The Deputy Chief Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Tella, has explained that his decision to sponsor the Scavenger and Waste Dealers Bill was borne out of the need to tackle vandalism and theft being perpetrated by some scrap collectors popularly known as “bola bola boys.”
Tella disclosed this on Friday during the commissioning of his borehole projects across Abeokuta North state constituency.
Hon. Tella, who represents Abeokuta North State Constituency, noted that the bill has passed through second reading and committee stages in the Assembly.
According to him, the legislation seeks to check the menace of scavengers who often vandalize government properties and steal private properties, especially items containing iron and steel.
“Most of our people are crying because of the activities of these ‘bola bola’ boys. They steal almost anything that has iron, including government properties . As a result, there is need for stringent measures to curb this menace. That is why I sponsored the bill,” Tella said.
He added that the proposed law would also empower community members to apprehend suspected vandals and hand them over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Beyond legislative efforts, Hon. Tella has also continued to deliver constituency projects. He facilitated borehole projects across several wards in Abeokuta North Local Government.
The beneficiaries include residents of Oriyanrin (Ward 11), Ikija (Ward 2), Gaa/Afonta/Lafenwa (Ward 8), Obasa (Ward 9), Elega Housing Estate (Ward 4), and Iberekodo (Ward 5).
Just last week, boreholes were also facilitated in Idi-Ori (Ward 16), Olosun (Ward 12), Federal Housing Oke-Ata (Ward 16), and Isaga Orile (Ward 15).
Speaking at the commissioning, Tella expressed gratitude to his constituents for their support and reiterated his commitment to serving them.
“This is a way of giving back and thanking the people for voting for the APC during the last election,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Forestry in Ogun State Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, described the borehole projects as a thing of joy for the benefiting communities.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing funds that enabled lawmakers to execute constituency projects, while praising Tella for his performance.
“I have never doubted Prince Tella’s capacity. He is a performer any day, any time. He truly has the interest of his constituents at heart,” Oludotun said, expressing optimism that Tella would achieve even more if re-elected.
Also speaking, Hon. Adekunle Adeshina, a leader in Abeokuta North and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, lauded Tella’s intellectual contributions in the Assembly, describing him as one of the “powerhouses” of the legislature.
“I’ll beat my chest and say that Prince Hon. Babatunde Tella is an achiever, he has done a lot to allow people like us to talk about his achievements, you cannot quantify his achievements through physical things like this.
“You need to go to the house and measure his input, he get involved in every good sensible debate , he’s one of the power houses of the house and then we are praying and working hard to make sure that he is elevated to higher position.
“Naturally provision of water is expected of any good government, to give physical infrastructure to his people and in that direction, he’s also doing very well . But I’m more impressed by his intellectual contribution in the house . He’s doing well . He still has far place to go.Because he still has a long way to go , I’ll for now give him 70% and encourage him to go and continue to do more “.
On her part, the APC Chairman in Abeokuta North Local Government Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, praised Tella’s performance, noting that he had delivered more than some past representatives.
She urged the community to take responsibility for maintaining the boreholes, and encouraged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to strengthen the party’s chances in future elections.
Similarly, the Governor’s Liaison Officer in Abeokuta North, Hon. Wale Bello, recalled the health challenges faced by residents in the past due to reliance on contaminated river water.
He described the borehole projects as a life-saving intervention and urged the communities to ensure security and maintenance of the facilities.
“We knew before he became the member of Ogun State house of assembly, so we are not disappointed, this is what we expected and we are getting what we have earlier expected, the borehole will go along way .
“So what we have seen today, the era of going to the river to fetch water that you are going to drink is gone . In this area, all they need to do is to go to the borehole fetch water and drink . This is a laudable project.
“When project like this are put in place , you don’t expect Dr Tella to come and give it security, his own is provision, maintenance securing , the community members should do everything humanly possible, not only to secure, but maintenance as well”.
Former APC chairman in Abeokuta North, Alhaji Akeem Sobayo, also commended Hon. Tella for his outstanding performance, recalling his impressive track record as transition chairman of the local government.
“ Hon Tella is performing very well, because he knows what his constituency need. I’m always proud of him . When he was the transition chairman of Abeokuta North, he did very well. If he intend to go for second tenure, I will want our people to support him because he his performing very well in the house of assembly”.
Dignitaries Present were: Party chairman Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, Commissioner for Forestry Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, Hon. Lukman Adiro, Hon. Taye Egbeyemi, Chief Ayorinde (Education Secretary), Alh. Saaba Olanrewaju, Alh. Sobayo, Hon. Dr. Bello, Prince Oniyide, Prince Lekan Salako, Chief Sobande, Chief Seun Akinpelu, Hon. Ayo Oluajo, Alhaja Sobande, Alhaja Mufuli, Alhaja Bola Lanode, Mrs. Bademosi, Hon. Oscar, Hon. Fakorede, Hon. Kunle Afolabi, Mr. Gafar Babalola , Mr. Peter Enitan, Mr. Akintade (Ten Ten), Mr. Omosowon ,S.A Women Affairs, Abeokuta North among others.
