The Deputy Minority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Raymond Daodu, popularly known as ROD, has empowered no fewer than 400 constituents and appointed 11 Aides.
In a statement released on Wednesday to mark his first year in office, Daodu also pledged to appoint more Aides across the 8 wards in his Constituency.
The lawmaker, representing Akoko South West Constituency I, however, extolled Royal fathers and political leaders for throwing their weight behind him.
Daodu said “last Monday, 3rd June, 2024, I marked one year in office as a representative of my people in the Ondo State House of Assembly. My utmost desire in politics is to ensure that dividends of democracy trickle down to the most vulnerable people in my Constituency and I thank God for helping me to redefine representation.
“In giving back to my people and in appreciating them for their freely given mandate, over Four hundred (400) members of my Constituency got a cash of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000.00) each to support their small-scale businesses. This is necessary to support small-scale entrepreneurs, so they can remain in business in the face of adverse economic situations and unprecedented levels of inflation in the country.
“To further enhance my engagement with the grassroots, I announced the appointment of eleven (11) Constituents as my political aides (Personal Assistants).
“They are: Amuwa Joseph Happy, Adefarati Sunday, Lawal Oluwadamilola, Obafemi William, Idowu Oluwafemi, Shittu Muhammed Taofik, Aminko Kehinde, Olotu Bayo, Ojo Oluwagbenga Emmanuel, Orole Babajide Flemington and Aminu Blessing
“My belief is that political offices should be used to serve people's interests. Democracy is about the people, and we must strive to make it so. To the glory of God, I am determined to do more in this second year and with the newly appointed political aides, meticulously selected across the Eight (8) political wards in my Constituency, there will be enhanced engagement with the people.
“I want to thank His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba (Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye (OON), The Olubaka of Okaland, ably represented by High Chief Ofosola the Asemoloye of Iboje Oka, for his fatherly guidance and support. I appreciate High Chief Asemoloye for his unfliching support right from the beginning of this journey. I want to thank all the Oka Chiefs-in-Council for their prayers, support and presence. I also want to appreciate the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, for sending a worthy representative, Hon. Kolawole Ologede, to grace the occasion. Special appreciation goes to my leader and brother, Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi (WEST), the Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, for honouring me with his presence and support.
The lawmaker added that, “I thank my father Amb. Col. Roland Omowa (Rtd); and also Prof. Francis Ayodeji Gbore, the Vice Chancellor of Sam Maris University, for always showing up for me. Each time I think about you, I see more reasons why young intellectuals like you should be given more roles in our nation-building drive. May God continue to uphold and uplift you.
“I cannot thank Dr. Bode Iwaloye enough for gracing the occasion. You are one of the pillars of our great party in Akoko South West LGA and in Ondo North Senatorial District. God will bless you with good health Sir. To our Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Ajayi, all Elders and Leaders of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Community Leaders who left other important engagements to celebrate with me, may God continue to bless you with every good thing of life that you need.
“I appreciate my fathers that were physically present: Col. Bade Omowa (Rtd), Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Hon. Gideon Omojola, to mention just a few. I cannot but appreciate the presence of the Iyalojas, Farmers' Association, Artisans, PWDs, Pepper and Tomatoes Sellers Association in Akoko South West Constituency I, Oka Youth Forum, and the Federation of Oka Students' Union (AAUA Chapter). I thank you all.
“I am also using this opportunity to advise all who got the fund to use it judiciously.
The statement continues:
Education
Before assuming office, I observed some students of African Church Grammar School playing at the back of my house. And upon meeting the principal, we identified that there was shortage of teachers.
I immediately swung into action and employed 11 teachers in the 9 secondary schools across Akoko South-West Constituency 1 and I have been paying the salary of the Teachers since 2021 up till date.
I paid for the WAEC of some Students, but when it came to my knowledge that the State Government had settled those fees, I told them to use it for NECO in 2021.
I gave free UTME form across our Constituency, and some Students through our UTME sponsorship are in higher institutions since 2021 up till date. The 4th edition came up earlier in the year with a total of One Hundred and Nine (109) beneficiaries well distributed across the Quarters in Oka.
Sport
Since 2021, I have organized Ayo Olopon competition annually in marking Oka day, which usually falls on the first week in August.
The competition has unified many of our people and promoted our own culture.
The competition is usually done with the support of Sonia Foods Industries Limited and Flourmills of Nigeria, in which food items are freely distributed.
Agriculture
I empowered Akoko Farmers association by giving them Cutlasses to aid in cultivation of their farmlands.
Employment
Today, to the glory of God, one of our brothers, Ayeni John (Cosby), is in the employment of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue Service. He was one of the newly inaugurated 165 personnel recruited to drive efficiency in our revenue optimization. Although, it was not so easy, I tenaciously ensured it was possible. I am not going to stop here. Already, I am pushing for a reasonable number of our people to get recruited in the ongoing recruitment exercises in the State.
Infrastructure
We have set up a committee to renovate classrooms in African Church Grammar School 2, Ikanmu quarters.
I recently collated data on over sixteen (16) houses affected by rain, and since pushed the list to the Deputy Governor’s office and hoping for action soon.
Economy
As we all aware, the President Tinubu administration introduced some economic reforms, among which are subsidy removal and deregulation of our foreign exchange market, which have resulted to increase in prices of petrol and other petrochemical products, hyperinflation especially of foods and general cost of living. Some of our brothers in transportation business, Okada riders and Commercial buses, were terribly affected and so I was around on Saturday 27th of January 2024 to give them free fuel in a way to support them. | understand that this would have a positive effect because most of the beneficiaries were already having difficulties sorting home bills.
As an Entrepreneur, I understand that the business environment is harsh now. If Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in commercial cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja are folding up, then one can imagine how tough it is for us in Oka to remain in business. Honestly, our parents, sisters and brothers in business deserve so much praise for their exceptional commitment, dedication, focus and resilience. We are therefore all gathered here today to show solidarity with them as I support them with cash token each. For me, today is one of my happiest days because even outside politics, my dream has been to support youths, traders, farmers, artisan’s, PWD and other entrepreneurs with my widow's mite. I'm always moved by the powerful wordings of Oka Anthem and I wish to suggest that all of us should listen to it every morning before we set out for our daily activities. My favorite verse is "Oka ilu ibile mi. Ko s'‘ilu bi Oka fun mi. Bi mo sako lo titi, emi yo pada s'ile, Oka n‘ilu mi, Oka n'ile." It has been my source of inspiration as there is never going to be any place like Oka to me.
My dearest people, I covet your continuous prayer and support. Together, we need to see to the development of Oka as there is no other place to call our home.
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