By Philippine Duru

philippineobetoduru@gmail.com

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For nearly three years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abiodun Abimbola Orekoya has steadily carved a reputation for himself as a grassroots politician driven by community development, youth empowerment and social intervention.

Representing Somolu Constituency I, the lawmaker has emerged as one of the prominent voices in the Assembly, combining legislative advocacy with hands-on constituency projects that continue to impact residents across the densely populated Lagos community.

In an interview with NewsDiggers, Orekoya spoke extensively on governance, youth development, education, healthcare, drug abuse, constituency projects and why he believes Lagos State would witness rapid and robust development if the current Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, succeeds Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027.

Describing Hamzat’s possible emergence as governor as “wonderful and good news,” Orekoya said continuity in governance would ensure Lagos remains on the fast lane of development.

According to him, Hamzat’s long years in government have adequately prepared him for leadership, noting that the deputy governor would not require time to adjust to governance because he already understands the structure and workings of the state.

“That is the beauty of continuity. Lagos State will hit the ground running from day one because he has been in the system for years,” Orekoya said.

The lawmaker added that Hamzat’s previous experience as Commissioner for Works and Commissioner for Science and Technology had exposed him to virtually every aspect of governance in Lagos.

“He knows every corner of Lagos. He once said, ‘I know the kitchen, I know where the spoon is.’ That is the best thing that can happen to the state,” he stated.

Orekoya also dismissed talks of any formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that many politicians joining the ruling All Progressives Congress were attracted by what they perceive as progress under the current administration.

“When people see light, they naturally move towards it,” he remarked.

He further credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with reviving Nigeria’s economy despite the difficult circumstances inherited by the administration.

Recalling comments allegedly made by former Central Bank of Nigeria governor Charles Soludo that the current administration would inherit a “dead economy,” Orekoya said the economy had since shown signs of recovery.

“Fortunately for us, the economy resurrected. It has started walking, even if it has not started running,” he said.

Beyond politics and governance, the Somolu lawmaker spoke passionately about his legislative journey, describing the Lagos Assembly as one of the most outstanding legislative institutions in Nigeria and West Africa.

He said the quality of lawmakers and training available in the House had continued to distinguish Lagos from other state legislatures across the country.

“We pride ourselves as a House above the common standard of excellence. Members from other states come here to understudy how we operate,” he said.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Orekoya identified illicit drug abuse among youths as one of the biggest social challenges facing Lagos.

He lamented that matters relating to hard drugs fall under the Exclusive Legislative List, thereby limiting the powers of state assemblies to enact laws directly addressing the menace.

According to him, he once raised a motion on the floor of the Assembly on the issue but was reminded that the state lacked constitutional authority to legislate on narcotics.

The lawmaker disclosed that after visiting the Lagos office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, he discovered that its rehabilitation facility could barely accommodate more than a dozen victims despite the alarming rate of drug abuse among youths.

He explained that he thereafter pushed for the establishment of more rehabilitation centres in Lagos and also raised the issue during constitutional amendment consultations organised by the National Assembly.

“Our children are the most affected and we cannot sit back helplessly,” he said.

Orekoya also recalled moving a motion seeking justice for a schoolgirl allegedly shot by police officers, an intervention he said eventually compelled the government to take responsibility for the victim’s medical treatment.

For the lawmaker, however, constituency development remains one of the defining pillars of his stewardship.

He admitted that the demands from constituents were enormous, especially in a state with 40 constituencies competing for government attention and projects.

“Human wants are insatiable,” he said, adding that his approach had always been to prioritise projects that directly benefit the people.

One of his notable achievements, according to him, is the facilitation of a stadium project in Somolu, a community he said had lacked a proper sporting facility for decades.

He revealed that after discovering there was no available land for the project, he constituted a committee that eventually sourced land for the proposed stadium, which is now nearing completion.

The lawmaker also disclosed that he facilitated the construction of roads within the constituency and continued to lobby aggressively for more developmental projects.

“Lobbying is part of our work. If you cannot lobby for your constituency, then that is your problem,” he remarked.

In the area of empowerment, Orekoya said his philosophy was centred on sustainability rather than temporary financial handouts.

Quoting a Chinese proverb, he explained that teaching people how to earn a living was more impactful than simply giving them money.

Within less than three years, he said over 341 constituents had been empowered with tools and equipment ranging from vulcanising machines and mechanics’ tools to mini buses and industrial baking ovens.

“These people are using the tools daily to earn a living. That is the kind of empowerment I believe in,” he said.

He added that beneficiaries were carefully screened to ensure only genuine artisans and professionals benefitted from the programme.

The lawmaker also highlighted his interventions in education, disclosing that about 147 students in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education had benefitted from bursary awards.

According to him, students with exceptional academic records, particularly those with first-class grade point averages, were placed on full scholarship packages covering school fees and monthly stipends.

“I didn’t know some of these students personally. Their parents came to me in tears because they had been looking for money to pay school fees,” he said.

In the health sector, Orekoya said he partnered with medical organisations to organise free medical outreach programmes, including Hepatitis B screening and vaccination campaigns for residents.

He also disclosed that his office had paid hospital bills for some indigent residents in need of urgent medical attention.

The lawmaker further revealed that he recently organised Artificial Intelligence training programmes for youths in the constituency, noting that many participants who could not afford similar private training opportunities benefitted immensely from the initiative.

“One of the ladies told me the same training would have cost her over N350,000 elsewhere, but she got it free through our programme,” he said.

For many residents in Somolu, Orekoya’s blend of legislative activism, grassroots engagement and social intervention has continued to define him as an uncommon legislator whose politics is deeply rooted in community service and human development.