AKINOLA KAZEEM — If yesterday looked too good for humans, why then do we still look forward to the birth of a new day? It’s simply the zeal to experience the freshness of morning— the new energy, the fresh perspective. That same human urge for renewal also defines our politics. People naturally seek better paths, better leadership, and better outcomes. Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency is no different— we are ripe for fresh energy, a renewed direction, and a quality representation that truly understands our needs.
Looking inwardly, representation must go beyond what is presently obtainable. True representation should be inclusive— it must factor in the unique makeup of each area, each ward, and each community. This is exactly what Akinola Kazeem is championing. From the very first ward in Egbeda to the last in Ona-Ara, every locality has its own story, its own needs, and its own peculiarity. Understanding these differences is key, and collaboration is the tool—collaboration with government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as with private actors.
Akinola Kazeem has taken the time to understand that wards 1 to 3 of Egbeda Local Government—Erunmu, Ayede/Alugbo/Koloko, and Owobaale/Kasumu are largely agrarian. Farming is the heartbeat of these communities. However, for farmers to thrive, they need good access roads to transport their produce, they need regular distribution of fertilizers and improved seedlings, and they need training to boost their capacity through modern agricultural practices. Health, too, must not be overlooked. Alternative source of electricity that is less cost. Akinola Kazeem is ready to partner with the Primary Healthcare Board to make health centers in these wards more functional, responsive, and accessible.
This understanding goes beyond promises. He is building a working template for sustainable development— one that connects the dots between policy and implementation. It involves synergy with key stakeholders in government and the private sector. While some of these actions go beyond the core legislative duties of a federal lawmaker, Akinola Kazeem is ready to stretch the bounds through strong oversight—what he describes as “oversightly-oversight.”
Three key areas stand out in this approach:
1. Facilitating functional road networks in agrarian wards,
2. Ensuring timely and consistent distribution of farm inputs alongside farmer education,
3. Strengthening healthcare delivery for rural communities.
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And why shouldn’t lawmakers push for a bill mandating state and federal governments to supply seasonal seedlings and fertilizers to local farmers? It may seem like a long road, but it is achievable, and necessary. It’s one of the bold ideas Akinola Kazeem is bringing on board.
Moving to the residential and commercial areas; Wards 4 to 11, another reality presents itself. These are areas with increasing population, with new estates and business hubs springing up. They often deal with a different kind of problem: maintenance of public facilities and gaps in essential services not captured by the budgets of either state or local government. Issues like the need for public toilets in markets and motor parks, school rehabilitation, or even drainage systems. While these fall under local government responsibilities, Akinola Kazeem sees collaboration as the solution. He believes in advocating on a larger scale, appealing for federal budget inclusion where necessary, and supporting interventions to fill the gaps.
To Akinola Kazeem, representation is not just a seat in the House. It is action. It is advocacy. It is the bridge between the people and the government. No stone will be left unturned when it comes to Egbeda/Ona-Ara.
In the next series of Akinola Kazeem: Understanding the Peculiarities of Quality Representation in Egbeda/Ona-Ara, we will take the conversation to Ona-Ara, to explore its peculiar needs and the bold plans Akinola Kazeem has for the people there.
Akintunde Yusuf writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.
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