Why I Contested For House Of Representative Seat - Hon Akinwunmi
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, Hon. Olufemi Akinwunmi, has restated his determination to represent the good people of Remo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Speaking during an interview, he explained that his activities are geared towards a clean and hygienic environment in the state. He also stressed the need for the people to support his ambition as he contests for a seat at the National Assembly. Excerpts:
Q: In summary, your profile sir?
A: I am a trained pharmacist. I graduated from the University of Benin and I have worked in several private organisations before I established my own company.I have an NGO that provides free medical services to the people, more importantly at the grassroot level. I was appointed by the Governor of the Gateway State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, as his Senior Special Assistant on the Environment.
Q: Talking about hygienic environment in the state, what has been your impact so far?
A: Basically, we have reviewed existing laws as regards hygienic environment because we have observed a lot of gaps and efforts have been made to make amendments were necessary. There is what we call environment impact assessment, we have worked very hard on that and make industries and organisations that fall short to pay penalties more importantly in the area of environmental pollution.We have been able to manage our drainage system, clearing our canals and demolishing illegal structures blocking the free flow of water, we have done a lot regarding the improvement of the environment because it is key to the healthy living of the people.We have also extended the crusade to parks and garages and they are now a part of our campaign for a hygienic environment. We have a state Commissioner for Environment that is up to the task of doing what is necessary.
Q: There are speculations that you intend to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives, how true is this?
A: One of the ways to attract Federal Government presence to Remo Federal Constituency is to elect a credible candidate that has what it takes to provide functional leadership structures.In a democratic setting, there must be a synergy between the executive and legislators to ensure good governance, our former lawmaker Mrs. Onanuga did well when she was in office, agitating for the basic needs for her people.During her days, she approached the various federal government agencies to ensure that her federal constituency gets a fair share of democracy dividends, she also took a step further to make policies that will protect the interest of her people.
I intend to build on some of her legacies to improve the living conditions of the people, I have identified some of the challenges confronting the people and I have put strategies in place to bring succour to our people. Security, we will reduce the crime rate by creating jobs for the people, policy formation will be done to move the youth out of the street, seminars, conferences will be done to encourage the youths to tow the line of productivity.
Q: Prince Dapo Abiodun is celebrating six years in office, how can you assess his administration?
A: He has done extremely well, most importantly in the area of road infrastructure, agricultural revolution, education, constructing healthcare centers and more. It is our prayers that his administration will continue to succeed in office.What we need to do as a people is to continue to support him in prayers so that he will continue to do the needful for the state.
