As part of the ongoing grassroots engagement for inclusive governance in line with his electoral promise, the Chairman-elect in Oluyole local government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji on Sunday hosted leaderships of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN and the Council of Imams and Alfas in Oluyole.
Speaking during their visit to his private residence at Sanyo area on Sunday, May 19, Olatunji in his welcome address extolled the commitment of the Muslim community in the local government to promoting peace, development, and cooperation.
He assured that His office would be widely opened to initiatives and ideas that engender innovation, youths and women empowerment, infrastructural development, and industrialization at the grassroots level.
He reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the principle of fairness, equity and justice and dealing with religion based issues affecting diverse faiths in the local government with the aim of promoting tranquility and continuous peaceful coexistence.
Olatunji, who recently emerged victorious in the local government elections, expressed his gratitude for the visit and emphasized the crucial role that religious and women’s groups play in the socio-economic development of Oluyole.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions of these organizations in promoting education, social welfare, and community health.
Alhaja Onipede Fatimah Ameera, FOMWAN chairperson in Oluyole LG, in a brief remark, lauded Olatunji’s progressive vision for Oluyole describing his well articulated vision as a similar to Governor Seyi Makinde’s while assuring of the body’s continuous support for the success of his (Olatunji’s) administration.
She reiterated the federation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that align with their goals of empowering women and enhancing the welfare of families especially the Muslim community in the local government while reaffirming confidence that Olatunji’s leadership would bring about positive changes, particularly in the areas of education and primary healthcare.
Similarly, Imam Muhibudeen Owolaranfe who led the Council of Imams and Alfas in Oluyole LG commended Olatunji’s inclusive approach and pledged their full support to the incoming administration.
Imam Owolaranfe highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and religious institutions to address the community based challenges while advocating for continuous prioritization of youth development and interfaith harmony.
In his response, Olatunji assured the visiting delegation of his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and community development while outlining his plans to enhance infrastructure, improve public services, and create job opportunities, particularly for the youth and women.
“While thanking you for making out time to visit me, I must sincerely appreciate you for trusting me with this mandate and I can only say that this is going to be a collective work by all stakeholders in the Oluyole project, if we must succeed, because we will by the grace of God.
“Secondly, our father, leader, and mentor, Governor Seyi Makinde being a Christian has been the most benefactor of the Muslim community in the history of Oyo state I can boldly say that anywhere, and it is obligatory on me to follow his path by not being bias or treat any religion unfairly.
“We have before now outlined our plans to you, we plan to replicate Governor Makinde’s sustainable development agenda at the grassroots level for even distribution of our commonwealth and with God, my governor, and my political benefactor, Otunba Seye Famojuro on our side, we will deliver on our mandate.” Olatunji said.
