Former spokesperson of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. (Mogaji) Seye Oladejo, has declared that Lagos State deserves a special status in Nigeria, promising to push for the recognition of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state if elected into the House of Representatives.
Speaking during his declaration to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Mushin Constituency II in Olateju area of Mushin, Lagos, Oladejo unveiled what he described as a social contract with the people of the constituency.
The former local government chairman, Special Adviser to the Governor, and Commissioner recalled his years of public service and political experience in Mushin and Lagos State.
“I am the same man you made your secretary and later chairman of Mushin Local Government. I later became Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry to the Governor and Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations.
“I am here to canvass for your support and seek your understanding to back me up at the House of Representatives for Mushin Constituency II.
“The House of Representatives consists of 360 members, and every constituency deserves quality representation. I am one of the best Mushin has produced,” he said.
Oladejo stated that his ambition was rooted in a commitment to purposeful leadership and people-oriented legislation.
“I see today as a day to sign a social contract between myself and the people of Mushin Constituency II. It is a commitment to impactful leadership and delivering results through legislation.
“Lagos State should be accorded a special status as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, and our 37 LCDAs should be officially recognised,” he added.
The APC chieftain outlined several areas he intends to focus on if elected, including youth empowerment, vocational education, public education support, healthcare, sports development, social welfare, and economic empowerment.
“We will drive vocational education for our youths, strengthen support for public schools, empower micro and small-scale businesses, and create opportunities for young people through sports development.
“There will also be support for widows, indigent students, artisans, and people in the creative industry. Together, we will build a constituency we can all be proud of,” he said.
Oladejo also promised to sponsor several bills at the National Assembly aimed at addressing developmental challenges.
Among them are the Lagos Special Status and Infrastructure Support Bill, which he said would secure increased federal funding for Lagos State, and the Local Government Autonomy and Recognition Bill, aimed at recognising the 37 LCDAs as full-fledged local government areas.
He further pledged to sponsor a National Youth Skills and Employment Development Bill to promote large-scale job creation through vocational and digital skills training.
“This package includes enabling artisans to become self-employed. There should also be a Public Education Support and Equity Bill to expand access to scholarships, grants, and educational support for public school students,” he said.
According to him, he would also work on a National Mental Health and Community Care Bill to improve mental health services at the grassroots level.
He added that plans were underway to support artisans, traders, and small businesses through an MSME and Informal Sector Growth Bill, while also promoting opportunities in sports and entertainment through a Creative and Sports Industry Development Bill.
Oladejo stressed that education remains the foundation of societal progress, promising free JAMB and GCE forms for indigent students as well as tuition-focused scholarships for outstanding students in public institutions.
He also pledged support for strategic fields such as ICT, Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Cybersecurity, and Mental Health.
“We will revive debate and quiz competitions in secondary schools and expose students to institutions such as the Dangote Refinery, Lagos State House of Assembly, and the National Assembly through educational tours,” he said.
On healthcare, Oladejo promised free medical outreach programmes, advocacy for mental health awareness, and the establishment of a senior citizens’ wellness centre for recreation, social interaction, and regular health checks.
He also assured residents of support for market men and women, social welfare inclusion, sports development, and the creative industry.
“I remain committed to supporting policies, initiatives, and legislation that align with the progressive ideals of the APC.
“I am dedicated to transparent leadership, inclusive governance, and delivering tangible results that uplift every corner of Mushin Constituency II,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General of the Hon. Seye Oladejo Campaign Organisation, Hon. Kayode Sobande, urged residents to rally support for the aspirant.
“When he gets to the House of Representatives, he will do a lot for the people of Mushin Federal Constituency. Let us support and vote for him,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Olatubosun Aruwe, declared support for Oladejo’s ambition.
“On Friday, May 15, the candidate of the people for Mushin Constituency II is Hon. Seye Oladejo. We will support and vote for him during the primary election,” he said.
Chairman of the APC Mandate Group in Mushin Local Government, Alhaji Abdulfatai Idowu, also appealed to party members to support Oladejo and other APC candidates.
The event was attended by Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), Hon. Yinka Esho, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr (Mrs) Ayoola, APC leaders, party members, youths, and residents of the area.
