Major education stakeholders in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State on Monday threw their weight behind Governor Seyi Makinde and Akeem Olatunji’s 2027 presidential and House of Representatives ambitions as well as other candidates of the African People’s Movement (APM).
They equally declared their readiness to mobilise support across the grassroots ahead of the next general elections towards the electoral success of the candidates.
The endorsement came during a well-attended courtesy meeting with the Council boss, held at the Oluyole Multipurpose Hall, New Garage, Ibadan, where four prominent education-based associations jointly declared support for Governor Seyi Makinde as presidential candidate, Engr. Akeem Olatunji for the House of Representatives, Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi for governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo for Oyo Central Senatorial District, and Hon. Waheed Akintayo for the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The associations that participated in the endorsement exercise included the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS), Oluyole Zone; the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Oluyole Chapter; the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Oluyole Zone; and the National Association of Primary School Games Teachers (NAPSGAT), Oluyole Zone.
The event also recorded a financial boost for the party as Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo donated a sum of two million naira towards strengthening the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts in the local government.
Speaking at the meeting, ANCOPS Chairman in Oluyole Local Government Zone, Mr. Sanuade Emmanuel, said the endorsement and declaration of support was based on what he described as the exceptional performance, commitment and grassroots-oriented leadership demonstrated by Engr. Akeem Olatunji over the years.
According to him, Olatunji’s achievements both before and after assuming office as Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government had convinced members of the associations that he remains the most suitable candidate to represent the constituency at the House of Representatives.
“Without any form of exaggeration or sugarcoating, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has distinguished himself through his commitment to the welfare of the people and numerous developmental initiatives that have positively impacted the grassroots directly.
“His performance has clearly shown that he is prepared for higher responsibilities and we have no iota of doubt that his presence at the green chamber will attract more dividends of democracy to Oluyole.
“We are fully committed to mobilising aggressively across Oluyole and beyond to ensure his victory at the polls. This project is no longer his alone; it is now a collective project of teachers, principals and education stakeholders in this local government,” he said.
Mr. Emmanuel further assured the council chairman that both primary and secondary school teachers would deploy their networks and influence to galvanise support for his aspiration.
Also speaking, Mr. Sanuade David, Principal of Community Secondary School, Olomi-Omiyale, described Olatunji as “a true replica” of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oluyole Local Government.
He noted that the council chairman had successfully reflected the governance philosophy of the governor through people-centred programmes, infrastructural development and responsiveness to the needs of residents.
David also commended Governor Makinde for prioritising workers’ welfare, particularly through the regular payment of salaries and other entitlements.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare through prompt payment of salaries. He has never disappointed workers since assuming office.
“In the same manner, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has not disappointed the people of Oluyole. His performance and accessibility have earned him the trust of the people and that is why we are giving him our total support,” he stated.
The declaration of support attracted a large number of political leaders, education administrators, party executives and community stakeholders from across the local government area.
Among those present were the immediate past Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Popoola Olaide; Chairman of the PDP-APM Coalition in Oluyole Local Government, Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat; immediate past PDP Chairman in the local government, Alhaji Adegbola Mukaila; former Commissioner, Engr. Ayuba Balogun; and the Vice Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Hon. Niyi Akorede.
Others included the APM Secretary in Oluyole Local Government, Mrs. Folashade Idowu; Leader of the Legislative Arm of the council, Hon. Taofeek Azeez; Education Secretary, Comrade Ganiyu Waheed; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Babalola Azeez; Hon. Oyepeju Moruff; Hon. Akin Ajao; ANCOPS Chairman, Mr. Sanuade Emmanuel; NUT Chairman, Comrade Akintunde Akintonde; AOPSHON Chairman, Pastor Akintunde Richard; and NAPSGAT Chairman, Comrade Saheed Lateef.
Councillors, head teachers of primary schools, principals of secondary schools, education administrators, party executives and supporters from various wards across the local government also attended the event.
