By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A frontline chairmanship aspirant for Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Jegede Oyekunle Sunday, popularly known as JOYS, has pledged to run an accountable and transparent administration if elected.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after his screening at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ogba, Lagos, JOYS promised to uphold the independence of the legislative arm at the local level. He said elected councillors under his administration would perform their constitutional oversight duties without executive interference.
“There must be room for checks and balances. Councillors will carry out their monitoring roles effectively. That is how we will ensure transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Highlighting his edge over other aspirants, Jegede cited his long-standing loyalty to the APC, his academic background, and years of political experience, including serving as a ward and LGA party chairman.
“If given the opportunity to serve, I will first tackle the issue of accommodation, especially for youths and vulnerable groups. We can establish council-owned hostels and hotels to support those who cannot afford high rents,” he said.
JOYS also emphasized economic empowerment through agricultural development. “If Lagos can partner with Kebbi for Lake Rice, Ikosi-Isheri can do more. I plan to engage our able-bodied youths in mechanised farming, and even collaborate with other LGAs in the South-West to secure farmlands for food production.”
His agenda also includes focused support for widows and vulnerable women. According to him, empowerment must go beyond training. “It’s not enough to give someone a sewing machine without a shop. I will ensure they have both the tools and the space to work and generate income.”
On tackling administrative bottlenecks, JOYS promised to reduce bureaucracy to the barest minimum, arguing that excessive red tape slows down governance and service delivery.
The APC aspirant reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, promising to prioritize the welfare of residents, especially youths, women, and the underprivileged in the council area.