By Babalola Gafar
Tella made the declaration while addressing supporters and community leaders of Oke-Ogun in Abeokuta North local government on Friday where he urged residents to remain steadfast in their support.
According to him, the internal democratic process within the All Progressives Congress would ultimately favour him due to his track record among constituents.
“In our party, it’s consensus and direct primary. With the look of things, whichever way you want to look at it, I’m still the man to beat and I can say that authoritatively,”.
“I appeal to our people to stand firm. You know I’m a fighter, and I will always fight for my people and stand by them at all times”he said.
Speaking on his legislative achievements, the lawmaker revealed that he has played active roles in lawmaking since his election into the state assembly.
“When it comes to bill involvement, I have been involved in about 41 bills and motions in the House of Assembly, and that shows our commitment to quality representation,” he said.
Tella also expressed pride in his roots, noting that his identity as a grassroots politician has remained intact despite his political rise. “I’m very proud to have come from the Oke-Ogun community. I cannot sell my identity and I agree that I’m a village man. Everybody knows I’m from Isaga,” he stated.
The legislator further pointed to his empowerment programmes for constituents, claiming that his interventions in Abeokuta North were unprecedented.
“I have not seen a House of Assembly member who spent about ₦12 million on empowerment in the history of representation in Abeokuta North Local Government,” he added.
Speaking on his legislative focus, Tella said his first sponsored bill centered on rural and semi-urban integration, emphasizing the need to develop rural communities to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce rural-urban migration.
“The suffering in rural areas is largely due to neglect. If we develop rural roads, introduce technology into agriculture and provide basic amenities, things will improve greatly,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of embracing modern technology in agriculture, noting that innovations such as artificial intelligence could transform the sector.
“The world is moving forward and we must move with it. Today we are talking about Artificial Intelligence, and tomorrow it could be another innovation. Technology in agriculture, including artificial insemination and other modern practices, can significantly increase yields and farmers’ income,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Oke-Ogun Community, Hon. Ifekayode Akinbode, explained that the endorsement of Tella by leaders and residents of the community was based on his performance and experience in public service. According to him, Tella has demonstrated strong leadership qualities and an in-depth understanding of governance.
“Prince Babatunde Tella’s sterling performance has given credence to what an ideal representative should be. He is a communication scholar, an extremely gifted individual and a goal-getter who understands the workings of the legislative arm of government,” Ifekayode said.
He added that Tella’s contributions to governance and his support for the administration of the Ogun State governor have endeared him to the people of the constituency.
“With the support of the entire Oke-Ogun community, particularly wards 13, 14, 15 and 16, we unanimously endorsed him and everyone left the meeting happy,” he said.
Ifekayode noted that the community had set an agenda for the lawmaker to continue delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots if he eventually emerges as the party’s candidate and secures another term in office.
“We expect him to sustain the harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature and continue to bring development to Abeokuta North,” he added.
Meanwhile, Councilors, party executives and ward chairmen from the Oke-Ogun axis of Abeokuta North Local Government also thrown their weight behind the lawmaker endorsing him for another term in office.
