OPEN LETTER TO SENATOR JIDE IPINSAGBA.
January 13th, 2025.
Distinguished Senator Jide Ipinsagba
Senator Representing Ondo North Senatorial District
Chairman, Committee on Downstream Petroleum
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
National Assembly Complex,
Abuja.
Dear Sir,
20 Months of Inaction and Lack of Human Empowerment – Step Up or Step Aside
By Ife Ajibuwa Distinguished Senator, permit me to first congratulate you on ushering in the new year. Compliments of the season to you and your family. May the love and peace of the season inspire us all to contribute positively to our communities and leave a lasting impact. As we begin this new year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts you’ve made so far in representing Ondo North Senatorial District.
While it’s clear that you have made strides in some areas, it is imperative to have an honest conversation about the critical gaps that remain in your leadership, particularly in the area of human empowerment.
Please excuse the curtness of my manners; the intensity of my pain has almost robbed me entirely of formality. My passionate plea is neither for personal gain nor a critique borne out of malice but a challenge for you to rise to the occasion and deliver on the promises you made to us.
You have been in office for over 20 months, nearly half of your tenure, yet there is little to show in terms of youth development, skill acquisition, or job creation. For a region like Ondo North, where unemployment is rampant and many small businesses struggle to survive, human empowerment is not just an expectation, it is a necessity. I must ask: where is the promised “Renewed Hope” and the leadership that inspired the trust of the people who voted for you?
Other senators across the country, whom I would prefer not to name, have demonstrated that with the right commitment, meaningful change is achievable. I am fully aware that opportunities such as constituency project funds, partnerships with government agencies, private sector collaborations, etc, are available to you.
Unfortunately, it appears that these opportunities have not yet been fully utilized to ameliorate the lives of your constituents. The lack of human empowerment programs is particularly troubling, especially when other legislators have used similar resources to create tangible impacts.
It is also worth pointing out that, as of today, you have not facilitated employment for even one single individual in Ondo North, let alone sponsoring talented persons abroad for further education or knowledge acquisition.
This fact alone speaks volumes about the urgency of the situation. I do not raise this point to undermine your efforts but to emphasize the need for immediate improvement. The people of Ondo North deserve a senator who listens to their concerns and prioritizes their needs.
We are not asking for miracles, Senator; we are asking for action. We want to see programs that provide grants for small businesses, scholarships for students, and other events that empower our people to stand on their own feet. Senator, please facilitate job opportunities! not the regular 5kg of rice. These are not luxuries; they are necessities.
This letter is not meant to be overly negative or combative, it is apparently a wake-up call. You still have time to turn things around and prove that you are the leader we believed in. However, time is running out. The longer you delay, the more your tenure risks being remembered as a missed opportunity.
The sons and daughters of Ondo North are growing impatient. They sent you to represent them, and they expect results. Senator Jide Ipinsagba, the ball is in your court. Please step up and take bold and decisive action to address these pressing issues. If you cannot, then perhaps in the months to come, you should consider stepping aside to allow someone else shoulder the responsibilities of the office.
Remember once again that the clock is ticking and the message from your constituents is clear, Distinguished Senator: step up or step aside.
Sincerely,
Ife Ajibuwa
A concerned constituent of Ondo North Senatorial District.
