Consolidating the Gains, Sustaining the Progress
By Their Fruits, You Shall Know Them!
By Hon. Barr. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi
My dear people of Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II,
As I reflect on my first term as your representative in the House of Representatives, I am filled with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, the support you have extended to me, and the privilege of serving our constituency.
From the beginning of this journey, I have understood that representation is more than occupying a political office. It is about listening to the people, identifying their needs, pursuing practical solutions, creating opportunities, and working consistently to improve lives.
I also recognise that the challenges facing our constituency cannot all be resolved within a single term. Development is a continuous process that requires commitment, collaboration, accountability, and sustained effort.
As we look towards 2027, an important question deserves our consideration: having laid a foundation and pursued interventions across several areas of our constituency, should we abandon the progress made, or should we consolidate the gains, address the outstanding challenges, and work towards achieving even more?
My commitment remains clear: to build on the work already undertaken, pursue solutions to the problems that remain, and continue working towards a better future for Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.
That is the conviction behind the message: ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER!
Let me highlight some of the areas in which my representation has focused on infrastructure, human development, community welfare, and legislative responsibility.
1. Infrastructure: Lighting Up Our Communities
Functional infrastructure is essential to the growth, safety, and prosperity of our communities. One of my priorities has been the installation of solar-powered streetlights across Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.
Street lighting supports nighttime visibility, encourages commercial activities, improves the accessibility of neighbourhoods, and can contribute to safer public spaces for residents, traders, workers, and commuters.
Reported locations of solar streetlight interventions include:
- Dele Orishabiyi Street, Ago
- Century Street, Ago
- Mukandasi Street, Canal Estate
- CKC Catholic Church, Canal Estate
- Asa Afariogun Street
- Lateef Salami Street
- Maurice Nwakor Close
- Eyituoyo Omatsola Street
- Gbagi Street, formerly Nwobodo Eze
- Chief Mike Close
- Iyewa Street
- Jagun Close, off Ebiere Street
- Church Street
- Cele Bus Stop
- Okota Police Station
- Other streets and adjoining communities within the constituency
According to the project information available to my team, these interventions cover more than 1,000 solar streetlight units across the constituency.
While more communities require attention, my vision remains to support infrastructure that improves daily life and contributes to the development of our neighbourhoods.
2. Electricity: Strengthening Community Power Supply
Reliable electricity remains a major concern for households, artisans, traders, and small-business owners. Inadequate power supply increases operating costs, disrupts commercial activities, and places additional pressure on families.
Reported electricity-related interventions include:
- Installation of a 300KVA transformer in the Segun Awolowo community, Ejigbo.
- Provision of a 500KVA transformer for Ajoke Okusanya Community, Okota.
- Installation of a 500KVA transformer in Bucknor.
- Advocacy and support for the proposed upgrade of Itire Transmission Station from 30MVA to 60MVA.
I recognise that transformer installations and improvements in transmission capacity do not, by themselves, resolve every electricity challenge. Sustainable progress also requires effective collaboration with electricity distribution and transmission authorities, appropriate maintenance, and continued investment in the power infrastructure serving our communities.
I will continue to pursue engagement with relevant institutions and advocate interventions that can improve electricity infrastructure and create better conditions for households, artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs.
3. Road Rehabilitation: Connecting Our Communities
Good roads are essential to economic growth, mobility, education, healthcare, and everyday life. Poor road conditions increase transportation costs, damage vehicles, delay commercial activities, and make movement difficult for residents.
My constituency activities have included pursuing road-related interventions and engaging relevant authorities on infrastructure challenges affecting our communities.
Reported roads and locations receiving attention include:
- Ejigbo-Isolo-Mushin Road
- Segun Awolowo Street, Ejigbo
- Ago Palace Way, around Community Road Junction
- Community Road, Okota, where rehabilitation was flagged off
- Falana Street
- Kogberegbe Street
- Akinbaiye Street
- Ehingbeti Street and Ehingbeti Spur
- Olu Ajulo/Okeho Street
- Abimbola Street
- Cowbell Road
- Kamoru Adeyemi Street
- Jimoh Faronbi Street
- Chivita Road, Ajao Estate
- Olutosin Ajayi Street, Ajao Estate
- Ajibade Oke Street, Ajao Estate
These interventions involve projects and engagements at different stages, including advocacy and follow-up with the relevant authorities.
