The bustling Golden Event Center in Ijede became the meeting point of political leadership, traditional authority, grassroots stakeholders, students, and the general public as Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), representing Ikorodu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, hosted the 10th Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting.
The event, themed “Governance in Action – The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” was not just another gathering but a significant moment for reviewing government policies, assessing legislative impact, unveiling empowerment programs, and giving constituents a voice in shaping development.
The constituency stakeholders’ meeting was simultaneously held across the 40 constituencies in Lagos State.
Hon. Abiodun, in his keynote address, stressed that governance must never stop at promises or fine speeches but must be measured by tangible results that people can feel in their daily lives.
He explained that previous stakeholders’ engagements had focused on food security, but this year’s theme reflected a broader emphasis on the collective responsibility of leaders and citizens in building a state and a nation where opportunities are accessible to all.
Pointing to national reforms, he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for tackling challenges in the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, security, and human capital development.
These efforts, he said, were visible examples of “renewed hope in action.”
He also lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his forward-looking agenda, particularly in transportation modernization, affordable housing, e-governance, and urban renewal projects, which, according to him, have placed Lagos in a position of leadership among Nigerian states.
The lawmaker took time to highlight the role of the Lagos State House of Assembly in driving impactful legislation.
He noted that over 50 people-oriented laws had been passed in areas such as education, healthcare, housing, security, environment, and transport, thereby laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Abiodun then turned to his own track record in Ikorodu Constituency II, listing major interventions.
These include providing employment opportunities for nearly 100 young people, offering vocational training to 117 residents, awarding scholarships to deserving students, facilitating classroom construction, initiating road palliative works, and distributing transformers to improve electricity supply.
He also mentioned solar energy empowerment projects, grants to women and youths, and health-related interventions.
He reminded the audience that through his efforts, electricity was restored to the Igbopa community after seven years of blackout.
Sports, he added, had not been neglected, with programs such as the All-Star Unity Cup and U-17 football tournaments bringing youths together and nurturing talents.
The gathering was also an opportunity to deliver empowerment to constituents. A total of 130 aged residents, including 15 persons with disabilities, received ₦100,000 each as direct support.
Students’ Union bodies from Igbogbo, Imota, and Ijede were given customized past examination questions to help them prepare better for their academic pursuits.
The empowerment segment drew applause from the crowd, with several beneficiaries expressing gratitude while urging the legislator to sustain the programs.
The meeting featured goodwill messages from leaders and elders across the division.
Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Rural Development, described Hon. Abiodun as “a master lobbyist who consistently puts the interest of his constituents first.”
He assured that his office would maintain close collaboration with the lawmaker and added that AMA had also established himself as a strong ally of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), commended the wide range of empowerment initiatives rolled out by Abiodun and urged beneficiaries to use the funds and materials judiciously.
Another GAC member, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, stressed the urgency of introducing free education across Lagos State.
He noted that the current tax system was insufficient to adequately support students and expressed concern about the lack of computer access for those preparing for JAMB exams.
Ogunlewe also advocated a review of traditional rulers’ salaries, stressing the importance of preserving and respecting traditional institutions.
Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya testified to Abiodun’s hands-on approach to representation, citing his intervention in Ibelefun Secondary School in Ibeshe, where students benefited from educational materials.
He further announced plans for a new primary school in Ibeshe, to which AMA responded by urging the community to make land available, assuring them that work would commence within three months.
Royal fathers also offered their perspectives. Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, praised AMA for delivering notable results in just two years, noting his respectful approach and passion for his people.
Similarly, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, highlighted his contributions to road rehabilitation and healthcare delivery. He referenced the Ginti dumpsite project, which was earmarked by a previous administration for power generation, expressing confidence that Abiodun’s advocacy would keep such initiatives alive.
The lawmaker used the occasion to pay tribute to Rep. Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Describing him as his boss and mentor, Abiodun said Benson’s leadership style had been a guiding influence, inspiring him to improve his service to the people of Ikorodu Constituency II.
“These are not promises; these are results. And by God’s grace, we will achieve even more,” AMA declared to loud applause.
The event was graced by an impressive list of dignitaries, including HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, Ranodu of Imota; HRM Oba Semiu Kasali Orimadegun, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo; HRM Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe; Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, Chairman of Ijede LCDA; Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun, Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA; Hon. Sunday Ayodele Benson, Chairman of Imota LCDA; Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun; Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe; Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya.
Hon. Gbenga Oshin; Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola; Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe; Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa; Hon. Gbenga Basanya; Hon. Taiwo Orenuga; Yeye Bolanle Basorun; Alhaji Sefiu Ogunyemi; Pastor Ola Ayetoba; Alhaji Jamiu Benson; Alhaji Olawale Abdulai; Mr. Shakiru Odusanya; Hon. (Prince) Wasiu Agoro; Hon. M.K. Sanni; Alhaji F.O. Lasisi; Col. Onafowokan B.O.
Hon. Saheed A. Adefarsin; Alhaji Jamiu Adisa Quadri; Hon. Agunda Emmanuel; Alhaji Fahm Kayode; Hon. Ajetunmobi Rasak; Alhaji Shakirudeen A. Ajala; Hon. Fatiu Jimoh Salisu; Hon. Abdulwasiu Agoro; and Hon. (Otunba) Kamarudeen Olanrewaju Kuye.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Abiodun emphasized that governance is not solely the responsibility of political leaders but a shared duty that requires active participation by all citizens.
“Governance must not be seen only as the work of leaders. It is a joint effort — one we must all commit to for the good of our communities, our State, and our Nation,” he charged.
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