By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
23/06/2024
…….. Leads Carnival Procession in Afao Ekiti
One of the aides of the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Tunde Dahunsi has officially declared for the ruling All Progressives Congress APC saying that various sectors and levels of Governance in the State had continually fulfilled the individual and collective aspirations of the people of the Ekiti.
Accompanied by family, friends, and supporters, Dahunsi on Saturday 23rd June 2024, made a grand entrance into his native home and ward in Afao-Ekiti, Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Government, leading a one-hour carnival-like procession, waving brooms and carrying placards with the inscription “BAO FOR ALL,” featuring the image of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, while his supporters sang various songs in support of the APC , declaring absolute loyalty, support and total submission to the party supremacy.
Dahunsi who stands to be one of the strong political influencers in the town had earlier before arriving at the party office, embarked on a one-hour carnival-like crusade, holding broom and carrying placards with the Inscription “BAO FOR ALL” featuring the image of Governor Oyebanji, the symbol of the APC, and singing different Songs alongside hundreds of supporters in the town.
Among those who joined in the movement were the Ward Youth leader and Chief Aro of Araromi-Obo Chief Ojo Tosin.
Receiving the teeming supporters, the ward Chairman Mr Oke Adejoorin; alongside other party leaders including the immediate past party chairman, Mr Tosin Odeyemi, as well as the Counsellor representing the ward at the council, Dele Ogunseeni lauded the move taken by the aide, describing him as one of the strong opinion shapers whose stance carries heavy weight in the political strength and chances of any political party within the town.
“Dahunsi’s decision is a significant boost for our party,” said Adejoorin. “He has long been a model for young people and a beacon for the older generation, with his commitment to service and development.”
According to them, Dahunsi, well trained and educated had long distinguished and dedicated himself to community service and development, thus, serving as model to many of the young people, as well as a light to older generation.
Also the immediate ward Counsellor Mrs Bose Adelodun, APC Elders forum in Afao-Ekiti including Pa Sunday Adeosun; the current Chairman of Afao-Ekiti Progressive Union, Cornell Oluwayose Babatunde; Hon. Tope Omosilade, Hon. Adebisi Sanjo; Usman Joshua among other executives, and members of the community posited that Dahunsi official declaration for the ruling party will no doubt give better chances to the party in subsequent elections.
Pa Sunday Adeosun Sunday who went memory lane of the political trajectory of the Dahunsi’s lineage in the town and the local Government, said Dahunsi’s father was one of the strong political juggernauts in the community, known for selflessness, peace and tranquility, particularly during the era of Governor Niyi Adebayo. “The apple did not fall far from the tree.” He said.
According to him, Dahunsi’s official declaration brought many of the aggrieved members and leaders of the party in the community together, noting that he has again become a rallying point for unity and progress just as his father was in his lifetime and praying more successes for him.
In his address, Dahunsi explained that his decision followed a thorough evaluation of Governor Oyebanji’s style of governance and Dr. Filani’s immense and selfless contributions to the development and well-being of the people of the State. He commended their efforts in youth development, leadership, and capacity building, acknowledging that he himself had benefited from these initiatives.
“I have critically understudied the style of governance of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji as well as the Honorable commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, and I am well convinced that Ekiti State was on the path to fulfillment of the founding fathers dream with the ranks and files as well as the caliber of those driving the political destiny of the State in the current dispensation.”
He thanked the Commissioner for investing hugely in youth development as well as leadership and capacity development for the younger generations noting that he is one of the beneficiaries of the good work of the State leadership, hence the need to galvanize support for the effort of the State government in bringing development to the people.
According to him, the Ekiti State government was doing a total overhauling in virtually all the sectors in the State particularly, health, education, agriculture, road infrastructure, human capital development, and building economic capacity of the people for a shared prosperity.
The Commissioner’s aide availed the opportunity to inform the people the various programmes embarked upon by the government, including the free malaria treatment, newly approved Federal Medical Center, the incoming free surgery, among many others from which the people of the town will benefit.
He urged the youth to seize opportunities provided by the government in entrepreneurship development, such as the Adire Ekiti hub, which empowers over 200 youths through grants and low-interest loans via the Bank of Industry, while reiterating his commitment to supporting Governor Oyebanji’s administration.
Tunde Dahunsi listed many other development effort of the current administration as part of the driving force to joining the party therefore soliciting continuous unalloyed support and unwavering commitment towards the success of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.
He later donated some cash and kinds to the party as a show of love and commitment.