By Olawale Ogunyebi
An Ikere-Ekiti-born philanthropist and France-based Nigerian businessman, Harrison Olaniyi Alonge, popularly known as (HOA), has donated ₦1.3 million to All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly and councillorship candidates across the two constituencies in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The financial intervention, aimed at strengthening the party’s structures ahead of forthcoming elections, has attracted commendation from political leaders and stakeholders, who described Alonge’s contributions as a demonstration of his commitment to community development, political stability and the sustenance of good governance in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, represented at the event by her Chief of Staff, Hon. Victor Adeniyi, commended Alonge for his consistent financial contributions and unwavering commitment to the APC.
She praised his support for the party’s leadership and encouraged him to sustain his contributions towards strengthening the party, consolidating its structures and promoting continuity in governance.
Other party stakeholders at the gathering also applauded Alonge for his consistent support for the APC, philanthropic interventions in his hometown and contributions towards the re-election efforts of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
Speaking at the event, Alonge explained that his intervention was motivated by his desire to promote stability within the APC, give back to the community where he was born and contribute meaningfully to the progress of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in forthcoming elections, stressing that voting remained a vital democratic responsibility and an important means of influencing the country’s political direction.
According to him, the gathering was organised to motivate APC candidates, strengthen the party’s structures and encourage greater political participation ahead of the forthcoming local government and general elections.
Alonge also declared his support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for continuity and collective efforts to advance economic development and national progress.
He urged Nigerians to support the government’s efforts towards building a stronger economy and creating an enabling environment for both the public and private sectors to thrive.
He further emphasised the need for collective responsibility in promoting development, improving infrastructure, strengthening national security and creating investment opportunities across the country.
Highlighting what he described as some of the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration in nearly four years, Alonge cited road infrastructure development, increased foreign reserves and efforts to strengthen the naira.
He stressed the importance of sustaining these efforts to promote economic stability, strengthen national development and improve the country’s economic outlook.
Addressing speculations that his political support might be connected to a possible governorship ambition in 2030, Alonge dismissed the suggestion, maintaining that his immediate priority was to give back to society and support the government at all levels.
He reiterated his commitment to community development and the advancement of policies and initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
Stakeholders Commend Alonge’s Political Contributions
In his remarks, the immediate past Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Dolamu Adeniyi, described Alonge’s support for the APC candidates as a continuation of a legacy established by Hon. Bimbo Ogundipe.
He noted that the intervention would help sustain the political and developmental initiatives already established in the community.
In response, Hon. Bimbo Ogundipe, popularly known as Ricarbim, expressed appreciation to Alonge for supporting the existing legacy and building on the foundation established through previous contributions to the party and the community.
The APC Chairman in Ikere Local Government Area, Pastor Oyebode, also described Alonge as a major pillar of support for the party, commending his consistent commitment and contributions towards strengthening its structures.
Other stakeholders at the event offered prayers for God’s blessings, protection and success in Alonge’s endeavours. They also encouraged him to remain steadfast in his support for the APC and its commitment to continuity in governance.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, represented by Hon. Victor Adeniyi; APC leader in Ikere-Ekiti, Pastor Oyebode; Executive Chairman of Ikere Local Government Area, Hon. Olu-Egbejoda Adamolekun; Hon. Bimbo Ogundipe, popularly known as Ricarbim; former council chairman and Chairman of the Landlords Association, Fresh Fire Estate, Ikere-Ekiti, Chief Rufus Akeredolu; former Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Dolamu Adeniyi; former Majority Leader, Hon. Babade Kayode; the Secretary of Ikere Local Government; Chief Coker Alonge; House of Assembly candidates; councillorship candidates; members of the HOA press crew; and other party leaders and members from across Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The gathering reaffirmed Alonge’s commitment to supporting the APC, encouraging grassroots political participation and contributing to the development of his hometown and the wider Nigerian society.
