The Coordinator of the Ona-Ara House-to-House Campaign during Governor Seyi Makinde’s successful 2023 re-election bid, Hon. Balogun Nurudeen Kolapo, has officially declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Ona-Ara Local Government Area under the Peoples Democratic Party/Allied Peoples Movement (PDP/APM) coalition.
Balogun, a former member of the Governing Council of The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, said his administration would prioritise education, youth empowerment, women’s development and grassroots transformation if elected.
He made the declaration at a well-attended event held at the PDP/APM Secretariat in Ona-Ara Local Government, Ibadan. The event drew party leaders, executives, women and youth leaders, ward officials, stakeholders and supporters, who gathered to endorse his aspiration.
Addressing party members, Balogun said his administration would implement programmes that directly improve the lives of residents, particularly young people and women.
He pledged to introduce scholarship opportunities for outstanding students from Ona-Ara to study abroad, while also rolling out empowerment initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, improving livelihoods and reducing unemployment across the local government.
According to him, Ona-Ara possesses enormous human and economic potential that can be unlocked through visionary leadership and people-centred policies.
“Our youths deserve opportunities to compete globally. We will invest in education by creating scholarship opportunities for our brilliant children to study abroad while also empowering our youths and women through sustainable programmes that will improve their economic wellbeing,” Balogun said.
The former aide to the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, also pledged to run an inclusive administration, strengthen community development and complement Governor Seyi Makinde’s developmental agenda at the grassroots.
Speaking at the event, the PDP/APM Chairman in Ona-Ara Local Government, Alfa Kehinde Adeyemo, popularly known as “Authority,” described Balogun as a loyal party member, experienced grassroots politician and committed leader with the capacity to advance the development of the council.
Adeyemo urged party members to remain united and uphold the party’s ideals throughout the nomination process, expressing confidence that the PDP/APM coalition would produce credible candidates for the forthcoming local government election.
Also speaking, party chieftain Chief Taiwo Bankole commended Balogun’s political journey, describing him as a man of integrity whose commitment to grassroots mobilisation, education and community development has earned him widespread respect within the party.
He urged delegates and stakeholders to support credible aspirants such as Balogun, stressing that the future of Ona-Ara must align with the aspirations of the people and the developmental agenda of the PDP/APM coalition.
Similarly, a party leader, Alhaji Waheed Adurodekun, endorsed Balogun’s aspiration, describing him as a dedicated grassroots politician with the experience, humility and leadership qualities required to reposition Ona-Ara Local Government.
According to Adurodekun, Balogun has consistently demonstrated commitment to both the people and the party over the years, adding that his emergence would usher in responsive, people-oriented governance.
He also noted that Balogun’s ward has waited many years to produce the chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government and expressed optimism that the aspiration would finally become a reality.
“Our ward has been longing to produce the chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government for a very long time. Hon. Balogun has paid his dues in the party. He is competent, experienced and widely accepted. We believe this is the right time for our ward, and we are confident he has the capacity to provide quality leadership for the benefit of all residents of Ona-Ara,” Adurodekun said.
Among those present at the declaration were former Ona-Ara PDP Chairman and National Delegate, Chief Sobaloju Bakare; Alhaji Akeem Oke; the Local Government Women Leader; the Youth Leader; ward executives; and other party stakeholders.
The gathering also witnessed a show of solidarity from party faithful, who pledged their support for Balogun’s aspiration ahead of the party’s nomination process.
Balogun said his years of experience in public service, grassroots politics and educational administration have adequately prepared him to provide purposeful, accountable and people-oriented leadership for Ona-Ara Local Government
