Engr. Tunji Akinosi, the House of Representatives member for Ado-Odo/Ota, announced a significant commitment of N700 million to address the dilapidated state of schools within his constituency. This funding represents a substantial portion of the N1 billion zonal intervention fund allocated to lawmakers by President Bola Tinubu. Akinosi lauded the President for increasing this fund from its previous N200 million, highlighting the impact this increase will have on development projects. This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ engagement in Ota, providing a platform for Akinosi to interact with his constituents and discuss his progress. He emphasized that despite combined efforts from both federal and state governments, the sheer scale of Ado-Odo/Ota, considerably larger than many other constituencies, often obscures the extent of developmental progress made in the area. Comparing it to smaller constituencies receiving equivalent funding, he illustrated how the larger size and population place additional strain on resources allocated for development.
A key focus of Akinosi’s allocation is the dire condition of primary and secondary schools within the constituency. Acknowledging past governmental assistance, he stressed the persistent need for improvements given the constituency’s size. The N700 million earmarked for school reconstruction and rehabilitation underscores Akinosi’s prioritization of education, aiming to expand access to quality learning opportunities and secure a promising future for the youth. He underlined the importance of investing in education as a foundational step towards building a stronger and more prosperous community. Beyond infrastructure, Akinosi also detailed his legislative achievements, including the sponsorship of four bills, notably one proposing the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Atan-Ota to alleviate the shortage of healthcare facilities in the region. This demonstrates a multifaceted approach to addressing crucial needs within his constituency.
Reflecting on his two-year tenure, Akinosi enumerated a range of accomplishments. These included road construction, school renovations, financial grants to over 2,000 individuals (ranging from N50,000 to N100,000), and empowerment initiatives providing trading tools to another 2,000 constituents. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Akinosi’s dedication to both infrastructural development and direct support for individuals within his constituency. He also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s economic reforms, urging Nigerians to remain patient as the country navigates a period of economic transition, emphasizing the long-term benefits these reforms are expected to yield.
During the stakeholders’ engagement, a panel session highlighted critical concerns regarding infrastructure within Ado-Odo/Ota. Participants emphasized the urgent need for special status recognition from both state and federal governments to address the significant infrastructural deficit. The deplorable condition of roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, and lack of basic amenities were underscored, despite the constituency’s status as the highest revenue generator for Ogun State. This raised concerns about equitable distribution of resources and the need for appropriate recognition of the area’s contributions. The theme of the engagement, “Expectations From Our Representatives,” served as a focal point for discussions, urging political office holders to fulfill their primary responsibility of providing good governance.
Barrister Kelubia Ajose, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Ota, emphasized the importance of delivering tangible results for the constituency, especially considering its significant contribution to the state’s revenue. The call for special status reflects the belief that the constituency deserves greater governmental attention and support to address its pressing infrastructural needs and ensure its development aligns with its economic contributions. This demand for special recognition echoed throughout the engagement, reflecting the constituency’s frustration with the perceived mismatch between its contribution and the level of development received.
Dr. Tokunbo Salako, a psychologist and former student union leader, reiterated concerns about the poor infrastructure and echoed the calls for special status. The metaphor of Ado-Odo/Ota being a “hen that lays the golden eggs” underscored the constituency’s vital role in the state’s economy and the importance of investing back into the region. This vivid imagery encapsulated the sentiment among participants, who felt the constituency was not receiving its fair share of resources and attention. Oba Abdulkadir Obalanlege, the Olota of Ota kingdom, offered commendation to Akinosi for prioritizing his campaign promises and urged other political office holders to embrace a service-oriented approach for the betterment of the nation. This endorsement from a prominent community leader further highlighted the importance of accountability and the expectation that elected officials should prioritize their constituents’ well-being.
