In a bold and future-focused exchange, kakalistiq.com reports that Rep. Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency, hosted a delegation of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in what many of the youth described as a first-of-its-kind, strategy-driven courtesy visit. The session which was the third of a very busy day at his constituency office held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, bringing together youth representatives from Epe, Eredo LCDA, and Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, with discussions ranging from infrastructure, health, and education to employment, empowerment, and political succession.
The meeting was attended by prominent 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).
Accompanying the NYCN delegation were respected community leaders in the youth Council, Leader Salami Ibrahim and Leader Ladele Ismail, who added valuable insight to the discussions.
The youth leaders used the platform to lay out a wide-ranging development agenda. Comrade Moibi Ibrahim, NYCN Epe Coordinator, called for the conversion of existing libraries and the constituency office into solar-powered tech hubs, a boost in youth employment, bursary support, overseas scholarships, and intervention in manpower shortages at FMC Epe. He also urged that youths be considered in market stall allocations.
Comrade Olaode Yusuf of Ikosi-Ejinrin praised the lawmaker’s strides and pushed for the reconstruction of the Ikorodu-Ijebu-Ode Road and the provision of a bus for youth mobility across the constituency.
From Eredo LCDA, Comrade Adekunle Seyi acknowledged the positive interventions in his community but stressed the need for a functional youth office. He urged urgent government involvement in the tolling debate and called for a substantial, independent tertiary institution in Epe, pointing out the limitations of LASU and LASUED’s satellite campuses. He also advocated for a youth dialogue platform, similar to the national youth confab recently launched.
Other issues raised included the construction of the student-populated Odogbonle road (Diversion) in Noforija, equipment for vocational training programs, and stronger youth access to civil service opportunities in Lagos State.
The lawmaker fielded questions with candour and optimism, promising partnership and deeper collaboration with the youth. While addressing their demand for transportation to aid participation in state-sponsored initiatives, he acknowledged the request and said, “It’s okay to have mobility to enhance youth participation. I’ll look into the possibility of attending to it.”
The session also served as a moment to clarify misinformation surrounding the newly upgraded Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Epe. In response to youth concerns, Rep. Raji explained, “Federal Medical Centres are specialized facilities. Unlike general hospitals that manage non-critical cases, FMCs are equipped to handle emergencies that have cost us lives on the road to Lagos. This is a win-win for Epe beyond today, especially with the planned School of Nursing.”
He admitted challenges in youth employment through FMC recruitment, noting a shortage of candidates with science-based qualifications. “Most of our youth apply under the social sciences. I did what I could, but the science positions were undersubscribed,” he explained.
On the controversial Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway toll, the lawmaker emphasised the need for diplomacy, saying, “I will explore the opportunity to speak with the Ogun State Governor through a government-to-government dialogue, along with my Ijebu-Ode federal constituency counterpart.”
Touching on digital inclusion, Rep. Raji encouraged the NYCN to take the initiative on their request to convert libraries into tech hubs. “Come up with a strategic plan, and I’ll table the matter before the education commissioner,” he said, opening the door for tech-driven youth empowerment.
“You have a good voice in my office with Kaka. Let’s collaborate more. There’s more we can do together in terms of empowerment and capacity building, which would yield positive results. Epe is underserved, and there are so many areas that need adequate attention, but I assure you of my commitment to continue to use my good office to change our developmental trajectory,” he assured.
Throughout the session, Rep. Raji underlined his broader mission: to deliver results without selfish intent. “My decision to go to the House of Representatives is not for personal benefits. I didn’t go as a pauper or with any financial pressure. I see the opportunity to transform our communities far better than what we’ve done now,” he said.
Making a strong pledge, he added: “All outstanding projects will be completed before the end of the year.” He referenced his impactful work in roads, healthcare, education, and markets across the 20 wards.
Looking toward the future, Raji also spoke on political transition and legacy. Drawing parallels with the Surulere constituency where former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila groomed a successor, he said, “Whoever comes after me will be properly entrenched. The gap will be felt, but we’ll manage it well. Just like Ile-Ife, we can use our wisdom and collective strength to take Epe higher.”
As the session drew to a close on a very busy day at the constituency office, one thing was clear: this was not just another political courtesy visit. It was a clarion call for collaboration, vision, and sustainable development in Epe Federal Constituency. And Rep. Wale Raji left no doubt: his politics is driven by purpose, not perks.
