FCC Commissioner, Aleshinloye Charges People to Take Advantage of Commission’s Reforms
The Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, has encouraged indigenes of Oyo State to take advantage of ongoing FCC reforms, describing the initiative as setting a 21st-century standard. He emphasised equal distribution of social infrastructure and the elimination of job racketeering, among other reforms.
Speaking during a media chat on Splash 105.5 FM, Ibadan—titled “Ijoba Ibile” and anchored by the seasoned broadcaster Mr Abiodun Adewole (“Double A”), Prince Aleshinloye discussed developments affecting Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State, and the Oyo FCC.
Aleshinloye said that during his tenure as Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, he did not govern along party lines and ensured people received what he described as their rightful benefits regardless of political affiliation. He also stated that he maintains a strong relationship with the current chairman of the local government, noting that the current commissioner for local government in the state is from Oluyole.
On why he did not contest the Oluyole Federal House of Representatives seat, Aleshinloye said the decision was influenced by his appointment as an FCC commissioner and the lack of assurance that a replacement from Oluyole Local Government would fill the vacancy if he resigned. He added that he chose to allow other competent aspirants to contest so that Oluyole could produce two representatives at the federal level, while also expressing concern that the FCC office might shift to another local government in Oyo State’s 33 local governments.
Aleshinloye noted that the FCC had marked 100 days in office recently and reported that the commission has facilitated employment opportunities for 21 qualified Oyo State indigenes within that period.
Prince Aleshinloye also denied claims that other aspirants could influence him with money, stating that he cannot collect funds from anyone and that others had built a good relationship with him before his decision not to run.
Detailing his achievements for the first 100 days, Aleshinloye said the commission under Hon. Hulayat Omidiran has enforced zero tolerance for job racketeering, which he claimed has been eradicated. He added that the FCC launched a digital platform, www.fcc.gov.ng, to provide updates on FCC activities and employment opportunities in federal agencies, ministries, and parastatals. He hinted that Oyo FCC has created job seekers WhatsApp platform open to all indigenes and citizens of Oyo State.
Aleshinloye further stated that the FCC is working toward equal distribution of social infrastructure and amenities and positioning itself as a balancer among the 36 states of the federation.
Finally, Aleshinloye urged indigenes to apply for available federal job opportunities without waiting for personal assistance, adding that despite public awareness, Oyo indigenes reportedly did not fill the state’s quota during the recent police recruitment while claiming Benue State had more applicants than the entire Southwest Nigeria.
