A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and House of Representatives hopeful, Otunba Niyi Adekola, has reaffirmed his connection with the grassroots as he hosted party faithful and community members during a colourful Christmas celebration in Ofiki, Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The event, which was well-attended, drew APC members from Atisbo, Saki East and Saki West local government areas, providing an avenue for Adekola to interact closely with party stakeholders and residents.
Speaking at the gathering, Adekola noted that the celebration was deliberately organised to share the joy of Christmas with the people and to further strengthen unity within the party across the federal constituency.
โAs we all know, this is a season of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I used this opportunity to host our people, to preach love, share gifts, promote peace and rekindle hope in the Ofiki community, Atisbo and the entire federal constituency,โ he said.
He explained that beyond the festive mood, the event was also a platform to bring together APC faithful from the three local governments, describing unity at the grassroots as critical to the partyโs future success.
Shedding light on his political ambition, Adekola openly declared his intention to seek election into the House of Representatives, noting that his aspiration was a response to persistent calls from the people.
He said, โI have always been a grassroots politician and I have served this party diligently at that level. My people have been saying I am fit and they want me to represent them. After wide consultations with political leaders, community leaders and leaders of thought across the three local governments, I felt it was only right to respond positively to their yearnings.”
While acknowledging the efforts of past and present lawmakers from the constituency, Adekola said his goal would be to consolidate on existing achievements and address the pressing needs of the people based on realities on ground.
โThe truth is that those who have represented us before have done their best in one way or the other. What matters is consolidating on their efforts and responding to the current yearnings of our people,โ he added.
Adekola also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as courageous leadership amid prevailing national challenges.
He acknowledged the hardship being experienced by Nigerians but expressed confidence in the presidentโs economic reforms.
โThe president met a very bad situation in terms of the economy and insecurity. Rebuilding is not easy. You must first clear the old structure before rebuilding. What Mr. President has done is to understand the problem and lay a solid foundation for rebuilding, and I believe Nigerians will soon begin to see the benefits,โ he said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged support for any credible candidate from Oke-Ogun who emerges with the partyโs ticket, stressing that the collective interest of the region remains paramount.
In his New Year message, Adekola urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, remain resilient and continue to support the programmes of President Tinubu, assuring that the sacrifices being made would soon yield positive results.
โI want people to celebrate the New Year peacefully and keep faith in a better Nigeria. By the special grace of God, the dividends of these sacrifices will soon be evident,โ he prayed.
The event further reinforced Adekolaโs growing presence at the grassroots and his resolve to play a more active role in representing the people of the constituency at the national level.
