In a politically engaging session marked by humility and strategy, http://kakalistiq.com reports that the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Rep. Wale Raji, hosted members of the Conference of Community Youth Leaders (COCYL) on Sunday, June 21, 2025, at his constituency office in Epe.
The meeting, led by COCYL President Mr. Ahmed Ismail, brought together traditional youth heads, known as Olori Odo, from various communities in Eredo LCDA. The courtesy visit served as a platform for open dialogue on development priorities and the role of youth in governance.
Rep. Raji began his engagement with a sincere gesture: an unreserved apology to the youth body for any perceived lapses in communication or engagement. “I appreciate your patience, trust, and confidence in me,” he said, acknowledging the weight of representation and the expectations attached to his office.
Taking a reflective tone, the lawmaker drew a direct comparison between his political role and a professional employment agreement. “When I campaign, I’m applying for a job. When you vote, that’s my appointment letter,” he said. “Complaints about roads, health centres, or schools and other requests are my primary assignments. Just as an employer gives schedule of duties to an employee and evaluates performance, so it is with you and me.”
He didn’t stop there. Drawing attention to the shared responsibilities among public office holders, he declared:
“When I campaigned, I did for the President, Senator, Governor, House of Assembly Members, Local Government Chairmen, and Councillors. It would amount to irresponsibility if I didn’t support them. Political leadership has become a collective responsibility.”
Highlighting his commitment to service delivery, Rep. Raji said Epe’s Federal Constituency Office stands out as one of the best-managed among the 360 across the nation, with a team of over seven staff across various departments.
He proceeded to detail his development footprint in Eredo LCDA, listing ongoing and completed projects across sectors. Among the highlights was the re-award of the Poka Palace Road contract, which he said had been reassigned due to previous contractor delays. Additionally, the 1km Odogbawojo Road project is set to commence based on specific community requests.
Looking ahead, he announced plans to establish both a primary and secondary school in the Odomola Kingdom as requested by the monarch. “This is to reduce the risk of children crossing the expressway just to attend school,” he explained, describing it as a safety and accessibility measure.
On concerns raised over the reconstruction of UPE Primary School in Iraye, he urged patience and fairness. “Iraye, Odo-Egiri, and Odomola all fall under Ward M1. We must distribute development equitably across all 20 wards in the constituency,” he said.
Encouraging youths to stay alert for federal employment openings, Raji advised, “Be on the lookout for federal jobs. Apply and forward your slips for coordination and follow-up.”
He closed with a call for unity and forward-thinking political engagement: “Let’s work together. God has shown us the way. What we are enjoying now is parliamentary longevity. We’re maximising opportunities for our people, and it can only get better. The primary purpose of governance is the development of our communities, and I’m still available to serve you with all sense of humility, dedication, and commitment.”
Earlier in the session, COCYL President Mr. Ahmed Ismail praised the lawmaker’s leadership and foresight. He was joined by Secretary Mr. Ismail Olabo and Treasurer Mr. Adeyemi Adeleke in expressing appreciation for the interactive opportunity. Ismail presented a list of demands from the association, including federal appointments for youths, improved road infrastructure, empowerment programs, bursary support, and greater inclusion of community youth in market stall allocations.
Also in attendance were the State Welfare Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi, and key aides to Rep. Raji, including Otunba Wale Olusesi (Works), Hon. Seriki Olabowale (Political Affairs), Mr. Hassan Bashir (General Administration), and Mr. Kaka Babatunde (Youth Affairs and Media).
As the meeting concluded, one message stood clear: for Rep. Wale Raji, governance is not about title, but trust, a covenant with the people, honoured in word, action, and long-term vision.
