In a powerful show of mentorship, stewardship, and youth inclusion, kakalistiq.com reports that Rep. Wale Raji, Member representing Epe Federal Constituency, welcomed student leaders from the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) under the banner of the Federation of Epe Division Students Association (FEDSA-LASUSTECH) to his constituency office during their Epe Tour.
Before the meeting, the students, accompanied by Rep. Raji’s Senior Legislative Aide on Media and Youth Affairs, Mr. Kaka Babatunde, toured key infrastructural projects facilitated by the lawmaker.
The visits to Temu Community Secondary School, Ayetoro Market, Oluwo Market, and the remodeled Epe Grammar School drew admiration from the delegation, who praised the transformational efforts.
Despite a packed schedule ahead of the APC primaries, Rep. Raji made time to meet with the students, expressing gratitude for their visit and commending their organization. “It is important that you also get involved. I’m not asking you to dabble into partisan politics, contesting elections, but get involved,” he advised.
In an inspiring speech, Rep. Raji recounted his early days in student leadership as the PRO of NULASS at UNILAG, later becoming departmental president and hall secretary. “At UNILAG, I was a student member of UPN in 1979. Ever since graduation, we’ve been actively involved. Though I decided that politics would never be my source of livelihood. It is important to have a career, equip yourself intellectually and professionally so that when you get involved in partisan politics later in life, you’ll be bringing something to the table,” he said.
He cited the example of Mr. Kaka Babatunde as a youth he mentored and appointed as a Senior Legislative Aide due to his consistency and value-driven approach. “All along, I head-hunted for him. I convinced myself that he’s somebody that can add value.”
Rep. Raji emphasized that real impact comes from principle-based leadership, backed by competence. “Representation is a common thing, but I decided to do a common thing in an uncommon manner to achieve an uncommon result. That’s why legacy is key,” he said, noting his focus on education infrastructure and youth empowerment.
Highlighting completed educational projects across Epe, he detailed the construction of over 160 classrooms, including in hard-to-reach areas like Ilege, Oko-Abe, and Owu-Ikosi, as well as Pobuna and the transformation of Epe Grammar School into a model institution with new hostels, a stadium, ICT centers, and renovated staff housing.
“Our focus is to take education to the doorstep of our children so that they wouldn’t have to suffer too much to get to their schools,” he explained.
The lawmaker also addressed the local economy, citing the decision to reclaim Ayetoro Market from private developers and build close to 400 shops, which will be allotted free to local traders. “We’re trying to put the control of our local economy in the hands of our people,” he said, adding that similar projects are ongoing at Mojoda, Pobo, Ito-Ikin, Mowowale and Aladepekun markets.
In addition to infrastructural achievements, Rep. Raji highlighted the establishment of a welfare scheme for the elderly for over four years and construction of up to 20 roads. He also invited the students to suggest areas where he can support youth development, especially through ICT and mentorship. “I have some ideas and will engage you later. For me, I don’t tell people what I want to do. Rather, I report what I have done,” he affirmed.
The event also saw participation from several youth leaders including Comrade Ibrahim Ogunbanwo (NYCN), Comrade Odunare Mahruf (Youth Parliament), and Ambassador Rahmon Afolabi (Nigerian Youth Parliament). FEDSA-LASUSTECH President, Obadina Habeeb, and Comrade Adesanya Ibrahim, National President of FEDSA, also attended.
FEDSA-LASUSTECH President, Comrade Obadina introduced the institution’s overall best student, Ligali Moriam, and stressed the importance of reconnecting with their roots. “They need the mindset of growth to inspire them to take the baton from our elders,” he said.
Corroborating the President’s view, Comrade Edu Shafi applauded the Lawmaker for his giant strides in education, local economy, youth and elderly welfare. He recalled how his open door policy has greatly inspired youth participation in school and mainstream politics, asserting that with their tour of some of his landmark projects, the students have found a worthy political mentor in the Lawmaker.
Proposals for collaborative projects such as Epe Boys Safe Space, Ileya Fest, and the upcoming FEDSA Legislative Conference were presented during the meeting, capping a day of insight, inspiration, and renewed commitment to youth empowerment in Epe.
Rep. Raji concluded on a hopeful note: “We would have more structured meetings. I’ll be pleased to work with you for as long as you remain serious. I enjoyed mentorship from people like Prof. Femi Agbalajobi and Dapo Sarumi. I can replicate the same with you.”
Photo credit @Super_Dee.
