Service to Humanity Has Always Been a Core Element of My Life
GokeOgayemiisanaspirantforIjebuCentralFederalConstituency,comprisingIjebu-Ode,OdogboluandIjebuNorthEast, of Ogun State, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with THISDAY, he says he is ready to take his constituency out
Whydidyoudecidetogointo politics? Politicshasalwaysbeenan integralpartofmylife,even from as early as secondary school.Mypoliticaladventure alsoextendedtomyuniversityyearsasIheldimportantrolesintheStudentUnion oftheUniversity.Ihavebeenanadvocateforyouthsin politicssince2013whenwefounded“YouthMovement for a Better Ogun State (YMBOS)” with some other veryactiveyouths.Wenowhaveover10,000members acrossthestate,withthegoalofclamouringforbetter governance,particularlytheinclusionofwomenand youth.
However,havingworkedontheYMBOSplatformfora longtimewithresultstoshow,itbecamepertinentthat weneededtostepupfromdemandinggoodgovernance tobecomingdecisionmakers.Interestingly,onlythe PDPencouragesfreeandfairyouthfulparticipation in partisan politics, hence the reason I am running on theplatformoftheparty.
Also, in recognition of my contributions to youths emancipation,theOoniofIfe,ObaBabatundeEnitan Ogunwusihasfoundmeworthyandnominatedmefor the award of this year’s “Africa Royal Award” taking place on May 21, 2022. This is in recognition of my leadership qualities. As we speak, I happen to be the youngestaspirantforHouseofRepresentative,not only in my Federal constituency Ijebu Central but in OgunState.
What are you bringing to the table for your
constituency?
I will be bringing to the table capacity, youthful representation, quality representation, and most importantly, interactive and improved delivery of dividends of democracy. It has become a norm for representativestomismanageconstituencyprojects with the mindset of doing what they “think” people need and not what the people need. Hence, it is my plantoensurethatthereisconstantcommunication betweenmeandthepeople,ensuringthattheirvoices areheardthroughme,theirservant,andprioritizing theirdemandsatalltimes.
Howcloseareyoutothepeopleatthegrassroots whoformthebulkoftheelectorates?
Forusasateam,wehavebeenatthegrassrootsfor alongtimewithouryouthsadvocacy,andpartofwhat wehavedone,includesmobilizingpersonalitieslike artisans,students,traders,andthelikestogetinvolved intheelectoralprocessbygettingtheirPermanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and then, empowering them inwaysthatincreasetheirvaluetothemselvesand society at large. During my time as Special Adviser (SA) to the Acting National Chairman of PDP, it is on record that I facilitated the inclusion of many youths into the party hierarchy, both at zonal and national levels. Therefore, the people, and the youths in particular, know my capabilities if giventhemandatetorepresentthem.Myparents areadoptedchildrenofTaiSolarin,sotheideology of “service to humanity” has always been a core element of my life.
WhatdoyouwanttododifferentlyintheHouse of Representatives?
Inmyopinion,thereisnocommunicationbetween the sitting representative and his constituents. I mean, there are no cases of town hall meetings, no interactive sessions, no form of dialogue, or any kind of access to him. The above listed and many more are going to be core parts of what my administration will work on as I am solely focused on working with the demands of the people.
Doyouhavethefinancialresourcestoslugitout withotherco-contestantsinthisrace?
Forme,theyouthshavealwaysbeenanintegralpart ofthefinancialpicture,andtheywillcontinuetobe.For example,aprojectweorganizedcalled“OgunWhat’s Next,”whichwasheldin2021,wasveryfinanciallychallengingand,interestingly,80%oftheneededbudget toexcellentlyoperatecamefromtheyouths.Wewill behavingitssecondedition,called“NigeriaWhat’s Next?” this year, and notable Nigerian youths are already showing support.
Don’t forget that historic movements like “#ENDSARS” and co. were solely sponsored by the Nigerian Youths. Therefore, if the youths see capacity, diligence, and commitment, don’t undermine how far they can go in going all out for such a person. Of course, the Nigerian political scene has beenbastardisedwithmoney,butwehavebeenup tothetaskandwillcontinuetobe.Themoney-bags are not likelytofinditeasythistimearoundbecause thecomingelection(especiallytheprimaries)willbe issue-based.Iamwell-groundedinpartisan-politics andIknowhowthesystemworks.Thegoodpeopleof thisconstituencyareenlightenedandveryawareof candidateswhohavethewill,dedication,andcapability to serve them adequately. Of course, they will share money, but I assure them that my people will collect itandstillnotvoteforthem.
Finally,IbelieveIhavethesupportofAlmightyGod andthegoodpeopleofthisfederalconstituency,and thatisthemostimportantfactorinmyvictory.
Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.