"Ready to Serve": NDC Candidate Promises Accountability, Development and Inclusive Growth Across Ogun East
By Our Correspondent
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle, the race for the Ogun East Senatorial seat is beginning to attract significant attention. Among the contenders seeking to represent the district at the National Assembly is Hon. Adewale Shokoya, the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who has launched an ambitious people-focused agenda anchored on service, accountability and sustainable development.
Presenting himself as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the needs of the people, Shokoya says Ogun East deserves a representative who goes beyond campaign promises to deliver measurable results. His campaign slogan, "Ready to Serve," reflects what he describes as a commitment to responsive leadership and active engagement with constituents.
Speaking during a series of consultations across communities in the senatorial district, Shokoya emphasized that representation should not be viewed as a privilege but as a responsibility to improve lives.
"Ogun East deserves more than speeches and political rhetoric," he said. "Our people need roads that work, schools that prepare our children for the future, healthcare facilities that save lives, and opportunities that empower young people. My mission is to bring the true dividends of democracy to every community."
Addressing Longstanding Challenges
For many residents across Ijebu, Remo and the coastal communities, challenges such as deteriorating roads, unemployment, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited educational resources remain pressing concerns.
According to the NDC candidate, these issues require practical legislative interventions backed by effective advocacy at the federal level. He pledged to establish constituency offices across all local government areas within Ogun East to ensure citizens have direct access to their senator.
Shokoya also proposed regular town hall meetings where constituents would have the opportunity to participate in decision-making and monitor government projects.
"We want a system where the people determine priorities and where every naira allocated for constituency projects can be tracked publicly," he stated.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
A major pillar of Shokoya's agenda is infrastructure development, which he believes holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity across the district.
He pledged to advocate for the rehabilitation and completion of critical federal roads connecting major commercial and residential hubs such as Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ikenne, Odogbolu and the coastal axis.
According to him, improved transportation networks will reduce the cost of doing business, attract investments and facilitate trade within and beyond Ogun State.
The NDC candidate also plans to champion the creation of an Ogun East Special Economic Zone aimed at leveraging the district's strategic proximity to Lagos and major ports. The initiative, he says, would attract manufacturing industries, agro-processing facilities, logistics companies and cold storage investments capable of generating thousands of jobs.
Youth Empowerment and Job Creation
With youth unemployment remaining a major concern nationwide, Shokoya says empowering young people will be one of his foremost priorities if elected.
Central to this plan is the proposed Ogun East Skills and Enterprise Fund, designed to provide grants and low-interest financing for small businesses, artisans and young entrepreneurs.
Beneficiaries would include individuals engaged in technology, fashion, agriculture, carpentry, welding and other vocational trades.
He also intends to facilitate partnerships between government agencies and private sector organizations to establish ICT hubs and vocational training centers across the district.
"Our youths possess enormous talent and creativity," Shokoya said. "They should be creating solutions, building businesses and driving innovation rather than searching endlessly for opportunities elsewhere."
Improving Healthcare and Education
The senatorial hopeful also outlined plans to strengthen healthcare delivery and educational development.
He pledged to lobby for the upgrading of primary healthcare centers through the provision of solar-powered facilities, improved maternity services and sustainable drug supply systems.
The goal, according to him, is to ensure residents—especially women and children in rural communities—have access to quality healthcare closer to home.
In the education sector, Shokoya promised to advocate for increased federal support for public schools, improved teacher training programmes and expanded scholarship opportunities for academically outstanding students from low-income families.
He also proposed the introduction of modern ICT laboratories to prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Strengthening Agriculture and the Coastal Economy
Recognizing agriculture as a critical economic driver in Ogun East, Shokoya pledged support for farmers through mechanization programmes, improved seedlings and stronger market linkages.
He noted that many farmers continue to face challenges related to productivity, financing and access to profitable markets.
For riverine and coastal communities, the candidate promised to advocate for the rehabilitation of jetties, enhancement of water transportation safety measures and investment in post-harvest storage facilities to reduce losses and improve profitability for fishers.
Commitment to Security and Inclusion
On security, Shokoya emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to address emerging threats in rural areas.
He pledged to support initiatives that improve intelligence gathering and strengthen community-based security efforts.
The candidate also stressed the importance of inclusive governance, promising that women, persons living with disabilities and market associations would have direct input into constituency development programmes.
"No segment of society should be left behind," he said. "Development must be inclusive and equitable."
A Promise of Accessible Leadership
Supporters of the NDC candidate describe him as a grassroots mobilizer with a history of community engagement and problem-solving. His campaign argues that his experience working closely with local communities has prepared him to effectively represent Ogun East in the Senate.
As part of his campaign pledge, Shokoya promised monthly constituency reports, regular stakeholder engagements and a transparent approach to governance.
He also committed to working across party lines in pursuit of projects and policies that benefit the district.
"Our people are more important than political differences," he said. "Any opportunity that brings development to Ogun East deserves support."
Looking Ahead
As political stakeholders and voters evaluate candidates ahead of the elections, Hon. Adewale Shokoya's message appears focused on accountability, service and grassroots development.
Whether discussing roads, jobs, healthcare, education, agriculture or security, the NDC candidate insists that effective representation should produce visible improvements in people's daily lives.
For many residents across Ogun East, the coming months will provide an opportunity to assess competing visions for the district's future. For Shokoya, however, the campaign message remains clear and consistent:
"Ogun East has the potential to become a model of prosperity and progress. The time has come to turn that potential into reality. I am ready to serve."
