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IBADAN — The race for the chairmanship of Ona-Ara Local Government gathered fresh momentum on Friday as a former member of the Governing Council of The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Hon. Balogun Nurudeen Kolapo, formally declared his intention to contest the seat under the Peoples Democratic Party/Allied Peoples Movement (PDP/APM) coalition.
The declaration, made before a large gathering of party leaders, women and youth groups, and stakeholders at the PDP/APM Secretariat in Ona-Ara, Ibadan, positions Balogun as one of the prominent grassroots aspirants to watch ahead of the forthcoming local government election in Oyo State.
Unveiling his vision, Balogun said his administration would be anchored on three pillars: education, youth empowerment, and grassroots development. He stressed that the council possesses vast human and economic potential that must be harnessed through visionary leadership and policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare.
“Our youths deserve opportunities to compete globally. We will invest in education by creating scholarship opportunities for our brilliant children to study abroad,” Balogun stated.
“In addition, we will roll out sustainable empowerment programmes to support entrepreneurs, empower women, and reduce unemployment across every ward in Ona-Ara.”
The chairmanship hopeful, who also served as Coordinator of the Ona-Ara House-to-House Campaign during Governor Seyi Makinde’s successful 2023 re-election bid, noted that his experience in public service, educational administration, and grassroots mobilisation has prepared him to deliver purposeful and inclusive governance.
He further pledged to strengthen community development initiatives and align local government programmes with the broader developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, particularly in health, infrastructure, and social welfare at the grassroots level.
The event drew strong endorsements from PDP/APM leaders in Ona-Ara, who described Balogun as a loyal party man, an experienced grassroots politician, and a leader of integrity.
The PDP/APM Chairman in Ona-Ara Local Government, Alfa Kehinde Adeyemo, popularly known as “Authority,” described the aspirant as competent and committed to the progress of the council. He urged party members to remain united and uphold the party’s ideals throughout the nomination process, expressing confidence that PDP/APM would present credible candidates capable of winning the election.
Also speaking, party chieftain Chief Taiwo Bankole commended Balogun’s consistency in grassroots mobilisation and community service. He urged delegates to support aspirants whose vision aligns with the aspirations of the people and the developmental agenda of the PDP/APM.
In his remarks, party leader Alhaji Waheed Adurodekun endorsed Balogun’s aspiration, noting that his ward has patiently waited for years to produce the chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government.
“Hon. Balogun has paid his dues in the party. He is competent, experienced, and widely accepted. We believe this is the right time for our ward, and we are confident he has the capacity to deliver quality leadership that will benefit all residents of Ona-Ara,” Adurodekun said.
The declaration was attended by prominent stakeholders including former Ona-Ara PDP Chairman and National Delegate, Chief Sobaloju Bakare; Alhaji Akeem Oke; the Local Government Women Leader; the Youth Leader; ward executives; and other party faithful who pledged solidarity for Balogun’s aspiration.
Balogun emphasized that responsive governance must begin at the local level. He promised to run an open, transparent, and people-oriented administration that prioritizes the needs of market women, artisans, students, and rural communities.
Balogun’s entry adds significant depth to the PDP/APM chairmanship contest in Ona-Ara with his track record in party organization, educational advocacy, and grassroots engagement.
As the party prepares for primaries, stakeholders expressed optimism that the emergence of tested and credible leaders like Balogun will consolidate PDP/APM’s hold on the local government and further deepen democratic dividends for the people of Ona-Ara.
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