The Media Team of Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, has responded to a recent analysis by Ashiwaju Adegboyega Yekini on the performance of elected lawmakers from Oyo State, offering clarifications and a detailed account of the senator’s achievements over the past two years.
In a statement signed by Kunle Olatunji on behalf of the media team, the response acknowledged the importance of public accountability and appreciated the attempt to assess lawmakers’ performance. However, it expressed concern over perceived inaccuracies in the report, particularly the portrayal of Senator Akintunde’s visibility and accessibility to his constituents.
“While we recognize the analysis as an effort to uphold accountability, we believe that the portrayal of Senator Akintunde falls short of accuracy and may have been based on limited information or misjudgment,” the statement read.
The media team emphasized that Senator Akintunde has delivered significantly on his legislative responsibilities, highlighting critical bills he has sponsored, including the conversion of the Federal School of Surveys in Oyo to the Federal University of Geomatics and the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, to the Federal University of Special Education. Both bills have passed second readings and await final stages before becoming law.
Beyond lawmaking, Senator Akintunde has implemented numerous impactful constituency projects and empowerment programs. These include:
- Over 10 constituency empowerment events across different zones, benefiting over 50,000 artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs.
- Distribution of 4,000 eco-friendly cooking stoves to promote environmental and health safety.
- Installation of solar-powered boreholes in each of the 118 wards in the district.
- Road, drainage, and bridge repairs in multiple communities.
- A 14km road project worth N14 billion captured in the 2024 budget.
- Reconstruction of schools and hospitals, construction of ICT centres, and more.
The senator has also facilitated job opportunities for constituents in various federal agencies, including the Police Service Commission, FIRS, and Fire Service.
On the issue of visibility, the media team clarified that while Senator Akintunde maintains a demanding schedule at the Senate, he has put structures in place to stay connected with his constituents. This includes appointing four Special Assistants, 22 Liaison Officers (two per local government), and Community Relations Coordinators across the three zones of the district. These aides help provide feedback, conduct needs assessments, and maintain constant engagement with stakeholders.
Senator Akintunde, now Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South West Development Commission, is expected to expand his reach and influence in bringing more developmental initiatives to Oyo Central Senatorial District.
The media team concluded by reaffirming the senator’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy, noting that more achievements and verifiable records of performance will be made public in the weeks ahead.
“Senator Akintunde remains a humble, principled, and highly committed representative of the people,” Olatunji stated. “He is poised to be rightly called ‘Senator Do More’ as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gains momentum.”
