Youth O’Clock in Oriire as Sarafa ‘Owonikoko’ Declares for Council Chairmanship, Unveils ‘Irúgbìn’ Agenda
Hon. Isiaka Sarafa Owonikoko, the incumbent Chairman of the Oriire Youth Council and Assistant Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government, has formally declared his intention to contest for the office of the Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government in the forthcoming local government election.
The declaration marks the beginning of a people-centered movement anchored on the campaign theme, “Irúgbìn”, a Yoruba word meaning “Seed.” According to the aspirant, the theme symbolizes hope, growth, transformation, and the deliberate planting of ideas and policies that will yield lasting development across all communities in Oriire Local Government.
A proud son of the Owonikoko Family in Ikoyi-Ile, the headquarters of Oriire Local Government, Hon. Owonikoko is a graduate of Electrical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. Over the years, he has distinguished himself through active community service and youth leadership, earning recognition for his commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance.
Speaking on his aspiration, Hon. Owonikoko stated that his decision to seek the mandate of the people was inspired by his passion to build a more united, secure, and prosperous Oriire.
He noted that his experience as Chairman of the Oriire Youth Council and his current role in the administration of the local government have provided him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges confronting the people, as well as the opportunities available to accelerate development.
Presenting his vision, the aspirant outlined key priority areas that will guide his administration if elected. These include promoting unity and balanced development across all ten wards of Oriire Local Government, strengthening security through closer collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders, improving educational standards, supporting farmers through agricultural development initiatives, creating employment opportunities by revitalising the Vocational Training Centre at the Local Government Secretariat, advancing rural infrastructure, and improving access to quality healthcare services.
According to him, “Irúgbìn is more than a campaign slogan; it is a philosophy of governance. Every great harvest begins with planting a seed. Together, we must plant the seeds of unity, security, development, and prosperity so that future generations can reap a better Oriire.”
Hon. Owonikoko called on party leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, elders, stakeholders, and all sons and daughters of Oriire, both at home and in the diaspora, to support the vision of building a local government where every ward enjoys equal opportunities, every community experiences meaningful development, and every resident can thrive in peace and security.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparent, accountable, and inclusive leadership, expressing confidence that with the collective support of the people, Oriire Local Government can attain greater heights.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the local government election, Hon. Isiaka Sarafa Owonikoko’s declaration adds a fresh voice to the race, with the “Irúgbìn” campaign presenting a message of hope and a commitment to planting the seeds of sustainable development for a greater Oriire.