Shomolu agog as Hon Orekoya declares for second term

By Philippine Duru

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A sea of jubilant supporters, party faithful and community stakeholders flooded the premises of Oke Meta Memorial Primary School in Somolu on Thursday as the lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, formally declared his intention to seek a second term ahead of the 2027 elections.

The declaration ceremony transformed the Somolu landscape into a carnival of political solidarity, with chants, music and waving party flags painting a vivid picture of grassroots endorsement for the youthful lawmaker and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress.

Residents from different wards of the constituency, alongside political associates, market leaders, youth groups and community development representatives, gathered in their thousands to witness what many described as a defining moment in the political future of Somolu.

Standing before the roaring crowd, Orekoya said his decision to return to the ballot was inspired by a desire to deepen the developmental strides already unfolding across the constituency.

According to him, the journey towards a more prosperous and inclusive Somolu had only just begun.

“We have started a journey of growth and development in Somolu, and there is still more work to be done. With your continued support, we will build on the achievements already recorded,” he declared to loud applause from supporters.

The atmosphere at the venue reflected a strong show of confidence in the lawmaker, whose first term has been punctuated by legislative engagement, youth-centred initiatives and grassroots empowerment programmes that have resonated across the constituency.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Social Development, Orekoya has carved a visible presence within the Assembly through his involvement in key legislative reforms, including contributions to the Lagos State Administration of Civil Justice Bill 2023, the Local Government Administration Bill 2024, and the Community Development Association Bill 2024.

Beyond the chambers of legislation, the Somolu lawmaker has continued to weave his influence into the social fabric of the constituency through educational support and empowerment interventions aimed at uplifting vulnerable residents.

No fewer than 147 students have benefitted from bursary awards facilitated through his office, while four others secured full academic scholarships under his intervention programmes. In a further push to ease the burden on indigent students and families, he distributed 250 General Certificate Examination forms and 150 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board forms to students within the constituency.

His empowerment footprint has also spread across the entrepreneurial landscape of Somolu, with more than 341 residents receiving business grants, vocational equipment and financial assistance designed to stimulate small-scale enterprises and economic self-reliance.

Additionally, 29 constituents were assisted in securing employment opportunities within the Lagos State public service.

Orekoya’s youth engagement drive has equally drawn commendation from residents, particularly through exchange programmes, mentorship initiatives, football competitions and youth-police dialogue platforms tailored towards fostering leadership, peace and social inclusion among young people.

Several residents who spoke during the event described the lawmaker as accessible, responsive and deeply connected to the grassroots, noting that road rehabilitation projects facilitated during his tenure had improved mobility and commercial activities in parts of Somolu.

Many of his supporters vowed to stand firmly behind his re-election bid, insisting that his stewardship at the Assembly had earned him another opportunity to continue what they described as a “people-oriented representation.”

As dusk settled over Somolu, the chants of supporters echoed through the community, symbolising not just a political declaration, but a renewed alliance between a lawmaker and the people who believe his journey in public service is far from over.