Ahead of the 2023 general elections, A foremost Youth Activist, Philanthropist, and Personal Assistant to the Minister of Interior, Comrade Olateju Ishola Olohungbebe has declared his intention to contest the Federal House of Representatives for the Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency seat in House of Representatives.
He made the declaration during a prayer session held on Wednesday at Igbaja Township Hall, Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The prayer session was organised by a group of women across faith led by Alhaja Owolabi Ramota and Deaconess Deborah Oyebanji under the aegis of ‘Afadura Jagun’ loosely translated as Prayer Warriors.
While addressing the group of women, Teju highlighted his mission and vision to deliver the true dividend of democracy to his constituents particular the downtrodden if elected.
He said, “It is incumbent upon me as a youth who wants the development of his state to take up the responsibility to contest for House of Representatives seat in 2023.
“I am always optimistic that the time will come, and now that my people have asked me to contest and assured me of victory, I have decided to go by their words.
“Ever since I have been doing my empowerment programmes and helping the less privileged people in the state, I never thought of vying for a position. Although, I have the believe that this day shall come to pass. There is no how one will be helping the people and developing his community and such action won’t be rewarded and reciprocated with love by the beneficiaries.
“My people have talked to me about how they have been disappointed by those they had voted for in the past. They highlighted some of the disappointments that almost caused a total deficit in the state’s development particularly in my homestead in Ifelodun.
“I wasn’t surprised at their narratives, because it’s quite visible to the eyes how the state has experienced bad governance since its creation. Kwara State is as old as Lagos State but look at where we are today. Those that governed us in the past have failed to address the yearnings of the people in all facets of life. They have failed to provide basic amenities, such as good roads, portable water, good health facilities, human capacity building, and so on.
“That’s why I have been doing everything within my power to change the narrative. Our people are calling on an illustrious son of the soil to come and take charge of the state’s leadership role.
“When I was called upon by the group of women in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state to contest, I was reluctant to accept the offer but they told me that one good turn deserves another. They insisted that I must contest and I have no choice than to accept their wishes.”
When asked about the political party he will be running with, Teju said he is optimistic that after his due consultation with Critical Stakeholders within and outside the Constituency, he will announce the political party to the public.
“I haven’t decided on any political party yet because none of the major parties, APC and PDP is in harmony. They both have disgruntled members in their parties. The inner crises they are battling with have caused scattered houses which means that they need to do a lot of reconciliation programs to bring the parties to order.
“I’ve not decided on any political party yet but I will announce to my people when I have made my decision to pursue my ambition under a political party,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Teju had earlier visited the home of a grassroots mobilizer in Igbaja Community, Deacon Oyebanji Igbaja where he informed the Elder Statesman of his intention to join the Federal House of Representatives race.
He, therefore, sought his support and prayers towards the realisation of his ambition.