By: Temenu Olusesan John
The people of Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency of Ondo state filled out in their large numbers and with huge determination on February 25, 2023 to elect the then candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo to represent the constituency in the House of Representation in Abuja.
No doubt, the victory at the poll conferred series of responsibilities on the lawmaker to deliver its campaign promises to the people who have long craved for quality and impactful representation in the constituency over the years.
Odimayo, a successful businessman cum philanthropist and with a clear cut agenda and blueprint for the constituency did not find it difficult to hit the ground running in the National Assembly.
It is no longer news that the current 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on June 13,2023 with both chambers of Senate and the House of Representatives and today being September 20,2023, it makes it exactly 100 days out of the possible 1,461 days that Omo’ba Odimayo already used as the representative of the people.
Not forgetting the core mandates of a legislature which are, lawmaking, oversight functions and representations, it is not out of place to assert that the lawmaker has ticked the boxes in his first 100 days in the floor of the green chamber in making immediate impact in the lives of the people with programmes and timely interventions.
Considering his experience and leadership qualities over the years, the leadership of the House appointed him as the chairman Committee on Population. In a house of 360 members, this appointment is huge and it is the one that comes with opportunities to contribute to nation building and ultimately to the benefit of his constituents.
Regarded as a man prepared for the task and business of lawmaking, an assertion which was demonstrated right in time after the inauguration with his passionate motion he moved on the floor of the house relating to the protracted blackout in southern senatorial district, most importantly in Irele/Okitipupa federal constituency.
While moving the motion to the admiration of his constituents, he called the attention of the stakeholders in the power sector to the over a decade blackout which he said has affected economic and business activities in the entire zone. With the supports he got from his colleagues on the subject matter, it is safe to say that all issues concerning the electricity supply in the area will soon be resolved.
Upon the resumption of the House from its recess, the lawmaker has prepared to lay before the parliament two bills for the establishments of University of Agriculture and the Federal Medical Centre, both to be situated in the federal constituency.
Considering his interest in the development of education in the area and in order to keep school children busy during the just ended long holiday, Omo’ba Odimayo organized free summer lesson across different centres in the constituency for the students. He engaged and paid 52 tutors , while about 39 students who were outstanding during the period were given prizes.
Also, at the just concluded BEMORE summer boot camp in Akure, Ondo state capital , no fewer than 13 girls from the constituency were sponsored by the lawmaker to the tune of millions of naira. The girls were exposed to ICT, solar panel and vocational trainings, which are expected to help them become employers of labour in the shortest possible time.
As a way of ensuring sense of belonging and entrench inclusiveness, 69 persons were appointed by him as aides, with at least one person from each of the 23 wards in the constituency. Aside the monthly financial benefit to the appointees, this gesture would in no small measure build trust and confidence of the constituents in their representative.
Worried by the growing level of unemployment among the youths, the lawmaker in the last 100 days through his network and lobbying, has helped in securing job offers for members of the constituency at various offices of government, while vulnerable and challenged citizens were reached out to both financially and materially to address their issues. It must be said that list of unemployed youths and graduates in the area are being collated for employment opportunities.
As a way of cushioning the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the federal government and to complement the palliatives measures of the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu , a process of giving N50,000 each to 500 people in the constituency as palliatives has commenced with compilation of names of the potential beneficiaries. They would soon be paid.
To address the water need of the people, a borehole has been made available in Adewinle stead (Ago Adewinle) in Igbotako Ward 2 for the people in the area to have access to quality pipe borne water. Besides, 15 solar panel streetlights have been procured and would soon be installed in the coming days for the constituents in Erinje community. In the same vein, a one kilometer street lights have been installed and already in use in Irele Local Government roads and other adjoining streets ; courtesy of Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo.
In an unprecedented form in the constituency, Omo’ba Odimayo within the first 100 days introduced citizens and stakeholders engagement event, where he gave his account of stewardship of his contributions in the first few months. He has further promised that this gesture would be sustained for the people to constantly engage him and also know their plights.
It is incontrovertibly that the people of Okitipupa/Irele Federal constituency are having the best of time at the moment courtesy of the selfless and impactful representations from Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo and we can only hope people will offer him more supports in his quest to change the face of representation in the constituency.
With 100 days out of the 1,461 days in the four years tenure gone, the people of the constituency should sit back and watch as the lawmaker unfolds his plans for them vis-à-vis his responsibilities in the National Assembly for the overall development of the area.
Signed
Temenu Olusesan John
SLA to Hon Okunjimi Odimayo John
20-09-2023.
