INTERVIEW: Why I am aspiring to be Oriire LG Chairman— J’ICON 

*JOSHUA OJO ADEREMI AKIN, J’ICON*  

_Aspiring Executive Chairman, Oriire Local Government_

*1. Can we meet you?*  

Thank you. My name is Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin, popularly known as J’Icon. I am a proud son of the Are-Ago family of Kedo in Ward 5, Oriire LGA. I studied Urban and Regional Planning at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso. I completed my National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, at the Oyo State House of Assembly during the 2018/2019 service year.

*2. You’ve held several leadership positions over the years. Could you briefly tell us about your leadership journey?*  

Leadership has defined my journey for many years. Since 2011, I have served in various student and youth organizations. I was National Secretary of the Ogbomoso Students’ Union, Vice President and pioneer Senate President of the Federation of Oriire Students’ Union, FORSU, and a co-founder of the Oriire Youth Council, OYC. I also represented Oriire State Constituency in the Oyo State Youth Parliament, where I served as Chief Whip and Public Relations Officer of the Ogbomoso Caucus. These roles gave me valuable experience in leadership, advocacy, and public service.

*3. You also worked in government. How has that prepared you for this aspiration?*  

I served as Special Assistant on New Media to the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joshua Olagunju Ojo, and later as New Media Aide to Prof. Raphael Afonja and Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, former Commissioners for Public Works and Transport in Oyo State. Those experiences exposed me to governance, public administration, policy implementation, and the importance of responsive leadership.

*4. What inspired your decision to contest for Executive Chairman?*  

I recently completed my tenure at the Oyo State Youth Parliament. Rather than seek a second term, I chose to challenge myself on a bigger platform. My passion for serving Oriire dates back to my days as a student union activist at LAUTECH.

Following recent security challenges in our communities, I realized our local security outfits need greater motivation, improved training, and better resources. I also believe one of the best ways to empower our people and drive development is from a position where I can influence policy and mobilize support.

After wide consultation, careful reflection, and prayer, I decided to offer myself for service. Oriire deserves empathetic, visionary, and people-centred leadership.

*5. Security has become a major concern in Oriire. What is your position on this?*  

Security will be the foremost priority of my administration because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear. We will work closely with security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, community vigilante groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and neighbouring LGAs to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and restore confidence so our people can live, farm, and do business safely.

*6. You acknowledged the efforts of the state and local governments in your declaration. Why was that important?*  

Leadership should embrace continuity where progress has been made. I appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for investments in security, intelligence-led operations, and support for the Amotekun Corps. I also commend the Executive Chairman of Oriire LGA, Hon. Michael Alabi Olateju, for working with security agencies during these challenging times. While more work remains, it is important to acknowledge genuine efforts.

*7. Beyond security, what other priorities do you have for Oriire?*  

My vision is centred on five key areas: strengthening security, improving road infrastructure, providing access to potable water, empowering youths and women through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, and improving the quality of basic education. These are practical areas that directly impact our people.

*8. Road infrastructure remains a challenge in many rural communities. What is your plan?*  

Oriire has nearly 800 communities, and connectivity is essential for development. Good roads will boost agriculture, commerce, healthcare access, and economic activities. My administration will pursue strategic partnerships and advocate for road projects that connect our communities and open up economic opportunities.

*9. How do you intend to address unemployment among young people?*  

Youth empowerment is central to my vision. We will revive the Vocational Training Centre at the Local Government Secretariat and introduce practical skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, and empowerment initiatives to make our youths and women economically productive.

*10. Education is also one of your priorities. What should the people expect?*  

During my tenure at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, I partnered with the Oriire Youth Council to launch an annual Pre-UTME Quiz Competition in 2024. The initiative prepares candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, and encourages academic excellence. Outstanding participants received free UTME registration sponsored by partners.

Going forward, I will expand this to include inter-primary and inter-secondary school academic competitions across Oriire LGA. Education is the foundation of sustainable development. We will improve learning environments, support quality basic education, and ensure children in Oriire can compete favourably with peers anywhere in Nigeria.

*11. Some people may say you are still young. Why should they trust you with this responsibility?*  

Leadership is not defined by age but by vision, competence, integrity, character, and a proven record of service. My years in student leadership, youth development, legislative advocacy, and public service have prepared me for this responsibility. I have the energy, experience, and commitment to serve effectively.

*12. Where do you see Oriire in the next four years if elected?*  

I see an Oriire where our communities are secure, farmers cultivate without fear, roads connect opportunities, youths and women are economically empowered, schools produce confident and competitive students, and the local government becomes a model of transparent, people-centred governance in Oyo State. That is the Oriire I am committed to building with our people.

*13. What message do you have for the people of Oriire?*  

This aspiration is not about me; it is about our collective future. I humbly seek the support, prayers, and encouragement of our leaders, stakeholders, youths, women, elders, and every indigene of Oriire at home and in the diaspora. Together, let us rise above fear and division. Let us build an Oriire where farmers return safely to their farms, children learn without fear, roads connect opportunities, youths are empowered, and every community enjoys the dividends of good governance.

*14. Finally, why should Oriire vote for Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin, J’Icon?*  

Because I offer proven leadership, grassroots experience, integrity, and a genuine passion for the development of Oriire. I understand our challenges because I have lived among our people. I am committed to working with every stakeholder to build a safer, stronger, more prosperous, and more united Oriire.

I am prepared to lead with integrity, humility, transparency, and accountability. Together, we can build the safer, stronger, and greater Oriire our people deserve.