“Exactly one year ago today, I took an oath of office confirming my status as a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the good and prosperous people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency.
First and foremost, I am eternally grateful to God for His grace and mercies and for the opportunity given to me to be alive today, celebrating the first anniversary of my tenure and bonding with the very hardworking people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Local Government Areas.
My immense gratitude goes to all the constituents of this constituency for entrusting me with your votes in the last general elections. Without your support, I would not be here today, and I promise to protect the mandate you have given me jealously. Beyond the mandate given to me to serve, your participation in our constituency’s development has been invaluable. I appreciate your willingness to work together for our common benefit. It is an understatement to say that your cooperation has been a vital component of our success in the last twelve months, and I thank you for being a constant reminder of the power of unity. Your resilience and continued support for this administration have rekindled our inner drive and reminded us that development, progress, and unity are achievable when we work together to address our unique problems and concerns.
They say a tree cannot make a forest. I recognise the efforts of my indefatigable team and volunteers, who have been instrumental to the success of this representation thus far. Your ingenuity, hard work, and genuine love for our community have been awe-inspiring, and the spirit you have demonstrated over the last year has been a source of inspiration to me.
To my leader, His Excellency Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde, thank you for your unrelenting efforts, undaunted zeal, and visionary leadership in ensuring that Oyo State becomes developed, serene, and tranquil for everyone to live in. Thank you for shaping a brighter future where every citizen thrives and reaches their full potential. Your leadership role and mentorship have been instrumental to all my triumphs and accomplishments on this political journey so far.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, particularly my wife, from whom I derive my energy and mental balance; her unwavering support during those times when I unintentionally became too engrossed in work and the pursuit of shaping a better world, inadvertently neglecting our precious family time. Your steadfast presence and unwavering love have been my anchor, grounding me in moments of uncertainty and busyness. I am profoundly grateful for your resilience and for being the pillar of strength that holds our family together. Your patience, kindness, and understanding have been a guiding light, reminding me of the importance of our family bond amidst the chaos of life’s demands. Your deeds, words, gestures, and actions have been noticed and deeply appreciated.
To my children, for understanding the true meaning of patriotism to one’s fatherland, my parents, who, at a tender age, taught me to be kind but never compromise when it comes to values and ethics. I am most grateful to our traditional leaders, religious leaders, and mentors for your support and constant advice. My gratitude will not be complete without thanking all the leaders, executives, and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in our constituency for standing by me before, during, and after the election.
Dear constituents, As I mark the anniversary of my one-year in office today, we are more committed to implementing more programmes and initiatives that will have a substantial positive impact on the lives of the people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency.
In the last year, through your prayers, support, and contributions, we have invested in human capital and bridged some of our communities’ infrastructural and developmental deficits.
In a bid to complement the sterling efforts of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde on his sustainable development agenda for our great state, we have also brought about several job opportunities for unemployed graduates, regardless of political or religious affiliation. Our educational scholarship scheme for outstanding students in tertiary institutions has helped alleviate some of the financial burden on our parents. The recognition accorded to our first-class graduates in numerous fields and tertiary institutions has, in no small measure, encouraged academic competition among our youths. We are excited and look forward to measuring the year-over-year (YOY) improvement in our academic results.
We organised continuous free coaching classes for our students during holidays, and UTME candidates, these free coaching classes will serve as models for aspiring politicians and the unborn generation. We have leveraged data and technology to identify our areas of core competencies, academic strengths, and weaknesses, thereby proffering a strategic yet unique model that works for our community. We are glad we are beginning to see positive results, which excites us about the future.
In the last year, we have also exhibited that the hallmark of democracy is citizens’ participation with a plurality of ideas and that accountability and openness are essential ingredients for gaining public trust in leaders and governments. My team and I have been open and sincere about our intentions and actions. We are deeply immersed in the lives of our people and have also been very accessible because we understand that we live in a dynamic world and the needs and wants of our people constantly change.
As a lawmaker, we have raised several Motions and sponsored Bills with the hope that their purpose will begin to materialise shortly for the benefit of the people of Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North, and Nigeria. We have always made it our duty to go above and beyond to serve the interests of the people of our constituency and state. Shortly, we will begin to sensitise our youths on the need to focus positively on life and desist from indulging in drug and substance abuse capable of derailing a bright future.
We recognise that our country is going through a challenging time, and we must take a moment to reflect on how we arrived at this point. By examining our circumstances, taking deliberate actions, and implementing effective economic interventions, we can overcome our current difficulties and put our nation on a more stable footing. At this moment, we cannot afford to lose faith. I urge all of us to remain resolute, driven by a keen sense of patriotism. I am confident that there will be light at the end of the tunnel for our beloved country.
Your continued support and prayers remain our source of strength. Your trust in us is a humbling privilege, and we are committed to making you proud every day. As the future of our constituency looks brighter with our current and proposed initiatives, we, for the sake of emphasis, call on all stakeholders not to relent on partnering with the government to accelerate the development of our communities and nation.
As I present my account of stewardship on this day commemorating my one-year in office, I have a firm conviction that the journey ahead looks prosperous with all the efforts we have made that will yield positive results soon.
What makes me most grateful to God for this record of our achievements is that we have been able to touch every single community that makes up our federal constituency in terms of job opportunities, scholarship offers, infrastructural developments, and basic amenities that enhance the human standard of living.
I pray that Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North continue to experience growth and development as we work together in the interest of our community.”
Hon. (Dr.) Anthony Adebayo Adepoju
Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character
Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency
