The Member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, popularly known as DON, has recorded another milestone with the successful organisation of the first-ever Capacity Building Training for the 57 Special Assistants appointed to serve in his office.
The historic training, held in partnership with Alphonso Consult, was designed to equip the aides with the knowledge, skills, and professional orientation required for effective service delivery, strategic communication, and efficient representation of the lawmaker’s vision across the constituency.
Speaking during one of the training sessions, the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Oyo State on Communication, Mr. Dayo Ogunbowale, stressed the importance of loyalty, coordination, and strategic communication in public service.
Mr. Ogunbowale charged the participants to consistently place their principal in the spotlight by amplifying his achievements, credibility, and people-centred initiatives through responsible communication. He urged the aides to serve as worthy ambassadors of Hon. Oyekunle at all times, both in public and private engagements, noting that every interaction presents an opportunity to strengthen public confidence in the lawmaker.
He further emphasised the need for teamwork and coordination among the Special Assistants, warning against actions capable of creating conflicting narratives. According to him, a united communication structure, backed by measurable performance indicators, effective public engagement, strategic marketing of constituency projects, and prompt feedback mechanisms, remains essential for delivering quality representation and sustaining public trust.
The second facilitator, renowned orator and Executive Director of Media for Social Impact, United States of America, Mr. Stephen Oguntoyinbo, delivered an engaging session on media strategy and the critical role of political aides in promoting public service.
He highlighted the importance of developing a proactive media strategy capable of projecting the activities, interventions, and achievements of the lawmaker to the public. He encouraged participants to leverage both traditional and digital media platforms responsibly, build public trust through accurate and timely information, manage public perception effectively, and maintain professionalism while engaging constituents and the media.
Mr. Oguntoyinbo also underscored the need for consistency in messaging, crisis communication preparedness, storytelling, and the effective use of social media to deepen citizens’ understanding of government initiatives and constituency projects.
The participants expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle for providing what they described as a rare and unprecedented opportunity for personal and professional development. They commended the federal lawmaker for prioritising capacity building, describing the initiative as a demonstration of his commitment to excellence, effective governance, and quality service delivery.
The participants pledged to apply the knowledge acquired during the training in the discharge of their responsibilities while reaffirming their commitment to supporting the lawmaker’s vision of responsive, people-oriented representation.
The capacity-building programme marks another significant step in Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle’s efforts to institutionalise professionalism and strengthen the effectiveness of his team, making it the first initiative of its kind in the history of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
