Ogunlade assures Ibarapa East residents of inclusive representation, empowerment during ward tour
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ibarapa East State Constituency in the 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly election, Hon. Babatunde Ogunlade, popularly known as BABS, has assured residents of the constituency of inclusive representation, empowerment and greater grassroots engagement if elected.
Ogunlade gave the assurance during the grand finale of his ward tour and empowerment programme for widows, the aged and less privileged, held on Sunday at Ward 02, Anwaru-Islam School, Anko, Eruwa, his home ward.
The ward tour, which took the APC candidate across communities in Ibarapa East, provided an opportunity for Ogunlade to interact directly with residents, party members and other stakeholders, while also identifying with vulnerable members of the communities.
The grand finale ended in an atmosphere of jubilation, with APC supporters and residents of Eruwa, Lanlate and neighbouring communities expressing appreciation for the initiative.
Speaking during the event, Ogunlade said his decision to embark on the ward tour was driven by the need to maintain direct contact with the people and understand their concerns at the grassroots.
According to him, effective representation goes beyond occupying a political office, stressing that elected representatives must remain accessible and responsive to the people they represent.
“I believe representation must begin with listening to the people. That is why I have taken this engagement to the wards. I want to hear from our people directly, understand their challenges and know the areas where we can make meaningful contributions to their lives,” he said.
Ogunlade also assured residents that vulnerable members of the society would not be neglected, noting that widows, the aged and less privileged deserved to be supported and carried along in the development process.
He said the empowerment programme was part of his commitment to ensuring that the needs of ordinary people remained central to his political engagement.
“Our people deserve a representative who will listen to them, stand with them and ensure that nobody is left behind. Our widows, elderly people, youths, women and other vulnerable members of our communities all have a place in our vision for a better Ibarapa East,” he said.
The APC candidate called for unity among residents of the constituency, saying sustainable development could only be achieved when the people worked together irrespective of political, social or personal differences.
He added that his engagement with the people would not end with the ward tour, promising to sustain consultations with communities and stakeholders across Ibarapa East.
“This ward tour is not the end of our engagement; it is the beginning of a stronger relationship with our people. We will continue to listen, consult and work together because the development of Ibarapa East must be a collective responsibility,” Ogunlade said.
Beneficiaries of the empowerment programme expressed appreciation for the gesture, while APC faithful who attended the event commended the candidate for taking his engagement directly to the grassroots.
The gathering also witnessed songs of appreciation, prayers and expressions of renewed hope among supporters, who pledged their continued support for the APC and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The successful completion of the ward tour, according to participants, further demonstrated the importance of grassroots mobilisation and direct interaction between political candidates and the electorate.
The programme provided an opportunity for Ogunlade to reaffirm his commitment to an inclusive approach to representation, with emphasis on accessibility, empowerment and attention to the needs of ordinary residents of Ibarapa East
