By Dare Ojelade, Lagos
The playing ground of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) was packed full on Saturday, 1 May, 2021 as the foremost Chairmanship aspirant in Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Alhaja Kafayat Funmilayo Layeni, publicly declared her intention to run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The declaration attracted prominent politicians in the entire Ikeja Federal Constituency, a confirmation of the fact that the experienced grassroots politician is the aspirant to beat in the council area.
As early as 8am, party supporters defied the sunny weather and the Ramadan fasting to storm the NIJ in show of solidarity with the woman who has been described as one of the most committed, loyal and experienced grassroots politicians in the Ikeja Federal Constituency.
Speaking at the event, the member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Honourable James Abiodun Faleke, described Alhaja Layeni as a politician who has been tested and trusted and has proven to be one who can deliver.
“She has been tested and trusted. She had performed creditably in all the assignments she had been given. She has the experience, she is well known in the council and she is grassroots politician who is well loved throughout the council area.
“The party leadership in Ojodu are aware of her antecedents and we’re convinced that she will deliver and ensure that our people enjoy dividends of democracy,” Faleke, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance said.
Also speaking, a former Secretary to Ojodu LCDA, Honourable Abayomi Tijani, described Alhaja Layeni as a woman who has the wherewithal to deliver.
“I worked with her in the council and I can confirm to you that she is capable and she will deliver,” Tijani said.
The member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikeja State Constituency 2, Honourable Adedamola Richard Kasumu, also confirmed that Alhaja Layeni is a politician who has proven to be someone that can be trusted with the people’s mandate. “She has been tested and she has delivered hence our belief and trust in her ability to run the council creditably,” he said.
Speaking after she was officially presented to the crowd by Honourable Faleke, Alhaja Layeni stated that she was overwhelmed with emotion for the shower of praises and eulogies on her.
“I am overwhelm with this show of love here today and I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you.
“Running Ojodu Council is a collective effort. I’m going to run an open door policy. The development and growth is paramount to me.
“Women and youth empowerment is one of our major programmes. We intend to teach people how to fish rather than giving them fish hence we will put in place programmes that will make small and medium scale entrepreneurs out of our women and youths.
“We are also going to ensure that we improve infrastructure in the council area. This is important for the improvement of the socio-economic activities in the council which will in turn boost our internally generated revenue,” she said.
Alhaja Layeni assured further that she is going to run an administration will form part of the administration. “We will an inclusive administration where people will have their say,” the woman, popularly called KFL said.
