Politics

The aspirant for Egbedore State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Naheem Alabi Oyewumi, has unveiled a seven-point development agenda centred on youth empowerment, economic growth, education, agriculture and improved social welfare for residents of the constituency.

 

Oyewumi, popularly known as Baloo, said his proposed agenda, tagged “My People’s Desire,” is aimed at responding to the needs of the people through a participatory approach that would involve residents in identifying and addressing challenges within their communities.

 

One of the major components of the agenda is a plan to empower 500 youths within four years through vocational training and access to start-up grants.

 

Oyewumi said he would establish a training centre where young people would receive 12 months of theoretical and practical training in areas such as agriculture, building, electrical work, metalwork, and interior and exterior decoration.

 

He said beneficiaries who successfully complete the programme would be equipped with the necessary tools and provided with start-up grants to enable them to establish their own businesses.

 

The aspirant also proposed a community-driven approach to governance, promising to work with traditional rulers, Baales, religious leaders, artisans, community associations and other stakeholders to identify problems and develop solutions.

 

According to him, community members would not merely be beneficiaries of government programmes but active participants in determining the priorities of their respective communities.

 

Oyewumi further placed women’s economic empowerment among his priorities, promising business grants and interest-free loans through cooperative and credit investment platforms.

 

He said supporting women would have a wider impact on families, particularly because many women in the constituency are already engaged in small-scale businesses and other economic activities.

 

Agriculture also features prominently in the proposed agenda, with Oyewumi promising grants and loans for existing agro-businesses and support for farmers through the provision of agricultural inputs.

 

He also plans to engage young people in food processing and storage as part of efforts to reduce waste, create employment and strengthen the agricultural value chain within the constituency.

 

On education, Oyewumi promised support for summer coaching programmes and the provision of educational materials for pupils, while outstanding teachers and students would be recognised and rewarded.

 

His proposed sports programme would include an annual festival for primary and secondary school pupils to identify young talents and create opportunities for sponsorship and further development.

 

For commerce and economic development, the aspirant said his administration would identify the economic strengths of different areas within the constituency and develop them as growth centres capable of attracting business activities.

 

A key proposal is the transformation of Ara Junction Market into a modern farm market, with improved facilities designed to ease the movement of agricultural produce and enhance trading activities.

 

Oyewumi also promised social intervention programmes for vulnerable residents, including persons with disabilities and elderly people, alongside healthcare support and relief assistance for people facing hardship.

 

The aspirant said the implementation of his proposed agenda would be guided by public participation, insisting that residents must be involved in decision-making and the execution of development programmes.

 

He said the approach would ensure that government policies and projects are based on the actual needs of the people rather than decisions taken without adequate consultation.

 

Oyewumi, who is seeking to represent Egbedore in the Osun State House of Assembly, said his proposed agenda reflects his vision of a constituency where young people have opportunities, businesses can grow and communities have a stronger voice in governance.