Lagos APC assembly aspirant promises grassroots development

An aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mushin Constituency I, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Adedeji Owoeye, has outlined plans to prioritise grassroots governance, youth empowerment and community-driven development if elected. Speaking during an interaction with journalists and residents, Owoeye said his mission was to make leadership more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people. He said, “My mission is simple — to bring leadership closer to the people. “Governance should not feel distant; it must be present, active and responsive.” The aspirant described himself as a grassroots politician who has maintained close contact with residents over the years. “I’m a grassroots man. All my life, I’ve been with my people. I sit with them, listen to them and attend to their needs. “You are not a leader; you are opportune to serve the people,” he said Owoeye emphasised that his administration, if elected, would adopt an open-door policy to encourage interaction between residents and their representative. “When you sit with the people and listen to them, you are telling them, This is your man. You are free to approach me and share your concerns,” he said. He added that his focus would go beyond routine empowerment programmes to include sustainable development initiatives. “We are not going to start celebrating things like giving out forms. Those are regular. We are talking about real service — building schools, providing water, facilitating employment and giving scholarships,” he stated. On infrastructure and environmental challenges, Owoeye said he would combine community engagement with strategic interventions to address issues such as poor drainage and waste disposal. “If you fix one drainage, you can save up to 16 streets because they are interwoven. “We will also educate residents on proper waste disposal and work with relevant agencies to ensure regular services,” he said. He stressed the need for collaboration with the executive arm of government to attract development projects. • INEC deadline: Opposition parties rush to submit membership registers • Aregbesola dismisses APC return insinuations • 2027 Rivers governorship: Drama as APC committee screens Fubara, Wike allies “You must work with the government to bring development to your people. When you have that synergy, you can attract meaningful projects to your constituency,” he said. Speaking on youth development, the aspirant said he would promote sports, education and job opportunities. “You must engage the youth. You facilitate employment, give scholarships and support talents. “A good footballer can be discovered and supported to achieve success,” he added. Owoeye also pledged to support persons with disabilities through targeted interventions and inclusive education. “People with disabilities are part of our society. We will support special schools, provide learning aids and ensure they are not left behind,” he said. Expressing confidence in his chances, he said his strength lies in the support of the people. “My strength is not financial; it lies with the people. The streets will decide,” he added. Residents and community leaders in Mushin also appealed to leaders of the APC to allow them to freely choose their preferred candidate ahead of the election for the constituency. The residents described Owoeye as a grassroots politician who understands the needs of the people. A community stakeholder, Mr Idris Olanipekun, appealed to party leaders to listen to residents’ demands. “For once, they should give us a chance to choose who we want. People are yearning for change, and they should listen to us,” he said. He added that residents expected innovative youth-focused programmes from whoever eventually emerged as a lawmaker. “There are many things that can be done apart from the usual empowerment programmes. We need new ideas that can expose and empower young people,” he said. A community member, Chris Ayiwe, said Owoeye had built strong relationships within the constituency over the years through accessibility and community support.