One of the critical stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in the United States of America, Hon. Sakirulahi Abiola Oduola has expressed his delight over the choice of the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party in Nigeria, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has the recipient of the Most Consistent Politician Award bestowed on him by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council.
Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja who is a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State was conferred with the prestigious award at the grand finale of the week-long 2023 press week of the NUJ Oyo State council on Firday 19th October, 2023.
In a statement issued from his base in New York, the United States of America and made available to journalists in Ibadan, Hon. Abiola Oduola popularly called “Mayor” said he was highly elated when he received the news of the choice of his leader and mentor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja for the said NUJ award.
Mayor who disclosed that the reason for his excitement is not far-fetched, considering the fact that Ambassador Arapaja has been so consistent and remain relevant politically since 1996 when he first served as the Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Mapo twice even with zero party and up till this very moment.
Hon. Abiola who was a former Secretary of Ibadan South East Local Government (2007) during the regime of Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige (Ige Again) and Oyo state tourism board member before he relocated to the United States of America, noted that Ambassador Arapaja is one of the few political strategists who has been so consistent, steadfast and always display absolute loyalty to any cause he believes in, stressing that this makes him qualify to receive such award by the NUJ.
He equally commended members of the NUJ in Oyo State under the leadership of Comrade Demola Babalola, for giving the award to the right person that truly deserves it.
He further disclosed that he was not surprised that the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is recording tremendous achievements in every sector be in infrastructure, education, health, workers welfare and so on because of the fact that he surrounds himself with many experienced and political strategists like Ambassador Arapaja who will always strive to let his administration succeed and fulfil his electioneering campaign promises to the people.
He further hinted that as one of the PDP stakeholders and ardent supporter of Gov. Seyi Makinde in the United States, he was so proud that the Governor’s efforts at making the State better has attracted many investors both locally and internationally who are already investing in the state.
While congratulating Ambassador Arapaja the Oluomo of Ibadanland for receiving the award, Hon. Abiola Mayor urged him not to relent in contributing to the social political development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole as his future is bright politically.