The Kosere Movement in Ekiti State under the leadership of Com. Oluwatosin Ogunkuade Jasper has intensified its grassroots mobilisation campaign for ∆the re election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, taking its advocacy to Ikogosi Ekiti, the governor’s hometown, in a move that drew significant participation from residents, community leaders and political stakeholders.
The mobilisation meeting, held at the town square, formed part of a broader statewide engagement strategy aimed at consolidating support for the incumbent administration ahead of the June 20 Governorship election reinforcing the narrative of continuity anchored on perceived development strides recorded since 2022.
The Movement, a fifteen year old grassroots platform focused on community development and empowerment, played a notable role in the 2022 governorship election, contributing to the emergence of Oyebanji through extensive ward to ward mobilisation across the state.
Speaking at the event through one of its coordinators, Mr Oladele Oladeji Oje, the Convener of the Movement, Comrade Oluwatosin Ogunkuade Jasper, expressed appreciation to the people of Ikogosi Ekiti and the State at large for their sustained support for the administration since its inauguration.
He said the support of the community had been instrumental in enabling the government to implement its programmes, adding that there was a need to sustain the partnership between the people and the government in order to deepen development across the state.
Ogunkuade highlighted key achievements of the Oyebanji administration within Ikogosi and its environs, noting that interventions in infrastructure and human capital development had contributed to improving socio economic conditions in the area.
He pointed to ongoing efforts in road rehabilitation, youth engagement initiatives and community based development programmes as indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
As part of the visit, members of the Movement and residents embarked on an inspection tour of a renovated borehole located in the Ilaro Community axis of Ikogosi, a project facilitated by the Kosere Movement to address water scarcity in the area.
The borehole, originally executed as a constituency project by former lawmaker, Hon Barrister Wumi Ogunlola, had reportedly been non functional for about three years, leading to acute shortage of potable water for residents.
Community members said the breakdown of the facility had forced them to depend on distant and unsafe water sources, thereby exposing them to health risks and economic strain.
Following its rehabilitation by the Kosere Movement, the borehole has resumed operation, providing residents with access to clean water and easing the burden previously associated with water collection.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful in addressing a critical need within the community.
Mrs Funmilayo Akinluyi said the restored facility had significantly reduced the stress of sourcing water, adding that it had improved hygiene and general wellbeing among residents.
Similarly, Toyin Ogundipe lauded the Movement for what she described as consistent support for the people, noting that beyond infrastructure, it had also provided financial assistance and educational support to individuals in the community.
She said such interventions had strengthened the relationship between the Movement and the people, while complementing government efforts in improving living conditions.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Dolamu Adeniyi, who was represented at the event by Hon Ojo Ayodele, commended the Kosere Movement for identifying critical needs within communities and addressing them in a holistic manner.
He said the activities of the Movement were in alignment with the development agenda of the state government, adding that such initiatives were necessary to bridge gaps in service delivery.
Adeniyi urged other political support groups and stakeholders to emulate the approach of the Kosere Movement by focusing on people oriented projects that have direct impact on communities.
Speaking in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the BAO ANCHOR organisation in the state, the umbrella body overseeing over 239 support groups for the governor, the Commissioner noted that the Movement had remained consistent in promoting the administration’s achievements.
He said the group had continued to showcase government interventions in key sectors, including youth employment, infrastructure development and community innovation programmes.
He added that sustained grassroots engagement remained critical in maintaining public confidence in governance and ensuring political stability in the state.
In his mobilisation message, the Convener of the Movement called on residents to align with the target of delivering 500,000 votes for the governor in the next election.
He urged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, describing them as essential tools for participating in the electoral process and sustaining development.
Ogunkuade emphasised the need for maximum voter turnout, stating that efforts should be made to ensure that no vote is lost to the opposition in Ikogosi.
He said while winning all polling units may not be guaranteed, the focus should be on ensuring that every available vote is secured in support of the governor.
The Movement also reiterated its readiness to surpass its performance in the 2022 election through intensified mobilisation and engagement across communities in the state.
Some community leaders and party stalwarts who spoke at the event commended Ogunkuade for his loyalty to the party and his continued support for the governor despite not holding any political office.
They noted that his contributions to community development, including personal interventions and support initiatives, had earned him respect and credibility among the people.
According to them, the Kosere Movement has remained committed to grassroots empowerment over the past fifteen years, maintaining its relevance through consistent engagement and service to the people.
They added that the Movement’s activities in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government and the State at large were reflective of its broader commitment to supporting government efforts while directly addressing the needs of communities.
The Movement also distributed palliative food items in support of the Ounje BAO food initiatives across the state