LAHA2027: Benson Adepoju Joins Lagos Assembly Race, Says He Is The Best Man For The Job
Speaking in an interview with Kosofe Reporters, the former councillor traced his political journey to the Alliance for Democracy (AD) era.
"I've been in the party structure right from the days of Alliance for Democracy (AD). I was Ward Assistant Secretary under the late Tasiri Yahaya, the ward chairman then," he said. "After that, I had the opportunity, with the help of the special grace of God and the support of leaders to also move from ward to LGA officer. First as Treasurer and now as welfare officer."
Adepoju recalled serving as one of the pioneer councillors in 2004 under the 57 LG/LCDA arrangement created by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a tenure he said was hampered by the seizure of local government funds by the Obasanjo administration.
"Practically we had no financial resources to work with. The allocations were withheld for about 2 years. And our salaries were just like stipends," he said. "Despite that, we were able to embark on some projects when Barrister Muyiwa Adedeji was the executive chairman. In my own ward, we reconstructed two roads, Fadayomi and Gbadebo Streets, Ojota."
He said the experience he had as a councillor opened his eyes to grassroots representation.
"Grassroots development is anchored on the good performance and the responsibility of the local government. I know what it takes to represent the masses especially from the grassroots to higher level," Adepoju stated. "I know Kosofe like the palm of my hand. As an LGA officer, there is no ward where I have not played a political role or another. Moreover, since 1998, I have always been involved in one political activity or the other especially when Late Barrister Tunde Buraimo became the council chairman on December 3rd 1998. I have also been campaign director general to some candidates wherein God crowned our efforts and I can look back and say I played vital role in ensuring that APC gets to a higher pedestal. In 2015, I was one of the key supporters of my Leader, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye. Practically I was the director general of his campaign team at that time. Also in 2006 I played a prominent role in the electioneering campaign that ushered in Hon. Dayo Alebiosu Bush as a member House of Representatives. In 2019, I was the DG of Agenda 2019, the campaign group which we used to campaign vigorously for APC candidates. I was a member of the contact and mobilisation committee for Governor Olusola Sanwo-Olu and late President Buhari. In 2023, I was part of the ICG Strategic Committee under Hon. Jimi Benson. I also played my important role during the electioneering campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023."
On why he is vying for the Assembly seat, Adepoju said governance is a continuum and he believes he can fill existing gaps.
"Representative governance is a continuum. No one can finish the job. Do your own best and another person will come and do his own," he said.
He, however, commended the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, for his efforts in empowerment, projects facilitation and education, but added: "I still think there are certain gaps I need to fill in terms of provision of more empowerment programmes and facilitation of laudable projects, sponsoring bills and motions which is the primary assignment of a lawmaker, making myself accessible to the constituents and provide effective representation to the constituents."
On youth restiveness and unemployment, Adepoju stressed the importance of peace and engagement, praising the Kosofe council chairman, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, for engaging youths through dialogue, provision of palliatives and empowerment programs.
He also poured encomium on the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha Sego for demonstrating purposeful leadership by engaging the members of the union in productive activities thereby weaning them away from social vices.
"If you say you want to contest and represent the people, and there is no peace in your locality, there is nothing meaningful that person will achieve, he said.
Addressing concerns about politicians abandoning their constituencies after elections, the aspirant insisted he would remain accessible.
"Since I came to Lagos, I have been residing in Kosofe for over 30 years. Even when I was elected a councillor, I maintained the same house. I don't see anything that will take me away from the constituency," he said. "Not that they would vote for you in Kosofe and you relocate to Lekki. I would not do that."
On his grassroots popularity, Adepoju said his strength lies in relationships and consultation.
"You can't mobilise people you don't know. I always have interaction with a lot of people and always make myself available to some people especially when they have one problem or another," he said. "I don't make decisions in isolation, I consult widely. Besides track record and integrity matter a lot."
He listed his roles in past campaigns, including serving as Director General for Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye in 2015, mobilising for President Tinubu in 2023 and recently, the campaign coordinator and collation officer for Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe.
Asked what makes him the best choice among several aspirants, Adepoju pointed to his experience and capacity.
"I have experience as a former lawmaker in Kosofe Local Government. So it won't be difficult for me when people give me that mandate," he said. "You can't impose yourself on the people. When they weigh it side by side, I think the best fellow that kosofe Constituency 1 needs right now is BENSON ADEPOJU."
Comments
Post a Comment