I want Ogun East to become world envy - Shokoya

 Adewale Shokoya is a young, zealous, and passionate Nigerian, who is ready to serve with a strong commitment to nation-building and a better society for all. A 2023 Senatorial candidate for Ogun State East under the Social Democratic Party(SDP), spoke to Findout Newspaper Editor on his plans and objectives.

Adewale Shokoya

Brief us about your background:

I'm a public administrator with over ten years of experience in non-governmental organizations, event management, and religious organizations, which has made me develop strong project coordination, content development, branding, and built administrative, and leadership skills.

The convener of Image Discovery Resources(IDR) and Celebrating Nigeria(CN) Society Initiative and associate pastor at Redeem Christian Church of God-Graceville, also the head of politics and governance at Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Youth Province 2. An Alumni of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG). A former legislative intern, through PLAC, at the National Assembly served at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The Nigerian Alliance(TNA) 2023 candidate. I'm presently the campaign director of the SDP Presidential candidate(Prince Adewole Adebayo) within Ogun East, towards the coming 2023 general elections. I was enlisted as one of the 100 most influential young people, in the OH Youth Award 2021.

What are your plans and objectives as an Ogun state senatorial aspirant?

I decided to run because I believe in Nigeria; I believe in her people and I believe when we have better representation to complement her virtues, and her people, Nigeria and my senatorial district will become the envy of international communities. I believe in using the tools of good governance to bridge the gap between the government, and the people, and I believe my professional skills will be useful in this capacity. My goal is to bring the dividends of democracy to everyone within my senatorial district.

The followings are my plans, objectives, and bill prepositions among several others;

Youth Hub-I will create an activity hub within my senatorial district where youths will be trained on digital skills, technology, business, project management, and entrepreneurship, to be financially independent, and also a section where youths can be mentally and physically engaged. Special consideration will also be given to people living with disabilities. The goal is to make our hub very inclusive.

Basic Education- I believe in education for all. Lack of financial power should not impede the learning and development of children. That's why I'm introducing the first-of-its-kind Win-Win-Win solution in Ogun State. Waste Management, Employment, and Education, with the use of recycling.

Housing-I will build affordable and low-cost housing for average citizens within my senatorial district, with a flexible payment plan. I will also ensure people within my senatorial district benefit from various federal low-cost housing schemes. Ensuring that some of such projects are situated in my senatorial district.

Loans-Provision of credit facilities to traders, market men/women, and business people,  with a low-interest rate.

Agriculture-I will complement the efforts of the state government in advancing Agricultural activities within my senatorial district, to build sustainable food industries.

Health-I will partner with existing health organizations, to work out workable health insurance for the people of Ogun East senatorial district.

Bills-; A 50% slash of legislator take-home pay. I believe we can save and achieve more if we can look inward against foreign loans.

Tax-free holiday for indigenous campaniles for five years-This will allow indigenous organizations to grow and have a competitive power with their counterparts.

Inclusion of women in government at 35%-There is an urgent need for more women in governance, to have a balance system/structure.

Corporate social responsibility bill-

This will encourage and bring about sporadic social growth and development within our communities.

Food security bill-This will help to provide adequate and cheap food supply within our communities. There is also a need for us to have alternative means of a major source of income that can be competitive with our present revenues from crude oil. 

Domestic violence and sexual harassment bill-Enough of inhuman behaviors and harassment, I believe an understanding of the consequence of such actions will reduce the activity within our society.

Price regulation bill-

There is a need for price regulation of essential commodities within our community, and I believe the local government structures can carry out this responsibility effectively.

State autonomy-This will enable each state to generate its resources, for the growth of its state and people. It will allow each State to grow at its pace.

INEC should be responsible for local government elections-

This will bring sanity and transparency into our local government elections.

You were one of the 100 young influential for the 2021 OHUB youth award, therefore; what are your plans for coming generations?

It's a clear understandig that youth are the leaders of today, while children are the leaders of tomorrow, which is one of the quotes by Tunde Eso the originator of Youthocracy, a new system of government. Therefore, youth constitute the largest number in any society, I will continue to train youths of positive character and of change in mindset towards the development of our dear nation. I will create an activity hub within my senatorial district where youths will be trained on various skills, such as digital skills, technology, business, project management, entrepreneurship, etc, to be financially independent, and also a section where youths can be mentally and physically engaged. Special consideration will also be given to people living with disabilities. The goal is to make our hub very inclusive. 

Who is your role model and why? 

Shola Olowolafe because he is gracious, yet tenacious and a goal-getter. He is disciplined and detailed, with a knack for excellence.

What is your advice for younger generations?

Fellow youth should shun violence, cultism; banditry and should have the mindset of positive development towards the community,society; uphold peace at all cost and participate in nation building.