A former member of the Governing Council of The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Hon. Balogun Nurudeen Kolapo, has officially declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Ona-Ara Local Government under the Peoples Democratic Party/Allied Peoples Movement (PDP/APM) coalition, promising to prioritise education, youth empowerment and grassroots development if elected.
Balogun made the declaration during a well-attended event held at the PDP/APM Secretariat in Ona-Ara Local Government, Ibadan, where party leaders, executives, women and youth leaders, and supporters gathered to endorse his aspiration.
Addressing party faithful, the chairmanship hopeful said his administration would focus on programmes that directly impact the lives of residents, particularly young people and women.
He pledged to introduce scholarship opportunities that would enable outstanding students from Ona-Ara to study abroad while also rolling out empowerment programmes designed to improve livelihoods, support entrepreneurs and reduce unemployment across the council area.
According to him, the council has enormous human and economic potential that can be harnessed through visionary leadership and people-oriented policies.
“Our youths deserve opportunities to compete globally. We will invest in education by creating scholarship opportunities for our brilliant children to study abroad while also empowering our youths and women through sustainable programmes that will improve their economic wellbeing,” Balogun said.
The Former Aide to the Deputy Speaker of Oyo state added that his administration would pursue inclusive governance, strengthen community development and complement the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the event, the PDP/APM Chairman in Ona-Ara Local Government, Alfa Kehinde Adeyemo, popularly known as “Authority,” described Balogun as a loyal party member, an experienced grassroots politician and a committed leader with the capacity to move the local government forward.
Adeyemo urged party members to remain united and uphold the party’s ideals throughout the nomination process, expressing optimism that the PDP/APM would present credible candidates for the forthcoming local government election.
Also speaking, party chieftain Chief Taiwo Bankole commended Balogun’s political journey, describing him as a man of integrity whose commitment to grassroots mobilisation, education and community development has earned him widespread respect within the party.
He urged delegates and stakeholders to support credible aspirants like Balogun, stressing that the vision for Ona-Ara must align with the aspirations of the people and the developmental agenda of the PDP/APM.
Also speaking, one of the party leaders, Alhaji Waheed Adurodekun, endorsed Balogun’s aspiration, describing him as a dedicated grassroots politician with the experience, humility and leadership qualities needed to improve Ona-Ara Local Government for greater development.
According to Adurodekun, Balogun has remained consistent in serving the people and the party over the years, adding that his emergence would give the people renewed hope for responsive and people-oriented governance.
He further noted that Balogun’s ward has patiently waited for many years to produce the chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, expressing optimism that the aspiration would finally become a reality.
“Our ward has been longing to produce the chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government for a very long time. Hon. Balogun has paid his dues in the party. He is competent, experienced and widely accepted. We believe this is the right time for our ward, and we are confident he has the capacity to deliver quality leadership for the benefit of all residents of Ona-Ara,” Adurodekun said.
The declaration was attended by several prominent party leaders, including former Ona-Ara PDP Chairman and National Delegate, Chief Sobaloju Bakare; Alhaji Akeem Oke; the Local Government Women Leader; the Youth Leader; ward executives; and other stakeholders.
The gathering also witnessed a show of solidarity from party faithful, who pledged their support for Balogun’s aspiration ahead of the party’s nomination process.
Balogun, who also served as the Coordinator of the Ona-Ara House-to-House Campaign during Governor Seyi Makinde’s successful 2023 re-election campaign, said his experience in public service, grassroots politics and educational administration has equipped him with the capacity to deliver purposeful leadership for the local government.
