A Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has said that he has devoted his life to the development of youth across the country, saying it is in order to enhance this, that made him to join partisan politics.
Ajadi who made this known when he paid a visit to the traditional rulers of Shimawa in Ogun state, the Fadesewa of Shimawa, His Royal Highness, Oba Gbenga Sonuga (Alayeluwa Ogbodo 1) in his palace on Sunday.
He said though through his generous initiatives he has made significant impacts on the lives of Nigerian youth, with a particular focus on benefiting the youth of Ogun state, but he feels he can do more for them, hence his entering into the political terrain.
He highlighted his role as a human rights activist and his connections with prominent human right activists like Omoyele Sowore, Aishat Yusuf, Eedris AbdulKereem among others, saying he has been a vocal voice for the liberation of the youths from oppressive tendencies of various governments before he decided to venture into politics.
According to him, “I have the history of organizing protests to advocate for youth’s liberation from government injustices. However, recognizing the limitations of protests, I decided to join a political party with the ambition of effecting change through good governance”.
Ajadi who was the governorship candidate of the NNPP in Ogun state in the last governorship election emphasized his commitment to humanitarian causes, mentioning that he had already helped millions of people through philanthropic deeds.
He expressed his desire to expand his humanitarian efforts through his political platform, with the aim of reaching to all people in the nooks and crannies of the country.
“I have done well for millions of people through philanthropic deeds to staff, friends, and relatives but through my political party, my humanitarian assistance will reach every nook and crannies of the country.”
He criticized the prevailing practice in some political parties where power is concentrated in the hands of a select few, leading to the exclusion of many.
Ajadi expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives for the proposed increase in salaries for Nigerian teachers, stressing the importance of teachers in the development of youth and all professions.
He called on Oba Gbenga Sonuga to support him with his blessings during the 2027 political race.
He promised to help the Shimawa community especially and the entire Ogun state if voted into power come 2027.
Also speaking, the Ogun state chairman of the NNPP, Prince Ibrahim Adekunle who accompanied Ajadi to the Oba’s palace expressed the good intentions of the party for Shimawa and Ogun state as a whole, highlighting concerns about the poor roads in Shimawa.
The Ogun state publicity secretary of the party, Comrade Olowu Olayemi Omokehinde, who was also one Ajadi’s entourage to the palace, explained that the #EndSars protest in 2020 motivated Ambassador Ajadi to run for the last governorship election to better the youth and commended his humanitarian and philanthropic activities, including the road grading in Ibafo community of Ogun state.
In his response, Oba Gbenga Sonuga acknowledged Ambassador Ajadi’s achievements and encouraged the youth to seeks political positions in the coming elections to better their lots.
He said it is the time for the youth to hold political offices and make significant changes to the way the country is being run.
He pointed out the lack of democratic dividends in Shimawa and urged NNPP members to promote a new culture and a new Nigeria through their actions and characters.
Oba Gbenga Sonuga recalled a time when cocoa and bitter kolanut trees were the dominant cash crops in Shimawa and expressed disappointment at the government’s abandonment of the town.
He welcomed the NNPP’s efforts to bring change to Shimawa and extended his blessings to Ambassador Ajadi in his political journey.
“May Almighty God grant you more wisdom and knowledge to navigate the political process. As you have the ambition to do good things through governance, may God grant you the power to do so,” he said.
