2027: Over 150 Associations Engage Seun Ashamu Campaign Council in Oyo, as Sunmonu Makes ₦30m Intervention

…Sen Monsura announces ₦20m for traders’ association building, additional ₦10m support; promises empowerment initiatives.

More than 150 associations comprising market men and women, artisans, traders, and other business groups across Oyo Federal Constituency met with the Seun Ashamu Campaign Council at an interactive meeting to strengthen dialogue with stakeholders and address issues affecting their members.

The meeting, held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, brought together representatives of various trade and artisan associations, political stakeholders, and Oyo Federal House of Representatives candidate, Hon. Temilolu Nurudeen Ashamu, popularly known as Seun Ashamu, under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), providing a platform for participants to raise concerns, make requests, and discuss areas of mutual interest.

A major highlight of the gathering was the announcement of a donation of ₦30 million in support by Senator Monsurat Olajumoke Sunmonu, a mother of the candidate, following an appeal by representatives of the traders’ association for assistance towards the completion of its ongoing building project.

Sunmonu announced ₦20 million specifically towards the completion of the association’s building project, while an additional ₦10 million was announced as further support for the traders’ association, bringing the total intervention to ₦30 million.

Welcoming participants to the meeting, the Director-General of the Seun Ashamu Campaign Council, Hon. Sakiru Ojo, expressed appreciation to representatives of the more than 150 associations in attendance, describing their participation as significant to the success of the engagement.

Ojo also commended members of the campaign council for their efforts in bringing together the various groups and acknowledged Senator Monsurat Sunmonu for what he described as her continued support and motherly role towards the people.

He explained that the meeting was a fulfilment of a commitment made during an earlier visit to the venue, stressing that the engagement was primarily organized to foster unity, strengthen relationships and create an avenue for direct interaction with traders, artisans and other Stakeholders across the constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the Painters Association, Mr. Abdul Kareem Oyedotun appreciated Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, Baba Loja of Oyo Land, and Alhaji Hon. Nureni Adesola Alade for their continued support for the association.

Oyedotun also expressed the association’s support for the APM candidates and called for sustained attention to the welfare and economic needs of artisans and traders across the constituency.

Similarly, Mr. Abdulrasaq of the National Association of Mobile Technicians (NATA) expressed appreciation to God and Senator Sunmonu for her support, while appealing for empowerment opportunities for members of the association.

He said access to empowerment programmes would enable mobile technicians and other members to expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute more effectively to the local economy.

Also speaking, Mama Ajiboye commended members of the State House of Assembly for what she described as their support for traders, particularly during the registration of trade and business activities.

She noted that the lawmakers had remained accessible whenever members of the association encountered challenges, adding that their assistance had extended beyond financial support to include personal encouragement and other forms of assistance.

The Iyaloja of Oyo Land also expressed appreciation to the organisers, participants and stakeholders who attended the meeting.

She described Seun Ashamu as a candidate for all and expressed confidence in the continued engagement between the candidate’s campaign structure and the people.

Responding to the concerns and requests raised by the various associations, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, speaking on behalf of the State House of Assembly candidates, expressed appreciation to God, Governor Seyi Makinde and Senator Monsurat Sunmonu for their contributions to the people.

Oyekola said Senator Sunmonu’s presence at the meeting provided an opportunity for the people to communicate their concerns directly, adding that she was available to listen to their requests and respond to issues affecting them.

In her remarks, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu expressed appreciation to God and Governor Seyi Makinde for what she described as the administration’s interventions across Oyo State.

She particularly recalled the fire incident at Akesan Market, noting that the intervention of the state government helped prevent the market from being abandoned and eventually becoming a dumping ground.

Sunmonu also highlighted the construction of the Gedu–Oroki–Sabo–Ashipa Road, saying the project had improved access along the route, which she noted had previously been difficult to navigate.

She added that further developmental projects were expected in the area, while assuring the various associations that their concerns would continue to receive attention.

The senator further assured the groups that empowerment programmes would be made available at the appropriate time, stressing the importance of supporting traders, artisans and other groups whose activities contribute to the local economy.

The meeting provided an opportunity for representatives of the different associations to present their expectations and concerns, with calls for more empowerment opportunities, business support and continued engagement with political and community stakeholders.

Participants also emphasised the importance of maintaining regular dialogue between organised groups and representatives of government and political structures to ensure that the needs of traders, artisans and residents are adequately communicated.

Among the dignitaries at the meeting were: thousands of Artisans, Market Men and women, Hon. Quadri Ajepe, Hon. Quadri Olatunji, Hon. Fariogun Adewale, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Seun Kosoro, and Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, alongside other members of the campaign council, political stakeholders and representatives of the various associations.

The event ended with appreciation from representatives of the participating associations, who acknowledged the engagement as an avenue for dialogue on issues affecting their businesses, livelihoods, and communities.