––Unveils ₦20m community development fund in Akoko South West

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Oka-Akoko in Akoko South West council area of Ondo state, stood still as the former Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Transport, Akogun Olugbenga Omole, declared his intention to contest for the Ondo State House of Assembly seat (Akoko South West Constituency 1) in the 2027 general elections.

Omole made the announcement at a massive empowerment program in Oka-Akoko, where he unveiled a ₦20m community development fund and renovated the Oka Town Hall, a project personally funded by him to restore the community’s historic assembly point.

In a significant move to alleviate economic hardship and stimulate local growth, Akogun Omole distributed a total sum of ₦20m in cash grants to various interest groups under the newly launched Oka Community Development Support Fund.

The beneficiaries of this intervention included:Youth & Students: Oka Youth Forum and Oka Student Union.

Trade & Commerce: Artisans (Oka Chapter), Iyalajes, Iyalojas, and various women’s groups.Agriculture & Transport: Farmers Congress (Oka-Akoko Chapter) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Security & Leadership: Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), Oka Community Leaders, and religious leaders.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd at the renovated Town Hall, Akogun Omole said that his decision to run was born out of a “social contract” with his people.

Reflecting on his previous tenure, he noted that his commitment to service remained unshaken despite the limited resources available at the time.

“True leadership is not measured by an abundance of resources, but by the will to serve and the courage to act,” Omole stated.

“I stand before you today heeding the clarion call to return to the House of Assembly to continue the quality representation and the free flow of the dividends of democracy.”

Invoking the words of Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, he described the 2027 bid as a “divine agenda” focused on education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.

He also urged the constituents to maintain their unwavering support for the administration of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Explaining the choice of venue,Akogun Omole described the Town Hall as a “historic sanctuary.”

By restoring the facility, he aimed to honor the community’s heritage and provide a dignified space for collective decision-making.

“This renovation is not just about walls and paint; it is about giving our people a platform to see the light of our collective journey shine again,” he added.

The event drew high-profile political figures and community leaders, signaling strong institutional support for Akogun’s candidacy.

Notable guests included:The Governor of Ondo State Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa who was ably represented by the Chairman of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board and Former Speaker Ondo State House of Assembly Rt.Hon.Victor Olabimtan,the Speaker of Ondo State represented by Rt.Hon.Ololade Gbegudu the Deputy Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly and the State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde. Others include the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Special Duties and Strategy Comrade Gani Mohammed Ajowa,Professor Francis Gbore,the Vice Chancellor Sam Maris University Supare Akoko.

Also present include Hon. Sunday Agbede APC Chairman Akoko Southwest Local Government, community leaders,religious leaders and Representatives of the beneficiary groups.

Beneficiaries thanked Omole for the empowerment, saying it would boost local businesses and security

They noted that the empowerment fund would provide much-needed capital for small businesses and support for local security and social structures.