Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin, popularly known as J’Icon, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government under the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), promising to prioritise security, infrastructure, youth empowerment and grassroots development.
In his declaration, Akin said his decision followed extensive consultations, careful reflection and a desire to serve the people of Oriire at a critical period marked by insecurity and socio-economic challenges.
The aspirant, who hails from the family of the Are-Ago of Kedo in Ward 5, described himself as a grassroots politician and youth leader with years of experience in public service and community development.
Akin is the immediate past member representing Oriire State Constituency at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, where he served as Chief Whip and Public Relations Officer of the Ogbomoso Caucus. He also previously served as Special Assistant on New Media to a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joshua Olagunju Ojo, and as New Media Aide to former Oyo State commissioners, Professors Raphael Afonja and Dahud Shangodoyin.
Reflecting on the recent wave of kidnappings and attacks in Oriire, the chairmanship hopeful expressed sympathy with affected families, saying the security situation had disrupted farming, business and daily life across the local government.
“As a son of Oriire, I share in this pain. I mourn with every family that has suffered loss, pray for the safe return of those still in captivity and stand in solidarity with every community affected by these unfortunate incidents,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Akin expressed optimism that Oriire could regain its peace and prosperity through visionary and people-oriented leadership.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for strengthening security through intelligence-led operations and support for the Oyo State Amotekun Corps. He also praised the Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government, Hon. Michael Alabi Olateju, for working with security agencies to address the security situation.
Presenting his agenda, Akin identified security as the foundation of his proposed administration, pledging to work closely with security agencies, Amotekun, local vigilante groups, traditional rulers and neighbouring local governments to improve intelligence gathering and community policing.
He also promised to improve road infrastructure across the local government’s nearly 800 communities to facilitate transportation, boost agriculture and stimulate economic activities.
Other priorities outlined by the aspirant include providing potable water across the ten wards of the local government, reviving the vocational training centre to empower youths and women through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, and improving the standard of basic education.
Describing his ambition as “a call to service,” Akin pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, humility and accountability if elected.
He appealed to party leaders, stakeholders, traditional rulers, women, youths and residents of Oriire, including those in the diaspora, to support his aspiration.
“Let us choose hope over despair. Let us work together to build an Oriire where our farmers can return safely to their farms, our children can learn without fear, our youths are empowered and every community enjoys the dividends of good governance,” he said.
