The Oyo State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Olayemi Joel, has described the performance of the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, as a clear example of the kind of grassroots leadership the party needs to consistently win elections.
Hon. Joel spoke on Wednesday at the grand finale of Oluyole Christmas Carol Week, held at the local government secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan.
The event also doubled as an end-of-the-year celebration that witnessed residents, party leaders and stakeholders coming together in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
Activities marking the week-long celebration were successfully concluded at the event, which featured goodwill messages, cultural displays and social interactions among participants present.
Different speakers described the gathering as lively and memorable, saying it reflects what they called a renewed sense of unity within the local government.
Delivering his goodwill message, Hon. Olayemi Joel commended Engr. Olatunji for what he described as innovative leadership and people-focused governance.
He said the atmosphere in Oluyole during the celebration showed a chairman who enjoys genuine and ‘organic’ support from the grassroots.
“What will make our party succeed is exactly what we are seeing here in Oluyole LG. I have been here before, and the environment was vibrant and lively.
“This is a clear indication that the chairman is loved by the people, and I can only pray for God to continue to guide him to do more,” the party’s state secretary said.
He urged chairmen of other local governments in the state to emulate Olatunji’s style of leadership, stressing that strong connection with the people remains the backbone of electoral success for the party.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), Dr. Debo Akande, described Engr. Olatunji as “a gentle and classy man to the core.”
He noted that the Oluyole chairman has shown capacity to lobby effectively for positive initiatives that directly impact development at the grassroots stressing that such lobbying skill was essential for leadership.
According to Dr. Akande, Olatunji’s leadership is driven by collective interest rather than personal gain. He described him as a well-performing and dedicated public servant who remains focused on the progress of Oluyole Local Government.
Olatunji in his brief remarks lauded governor Seyi Makinde for leading by practical examples, noting that it was the state’s economic blueprints anchored on four cardinal pillars under the Omituntun 2.0 Sustainable Development Agenda, that helped his administration replicated same at the grassroots for policy cohesion and inclusive governance.
He assured that he will continue to serve his people with integrity and purposeful leadership.
He particularly commended Dr Akande for his leadership in transforming the agricultural landscape of the state into a global investment hub adding that, such efforts necessitated why Oluyole LG has been a close partner in progress with OYSADA.
The event was attended by the Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre, Oba Muritala Olumini, the PDP state secretary, Hon. Olayemi Joel, Dr. Debo Akande, and the Wife of the Executive chairman; Mrs. Olatunji Balikis.
Others present included the Babaloja General of Oluyole Local Government, Alhaji Mukaila Olalere, the Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Taofeek Azeez, members of the League of Imams in Oluyole, executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the local government, traditional worshippers, political appointees, party leaders and other stakeholders.
