A groundswell of support has emerged from the grassroots of Lagos Mainland Local Government as market women,traders, artisans, youths, and other community members rallied together to purchase the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for Amodu Shehu, the son of a local pepper seller, to contest in the upcoming Local Government elections.
During his official declaration on Friday, hundreds of residents, market women, artisans, political bigwigs, Nollywood actors and youths gathered to support Amodu Shehu, an astute Information Technology professional.
Shehu, the son of a popular pepper seller in the famous Oyingbo market, is the current chairman of APC Ward F, one of the most active and populated wards in the area.
While declaring his ambition to become the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government and announcing that he had successfully obtained the form with the support of market women, artisans, traders and well-wishers, the supporters were seen jubilating and singing, while others wept over the aspirant’s emotional speech.
Shehu told the mammoth crowd that he would lead a pro-people agenda, promising that he would spend everyday in office ensuring that people get the dividends of democracy, if elected.
While narrating the pains of growing up in Lagos Mainland, he noted that he would prioritise education, youth empowerment, health, infrastructural development and economic viability of Lagos Mainland.
He said, “With my success story as a son of a pepper seller, in a community filled with broken dreams and unfulfilled aspirations, I boldly say, nobody knows where the shoe hurts, more than my humble self, and together with your support we can better the fortune of the unborn children.
“With love for our community and a fierce commitment to a vision of rapid progress for our ever-growing population, and following wide-ranging consultations, I offer myself to serve you as the next Lagos Mainland Local Government Chairman. I seek the opportunity to offer our communities; visionary, purposeful, and competent leadership to build our future.
“Fellow mainlanders, it is with pleasure and all sense of calmness that I inform you, I come aboard this contestation of ideas, and values with a daring wealth of experience at several levels, ranging from private sector exposure as an ICT expert, and an in-depth knowledge about financial sector having spent over a decade in a topmost tier II financial institution.”
He, subsequently, appealed to all major stakeholders of All Progressives Congress in Lagos Mainland Local Government and by extension Lagos central senatorial district, all community leaders, CDA representatives and well-meaning mainlanders, “to support me on this mission, to implement, the well thought out solutions to current our socioeconomic realities, which I have crafted and would be unveiling for your scrutiny this moment.”
A prominent market leader, Mama Iyabo, in an emotional-laden voice stated, “Shehu is one of us. He is the boy who ran through our markets, who learned the value of hard work at his mother’s stall, who felt the pulse of our community in every fiber of his being. He is the embodiment of our collective hopes and aspirations.”
On his part, a youth leader, and Councillor of Ward G in the area, Hon. Biliaminu Olamilekan Saka, emphasised the significance of Shehu’s candidacy for the younger generation.
He said, “Shehu represents a new generation of leadership – a leadership that is dynamic, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the youth. He has a proven track record of mobilizing young people for positive change, and we are excited about the prospect of him bringing his energy and passion to local government.”
Councillor of Ward D, Hon. Ayodele Isiekwene, added, “Amodu’s candidacy is a testament to the power of our community. The overwhelming support from our market women, our vibrant youth, and indeed, all corners of our constituency, speaks volumes. He is one of us, understands our needs, and will be a true voice for the people as APC Chair.”
