Hundreds of party faithful, community leaders, stakeholders, and a significant number of non partisan residents on Tuesday converged on Aisegba Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area as a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Princess Teju Okuyiga, formally declared her intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat to represent Ekiti South Federal Constituency II under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The declaration, which drew an enthusiastic crowd from Gbonyin, Aiyekire, Emure, and Ekiti East Local Government Areas, turned into a show of solidarity as speakers at the event described the lawmaker as a tested grassroots politician whose track record in the state legislature has earned her wide acceptance across political and social divides.
The gathering, held at Aisegba Ekiti, witnessed an outpouring of endorsements from ward executives, party elders, youth groups, market women, and professionals who took turns to commend the aspirant’s style of representation, noting that her accessibility and responsiveness had distinguished her among her contemporaries in the state assembly.
Popularly referred to as ASOJU AYIYE ( Worthy Representative) many of the speakers stressed that Okuyiga’s emergence as the party’s candidate would not only strengthen the electoral chances of the APC in the constituency but would also guarantee effective representation at the federal level, given her legislative experience and consistent engagement with her constituents.
Declaring her ambition before the cheering audience, Okuyiga said she was stepping forward with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility, emphasizing that effective representation remains the critical link between campaign promises and tangible development outcomes for the people.
She stated that her experience as a serving lawmaker had provided her with firsthand insight into the transformative power of responsive leadership, adding that her decision to seek a higher office was informed by the need to expand the scope of her service and consolidate on the gains recorded under the current administration in the state.
Okuyiga expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, describing his administration as progressive and people oriented, while pledging her continued loyalty and alignment with the broader vision of sustainable development and inclusive governance in Ekiti State.
Highlighting her legislative journey, the aspirant maintained that her years in office had been marked by visibility, accessibility, and a deliberate focus on grassroots development, noting that her political structure cuts across wards and communities within the constituency.
She said her interventions in the education sector have remained one of the cornerstones of her representation, citing the award of bursaries to students of tertiary institutions from Gbonyin and Aiyekire, alongside continuous provision of grants to indigent students to ease the burden of academic expenses on families.
According to her, the distribution of mechanical lawn mowers to secondary schools across the constituency was part of efforts to improve the learning environment and instill a sense of responsibility among students and school authorities in maintaining their facilities.
In the area of economic empowerment, Okuyiga recalled that in 2022 alone, she facilitated direct cash support to over one thousand families, households, and individuals, describing the intervention as a deliberate attempt to cushion the effects of economic hardship and uplift vulnerable groups.
She further noted that within her first one hundred days in office, she organized empowerment programmes targeting secondary schools, while also extending financial support to petty traders and artisans as part of broader poverty alleviation strategies.
The lawmaker pointed to the construction of one hundred lock up shops across the ten wards of the constituency as a landmark achievement aimed at boosting local commerce, creating opportunities for small scale entrepreneurs, and strengthening the informal economy.
On infrastructure, Okuyiga explained that she facilitated the laying of laterite on critical sections of the road linking Ekiti State Airport Junction to Imesi on two different occasions, thereby improving accessibility and easing transportation challenges for residents.
She also highlighted her intervention on the federal road between Iluomoba and Ijan Ekiti, where she supplied multiple truckloads of stones to repair failed portions, noting that the effort restored motorability and prevented further accidents after several trailers had overturned along the route.
Addressing health and social welfare, the aspirant recalled her role during the COVID 19 lockdown, when relief materials were distributed to households across the constituency to ensure that no family was left without support during the difficult period.
She added that her “Omi Teju” initiative, which focuses on the provision of potable water through borehole projects, has significantly improved access to clean water in several communities, thereby contributing to better public health outcomes.
In the area of employment, Okuyiga said she facilitated job opportunities for qualified constituents in both state and federal establishments, stressing that employment generation remains central to her vision of reducing poverty and enhancing dignity among the people.
She also listed the facilitation of developmental projects such as the siting of de stoning rice mills in Ode and Aisegba as part of her contributions to agricultural value chain development, noting that such projects have the potential to boost local production and create jobs.
The lawmaker further disclosed that she played a role in the upgrading of general hospitals in Ode Ekiti and Ijan Ekiti, alongside other health facilities, describing the interventions as necessary steps towards improving access to quality healthcare in rural communities.
Speaking on gender representation, Okuyiga expressed concern over the low number of women in the national legislature, stating that her aspiration represents an opportunity to bridge the gap and amplify the voices of women, families, and vulnerable groups at the federal level.
She emphasized that her identity as a woman, wife, and mother has equipped her with a deeper understanding of the socio economic realities facing households, adding that she would bring empathy, strength, and credibility to legislative duties if elected.
Reaffirming her loyalty to the APC, the aspirant assured party leaders and members of her dependability, pledging not to betray the trust reposed in her if given the party’s ticket, while promising to work tirelessly for electoral victory.
Okuyiga noted that her agenda at the House of Representatives would focus on attracting federal projects, strengthening constituency engagement, and ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt in every ward, polling unit, and household.
She acknowledged that securing the party’s nomination would require unity, strong political structure, and the backing of party leaders, and therefore appealed for their support and blessing as she embarks on the journey.
The declaration event ended on a note of optimism, with chants and endorsements from supporters who expressed confidence that Okuyiga’s candidacy would usher in a new phase of development and effective representation for Ekiti South Federal Constituency II.
