Osun West Needs Accountable Representation, Says NDP Senatorial Candidate, Ezekiel

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The National Democratic Party (NDP) senatorial candidate for Osun West Senatorial District, Hon. Adegboyega Ezekiel, has promised to make legislation, effective oversight, federal advocacy and regular consultation with constituents the pillars of his proposed representation.

Ezekiel, in his “Osun West Development Agenda”, said senatorial representation should go beyond the sponsorship of constituency projects to include effective lawmaking, monitoring of government programmes and continuous engagement with the people.

He said the proposed four-year development framework would focus on representation, legislation, human capital, economic development and accountability.

According to him, the legislative component would focus on policies capable of strengthening technical and vocational education, digital learning, youth employment, agriculture, small businesses, social protection and community development.

Ezekiel said he would also consider legislative measures aimed at improving agricultural financing, extension services, storage and processing, while supporting policies that could create a more conducive environment for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises.

He said his proposed oversight responsibilities would include monitoring Federal Government projects located within Osun West, seeking explanations for delayed or abandoned projects and tracking the implementation of approved interventions.

The NDP candidate also proposed the publication of periodic reports on legislative activities and constituency interventions, saying constituents should be able to assess the activities of their representative.

To strengthen communication with the electorate, Ezekiel proposed quarterly constituency engagements involving communities, professional groups, youth organisations, women associations, farmers, traditional institutions, religious organisations, students and civil society groups.

He also proposed the creation of a Constituency Needs Register to document development priorities across the senatorial district and a Legislative Feedback Platform through which residents could submit ideas, petitions and policy concerns.

The candidate said an Annual Accountability Report would also be introduced to provide information on legislative activities, motions, bills, oversight engagements and constituency interventions.

Beyond legislation and oversight, Ezekiel said his agenda would address rural development through advocacy for roads, electricity, water, healthcare facilities, schools, digital connectivity, agricultural infrastructure, markets and community facilities.

He said security and community safety would also receive attention through advocacy for improved security presence where necessary, stronger communication between communities and security agencies, youth engagement programmes and improved emergency-response infrastructure.

Ezekiel further promised to support sports and talent development through grassroots competitions, talent identification, sports clinics, coaching programmes and opportunities for young athletes, alongside initiatives in the creative industries.

He said digital inclusion would also form part of his development agenda through community digital-literacy programmes, ICT training, coding workshops, digital entrepreneurship and support for young innovators.

Ezekiel said the Osun West Development Agenda was intended to serve as a framework for engagement with constituents and government institutions, stressing that implementation would depend on constitutional responsibilities, appropriations, relevant government programmes, partnerships, available resources and applicable laws.