The Chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta South Local Government under the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Chief Olalekan Alex Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, has called for enhanced development in Egbaland, particularly in Abeokuta, Ogun State’s capital.
During a visit to the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, Ayinla Egba presented his manifesto, advocating for improved infrastructure and initiatives that would strengthen the economy and well-being of Abeokuta South residents.
Speaking at the Alake’s palace, Ayinla Egba, flanked by his campaign team, pledged to prioritize the construction and maintenance of Trunk C roads across the local government if elected.
“Our first priority when I assume office will be to embark on massive construction and maintenance of all Trunk C roads in Abeokuta South Local Government,” he said.
“By the end of our tenure, not every road may be tarred, but none will be left unmotorable.”
Emphasizing Abeokuta’s historical significance and his familiarity with the rich cultural heritage of the Egba people, Ayinla Egba highlighted the need for Abeokuta to receive its due recognition in Ogun State’s development efforts.
He argued that Abeokuta, as the capital city with deep political and historical roots, deserves more substantial support to reflect its status.
In his development plan, Ayinla Egba also promised to modernize the local government’s agricultural sector, aiming to rekindle urban interest in farming.
“Our second priority is equipping the local government with modern-day farming tools to encourage residents in urban areas to take up agriculture,” he explained.
The plan includes establishing at least two council-owned farm settlements, forming farmers’ groups, and bolstering food production within Abeokuta South.
To distribute the produce generated from these farms, Ayinla Egba outlined plans to set up a committee tasked with coordinating the sale of agricultural products.
“The products will be sold by the committee with support from Community Development Associations in various political wards,” he stated. “Our goal is for Abeokuta South to sustain its residents with locally produced food.”
Creating job opportunities is another pillar of Ayinla Egba’s vision, with a focus on promoting local employment through an initiative titled “Go Back To Farm.”
He vowed to make it mandatory for contractors working on council projects to prioritize the hiring of Abeokuta South indigenes.
This, he argued, would reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth within the local government.
Reflecting on Abeokuta’s status in Nigerian political history, Ayinla Egba expressed dissatisfaction with the current level of infrastructure development.
“The place of Abeokuta in the political history of Nigeria doesn’t reflect in the infrastructure we see today,” he remarked.
“Egba Nation, with Abeokuta as its capital, deserves more than what it is presently getting in local government administration.”
In response, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo commended Ayinla Egba for his dedication to advancing Abeokuta South’s welfare and wished him well in his quest to lead the council.
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