Campaign Story

Manifesto for a New Era in Apapa Iganmu LCDA Candidate: Olalekan-Bello Afis “OBA”
Party: Labour Party
Position: Chairman, Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA)

1. My Journey: From Obale to Opportunity

Born over 30 years ago on Akorede Street, Apapa Iganmu, I spent my formative years on Obale Street, where my mother ran a small shop. Nicknamed “Kolombia” for my passion for football, I grew up in Ijora Badia, witnessing firsthand the challenges of inadequate infrastructure, substandard education, and limited opportunities. Despite these obstacles, I pursued education relentlessly, working at Apapa Wharf during my secondary school years to fund my WAEC and JAMB exams. My determination led me to graduate from Kwara State Polytechnic in 2011, where I served as President of the Accountancy Students. My professional journey began at GTBank (2013–2015), after which I transitioned into microfinance to support underserved communities. Rising to the position of Deputy Managing Director at a microfinance bank, I co-founded our own institution in 2018 with my wife. Today, we serve over 20,000 low-income women across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Kwara states, with more than 5,000 market women supported in Apapa Iganmu alone.

2. Why I Am Running

Our community has long been marginalized, with persistent issues such as broken roads, inadequate sanitation, and youth unemployment. Many of our vibrant youths have been reduced to tools in the hands of the powerful, trading their potential for empty promises. I have lived these struggles and understand the urgent need for change. My candidacy is a call to action—to restore dignity, opportunity, and hope to Apapa Iganmu.

3. Vision for Apapa Iganmu

1. Infrastructure Development

• Rehabilitate and maintain roads to improve connectivity. 
• Implement effective waste management systems for a cleaner environment. 
• Ensure consistent access to clean water and electricity. 

1. Education and Youth Empowerment

• Upgrade existing schools and provide necessary learning materials. 
• Establish vocational training centers to equip youths with employable skills. 
• Offer scholarships and mentorship programs to support academic excellence. 

1. Economic Growth and Job Creation

• Support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through microloans and grants. 
• Create job opportunities by attracting investments and encouraging local entrepreneurship. 
• Promote skill acquisition programs to reduce unemployment. 

1. Health and Social Services

• Improve primary healthcare centers to provide quality medical services. 
• Initiate health awareness campaigns focusing on preventive care. 
• Support vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. 

1. Good Governance and Transparency

• Implement open-door policies to encourage community participation in decision-making. 
• Ensure transparency in the allocation and utilization of resources. 
• Establish feedback mechanisms for residents to voice concerns and suggestions. 

1. Technological Advancement

• Establish the largest tech and innovation hubs in Apapa Iganmu to foster digital skills and entrepreneurship among youths. 
• Partner with tech companies and educational institutions to provide training and mentorship programs. 

1. Affordable Housing

• Develop affordable housing units in every ward to address the housing deficit and provide decent living conditions for residents. 
• Collaborate with private sector partners to finance and construct these housing projects. 

1. Social Rehabilitation

• Implement rehabilitation programs for individuals involved in thuggery, prostitution, and other social vices, providing them with counseling, education, and vocational training. 
• Establish support centers to facilitate their reintegration into society. 

1. Educational Resources

• Construct and equip libraries in every ward to promote literacy and lifelong learning. 
• Ensure these libraries are accessible to all residents, including children, youths, and adults. 

4. Our Call to Action

This is more than a campaign; it’s a movement to reclaim our community’s future. I invite every resident of Apapa Iganmu to join hands in this transformative journey. Together, we can build a community where every child has access to quality education, every youth has employment opportunities, and every resident lives with dignity. Slogan:
“Enough of the Suffering. We Deserve Better.” Let’s rewrite our story together. A new era starts with us.