While others are poised with facilitating campaign posters to advance their political agendas in the last quarter of 2022, not the same can be said about the strategic approach of Ikorodu’s federal lawmaker.
Hon. Babajimi Benson MHR, or JB as fondly dubbed, chaperoned by members of his iCare foundation, took to his constituents on the 23rd of October, initiating a community tour labelled a ‘Listening Session’ between him and his people.
Aimed at engaging stakeholders and residents in various axis to ascertain lingering setbacks, the house of representatives member strode first with his convoy to the Ori-Okuta area of Ikorodu west LCDA.
Received by the Executive Vice-chairman, Hon. Adesegun Aluko, CDA/CDC excos and residents, it was an upright discourse as inhabitants were given platforms to mood their distress, soliciting the legislator on ways to improve their standard of living.
The collective response of most stakeholders primarily pointed at the poor state of the Ori-okuta road, which poses a major misfortune to the growth of the neighbourhood.
The road, according to dwellers connects Ojokoro-eyita and links to the newly constructed Sagamu road, which will be considered an enormous relief and improvement for the town if upgraded.
While others cited that their needs doesn’t end with good road channels alone, they urged the Rep member to key into delivering more health centres and rehabilitation of schools due to increase in the population of the region.
“There are still spaces around the community that can be utilised to input more infrastructures, with growth comes value, enlargement and transformation” Mr Charles Ojiafor, a stakeholder asserted.
In all, residents and stakeholders in the borough gave Jimi Benson huge credit for his assistance in developing the community, notably instrumental in facilitating 18 schools across Ikorodu division.
In his response, Hon. Jimi Benson explained to residents that a need assessment on the road which is measured 1.8km has been carried out by his team with plans to stimulate remedy.
He continued, “I am to pass a law, oversee it and represent the people of Ikorodu federal constituency”.
“But I can assure the good people of Ori-okuta community that this road will receive more critical and positive attention moving forward”.
“Whatever project we cannot deliver within our capacity, we will ensure it goes through the appropriate channel of government to realise a solution for the good and interest of our people” JB added
The Legislator wasted no time from Ori-okuta community, he headed to Eruwen town in Ikorodu North LCDA, where he was received by the Executive vice-chairman, Hon. Olawale Ameen Apanishile and other stakeholders at Kuyo-Olu Town Hall.
With the road also a major concern to residents in Eruwen as lamented by stakeholders, the Ikorodu Federal lawmaker declared openly that the construction of Erunwen road is included in the 2022 budget and work is set to commence by November.
Engaging the enthusiastic residents with the good news, Jimi Benson stated that 50 per cent of the appropriation amount for the road construction has been released for the work of Ajose road in Ibeshe and the remaining is anticipated to be discharged for the Eruwen road undertaking.
“Eruwen road parameters is 3.6km which is included in the budget. Optimistically, by November this year, work will begin on Eruwen road” JB announces.
Excited dwellers deemed the performance of the federal lawmaker as practical democracy, citing his zeal to meet with the people instead of posting campaign flyers as a testament to his good leadership qualities.
The connecting session was regulated by Senior Aid to Hon. Jimi Benson and the DG of iCare foundation, Mayor Deen Sanwo-Ola, who explained the essence of the listening session to the general public.
According to Sanwo-Ola, “Putting the needs of the people above campaigns is a priority to Hon. Babajimi Benson”.
He progressed, “Though the road is a major challenge to communities, this interactive engagement gives residents room to speak beyond the road and identify other areas they need support from Rep. Benson”.
“It is basically about meeting the people to know how they’re faring before flagging off any form of campaign” Sanwo-Ola added
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