OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
A former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Senate aspirant for Ogun West, Rt. Hon. Otunba Olusegun Bolanle Gbeleyi (OBG), has formally declared his ambition to represent the district in the Senate ahead of the 2027 general elections, unveiling a comprehensive seven-point manifesto aimed at driving development across the region.
Gbeleyi made this known during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun West Independent Chapel, where he outlined his vision for effective representation and sustainable growth in the senatorial district.
Speaking at the event, the former lawmaker said his long-standing aspiration to serve at the national level was driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
He noted that his exposure and international connections, particularly in the United Kingdom, would be leveraged to attract investments and influence positive policies for the benefit of Ogun West.
He reflected on his political journey, including previous attempts at elective positions and his experience in the Ogun State House of Assembly, stressing that these have equipped him with the necessary legislative and administrative competence to serve effectively in the Senate.
Gbeleyi also highlighted his involvement in grassroots governance and public service, noting his contributions to policy development, local government engagement, and capacity-building initiatives.
He expressed appreciation to political leaders and stakeholders who have supported his career over the years.
Responding to questions from journalists, the aspirant addressed concerns about his return to elective politics after a long hiatus, stating that his experience and network within and outside Nigeria would play a crucial role in securing both the party nomination and eventual electoral victory.
On his development agenda, Gbeleyi unveiled a seven-point manifesto anchored on the theme, “Sustaining the Gains, Raising the Bar Higher.” The agenda focuses on agriculture, education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, investment, social welfare, and security.
He pledged to promote modern agriculture through the establishment of an Ogun West Agriculture Development Initiative aimed at supporting farmers with improved inputs, mechanisation, and access to markets.
He added that agro-processing hubs would be developed to reduce post-harvest losses and create employment opportunities.
In the education sector, Gbeleyi promised to support federal interventions in school infrastructure, expand access to scholarships and bursaries, and strengthen technical and vocational training.
He cited his tenure as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute between 2021 and 2025 as evidence of his commitment to digital education and skills development.
On youth empowerment, he proposed the creation of an Ogun West Youth Enterprise Fund to support startups and small businesses, alongside programmes for skills acquisition and job placement. He also emphasised the need to harness opportunities in sports, creative industries, and the digital economy.
The senatorial hopeful further pledged to advocate for the rehabilitation of major roads across Ogun West and the revival of water schemes to improve access to potable water.
He noted that his previous role as a consultant on power projects provided him with experience in infrastructure development.
Gbeleyi said attracting foreign direct investment would be a priority, leveraging Ogun West’s strategic location to promote industrial growth and economic expansion.
He also promised to strengthen empowerment programmes for women, traders, artisans, and farmers through access to microcredit and cooperative financing.
On security, he stressed the importance of safeguarding lives and property, pledging to support improved border control measures and enhanced collaboration with security agencies.
“Our commitment is to provide accessible and responsive leadership that listens to the people and delivers meaningful results,” he said.
Gbeleyi concluded by assuring residents of Ogun West that his candidacy represents a blend of experience, competence, and grassroots connection, positioning him to deliver effective representation and inclusive development if elected in 2027.
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