The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Lagos State, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, OON, (JP), member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01 at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
The visit, which took place at the Constituency Office, was led by the chairman of IPAC, Mrs. Temilola Akinade.
The purpose of the visit was to commend Hon. Adewale Temitope for his significant achievements in transportation, education, infrastructure upgrades, health, welfare, among others, and to solicit a working relationship for the betterment of Lagos State.
Heaping praises on Hon. Adewale Temitope, Mrs. Akinade said, “I have been monitoring your activities for some years and the feedback has been impressive. I spoke to someone who doubted your capabilities because of your young age, but you have proven to be excellent.
“I am pleased to be in your local government. You have excelled in education, infrastructure, restoring sanity to Lagos roads with your bill, among other areas.
“We have been collaborating with APC, and that’s one of the reasons we are here. The ruling party is performing well, and we are here to offer our support for peaceful elections and a progressive state.
“I am proud of you, sir, and would like to work with you.”
Also speaking, IPAC Organizing Secretary, Adenipebi Adekunle, expressed his delight that Hon. Adewale Temitope, being a youth, has set standards for good leadership beyond his role as a legislator.
“Your impact has transcended beyond what we initially expected. You have gone beyond your duties as a legislator, as we see your efforts in intervention areas such as drainage, empowerment, infrastructure, roads, and donating money to CDA.
“IPAC has been a strategic body in the state, and we need partners in progress for a greater Lagos where we collaborate with stakeholders. There has been synergy between the state and us. We thank you for welcoming us.
“God has given you leadership skills, and people beyond Ifako-Ijaiye LG know they can count on your intellect for the state and Nigeria’s growth at large,” he said.
The Legal Adviser, IPAC, Barrister Adewale Bolaji, commended Hon. Adewale Temitope for meeting the team at such short notice.
“You accommodated us at short notice, and we appreciate that. We are on this visit as part of the synergy we are building. Ifako-Ijaiye is the first LG we are visiting.”
He added that IPAC would offer constructive criticism and urged him to be open-minded.
“We, as IPAC, will offer constructive criticism, and we urge you to have an open mind. If we identify areas for improvement, we will bring them to your attention for the benefit of Lagos and all Lagosians, especially those at the grassroots.
“We are impressed; seeing younger individuals initiating new initiatives is encouraging. God will continue to be with you and your entire household.”
Responding, Hon. Adewale Temitope thanked the IPAC team for the visit, especially as Ifako-Ijaiye LG was the first point of call.
“I extend a big thank you and welcome you to our Constituency Office. It’s significant that this is our first meeting, and it’s happening in Ifako-Ijaiye. Everyone has value, and that’s part of why you’re here today. This visit has shed new light on the fact that whatever you do, people are watching – the world is watching, so do it very well.”
He shed light on his journey since assuming office in 2019, listing some of his achievements.
“It’s been a tough journey so far, being young and all. We faced challenges with COVID-19 and ENDSars. My administration is focused on two things – infrastructure, which includes facilitating roads, Ifako-Ijaiye Bus Terminal, Iju Train Station, among others. Over 42 roads have been facilitated within the Local Government. Roads such as Ibari, Fagbohun, Coker, Olorunfemi, Jagunmolu, and most notably, the Abiola Onijemo Bridge, which will be commissioned by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“The Ifako-Ijaiye mini-stadium is about 80 percent complete, thanks to Mr. Governor, who listened to us, demolished the old structure, and began reconstruction. It should be ready by the middle of the year.
“We have also implemented employment and welfare packages, with over 1,500 people benefiting from health insurance. We will launch the third phase next month, increasing the scheme’s coverage to 2,000 people.
“Our educational initiative, the ATA-EI, is also making waves. These are some of our achievements.
“Regarding my role as chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, we have achieved a milestone with the transportation sector reform law, which I spearheaded with the Governor’s consent. We have deployed blue buses to gradually replace yellow buses and reduce the influence of agberos.”
Responding to the need for criticism, he emphasized the importance of feedback, especially for a politician.
“I hope we can maintain this relationship. Feedback is crucial, and it can be positive or negative; the negative feedback is what helps us improve. Whenever we fall short, please let us know. Let’s foster a working relationship where we communicate openly and resolve issues.
“You are welcome to visit anytime you need to. The conference hall is available to you at any time.
“You also have a responsibility to support our President as he continues to work towards a better life for all Nigerians. I urge you to unite other parties to work with the government but also hold them accountable when necessary.”