OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
A former Commissioner for Works in Ogun State, Honourable Layiwola Taiwo, has expressed concern over the lack of leadership succession and continuity in Ogun West politics, describing it as a major setback to sustainable political development in the region.
Taiwo made this known during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun West Independent Chapel, as part of his consultations ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.
Speaking at the event, the senatorial aspirant said his long-standing involvement in grassroots politics across Ogun West had exposed him to the challenges of leadership development, particularly the inability of emerging political actors to sustain established structures.
According to him, many beneficiaries of political mentorship often abandon the networks and support systems that helped them rise, choosing instead to build personal structures that weaken collective progress.
“One of our biggest problems is succession. People we support and help to grow politically often forget the ladder that brought them up. Instead of sustaining the existing structure, they create divisions by promoting personal interests,” he said.
Taiwo noted that this trend has hindered the grooming of capable successors and limited opportunities for younger politicians to grow within a stable framework.
He stressed the need for deliberate efforts to identify, mentor and expose emerging leaders to the realities of governance and grassroots engagement, adding that politics should go beyond small group affiliations to wider public recognition and acceptance.
“You must be known by the people. Politics is not about staying within a closed circle. Your name and impact must resonate across communities and the state,” he added.
On his motivation to contest for the Senate, Taiwo explained that his decision was influenced by the perceived gap in leadership continuity and the need to reposition Ogun West for inclusive development.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by current office holders, he maintained that the district still faces significant infrastructural and developmental challenges, particularly in road networks, education and community development.
Drawing from his experience as Commissioner for Works, Taiwo highlighted several projects executed during his tenure, including road constructions and rehabilitation efforts that improved connectivity across border communities.
He recalled initiating key road projects linking areas such as Imeko, Ilara and Lusada, noting that some of the infrastructure contributed to opening up economic activities and easing transportation challenges in the region.
Taiwo also emphasized his approach to public service, which he described as people-oriented, stressing the importance of accessibility and empathy in governance.
“As a public office holder, your duty is to serve the people. Sometimes, you may not be able to solve all their problems, but how you receive and treat them goes a long way in addressing their concerns,” he said.
On empowerment and employment, the aspirant pledged to leverage the influence of the senatorial office to attract federal opportunities to Ogun West, promising active engagement with ministries and agencies to deliver tangible benefits to constituents.
He criticized the practice where empowerment programmes are either poorly implemented or diverted, assuring that he would prioritize transparency and direct impact if elected.
Taiwo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to effective representation, noting that the role of a senator goes beyond legislative duties to include advocacy, facilitation of development projects and ensuring that constituents benefit from government policies.
“I will not sit in the office. I will engage, I will follow through, and I will ensure that Ogun West gets its fair share,” he stated.
No comments:
Post a Comment