Osun West and the Akogun Lere’s effect
By Sarafa Ibrahim
I’m tempted to see Senator Lere Oyewumi unwavering commitment to constituents as a prove of the time-tested Yoruba saying that “Kó sì eni to mọ ede ayan bi eni ti ọ mu opa re l’owo, ẹni ti ọ gbè omele lowo lo mò ohun t’omele nso”. Of course, this is not the first time that Osun West will be having a Senator, but Senator Oyewumi has proven within the time he assumed office that he understands the needs of the people and prepared to make it happen.
In the build up to the 2023 election, I wrote about the plans of Akogun Oyewumi, who at that time was the candidate of the PDP, and how prepared he is “for the daunting task that lies ahead.” I observed that the plan, which was anchored on a six(6) point agenda showed that Senator Oyewumi “understands the needs of the people in the district and will work to provide them for constituents.”
For years, Osun West grapple with the reality of it being significantly short-changed in the spread of the dividends of democracy that comes from the central government. This explains the inadequate infrastructural presence in the senatorial district and want of opportunities for constituents when compared to other parts of the state.
It was a big challenge, but Senator Oyewumi was not willing to let this continue, exploring diplomacy and legislations to address these very problems to pave the way for a brighter future for constituents. Beginning with infrastructure, Senator Oyewumi facilitated the construction of roads in the various local governments that made up the district, providing a pathway for increased economic activities for constituents.
Recognising the youth as the future, Senator Oyewumi has facilitated interventions that would aid their personal growth and provide them with meaningful means of engagement. In nearly two years, no fewer than six training sessions in different vocational skills have been facilitated for young constituents and most of beneficiaries received grants to implement whatever they learn without delay.
To compliment this, Senator Oyewumi pursued a sustained investment in the infrastructure of public schools, constructing several classrooms and furnishing them with essential tools to ensure that young people have better opportunities to learn in a conducive environment.
In Ode-Omu, for instance, Senator Oyewumi constructed a 18 classrooms, with science laboratories, library, motorized boreholes, principal and vice principal administrative block, teacher’s block and multipurpose hall at the St. David Anglican Grammar School. Many others in parts of the senatorial district are at various stages of completion and will serve the educational needs of constituents.
But the ceiling of it all is the measured approach of Senator Oyewumi to empowerment and poverty alleviation drive. Unlike the practice in the past, Senator Oyewumi ensured that beneficiaries of his empowerment schemes are those who actually needs it and strengthen efforts at alleviating poverty in the society.
In 2023 alone, nearly 2,000 constituents benefited from varying ranges of empowerment packages, drawing from a long list of life-changing tools to power their entrepreneural journeys. The interesting thing here is that persons with disabilities are not left behind as the inclusive representation of Senator Oyewumi has brought meaning to the life of many of them.
And this Sunday, the effort to uplift lives continues as Senator Oyewumi roles out a mega empowerment scheme, handing beneficiaries with items such cars, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, refrigerators and many more, in line with their needs. In this sense, Senator Oyewumi’s effect in Osun West so far has been relishing. It brought Osun West developmental needs to focus and renew hopes of a better situation for the people.
- Sarafa Ibrahim writes from Iwo, Osun West Senatorial District.