I understand that residents expect tangible results, and I share that expectation. My commitment is to continue pursuing road improvements, following up on outstanding interventions, and advocating for infrastructure that supports commerce, improves connectivity, and makes daily life easier.
4. Education: Investing in Our Children’s Future
Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty, expanding opportunity, and building a prosperous society.
Every child deserves access to quality learning opportunities, adequate educational facilities, and the support necessary to develop their abilities and pursue their ambitions.
Reported educational interventions during my representation include:
- Distribution of school desks, benches, books, and writing materials to schools within Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.
- Registration and distribution of free JAMB forms to eligible constituents.
- Construction of a two-classroom block with a teacher’s office at Gbeleyi Primary School, Ishagatedo.
- Construction of a six-classroom block at Okota Grammar School, Jakande, Ejigbo.
- Distribution of Children’s Day gifts to pupils across more than 20 schools.
- Advocacy for improved educational infrastructure and learning opportunities.
I have also pursued the proposed Federal Institute of Vocational and Entrepreneurship in Okota, Lagos State.
My belief is that education must extend beyond academic qualifications. Young people also need technical knowledge, practical skills, entrepreneurial training, and pathways towards economic independence.
I will continue to advocate educational opportunities that strengthen our schools, empower our children, and prepare the next generation for a more productive future.
5. Healthcare: Bringing Medical Services Closer to Our People
Access to healthcare is fundamental to human dignity and community wellbeing. For many families, the cost of consultations, medical investigations, medication, and treatment can create a significant financial burden.
My reported healthcare interventions include:
- A three-day free medical outreach in Okota in July 2024.
- A three-day free medical outreach in Ejigbo in August 2024.
- A two-day free eye clinic at Ajao Estate in April 2025.
- A two-day free eye clinic at Ishagatedo, Ire-Akari Estate, in February 2026.
- Medical outreaches in Ilasamaja, Ejigbo, Isolo, and Okota in 2026.
- Other community-based health interventions.
These programmes have sought to bring medical consultations, health screening, treatment, and eye-care services closer to constituents.
I recognise that more work is needed to improve healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable residents, children, older people, and low-income households.
I remain committed to supporting initiatives that bring essential medical services closer to our people and help reduce the burden of healthcare costs on families.
6. Women’s Empowerment: Strengthening Families and Communities
Women play indispensable roles in our economy as traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, and caregivers. Empowering women strengthens families, supports local enterprise, and contributes to broader community development.
Through the HOJ Foundation and its collaboration with Voices of Hope, women in Oshodi-Isolo II have reportedly benefited from empowerment and skills-development initiatives.
These programmes include:
- Business and entrepreneurship training.
- Soap-making and fish-farming training.
- Computer and information technology training.
- Distribution of sewing machines and other business tools.
- Start-up capital and cash grants for beneficiaries.
- Financial literacy and business-management training.
- Mentorship and small-business development support.
- Cooking competitions and other community-based empowerment activities.
My objective is to help more women acquire practical skills, access business opportunities, and improve their financial independence.
Empowerment should go beyond distributing equipment or providing short-term assistance. It should help beneficiaries build sustainable businesses, generate income, and support their families with greater confidence.
I will continue to support initiatives that strengthen women’s economic participation and extend opportunities to more constituents.
7. Youth Empowerment: Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
Our young people represent an important part of the future of Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II. They deserve opportunities to transform their talents, education, and ambitions into meaningful achievements.
Youth development must go beyond promises. It requires practical skills, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, mentorship, and access to employment and career opportunities.
Reported youth-development initiatives associated with my constituency activities include:
- Skills-acquisition programmes.
- Vocational training and entrepreneurship support.
- Capacity-development opportunities, including reported training engagements in China, South Africa, and Taiwan.
- Youth-focused empowerment programmes.
- Grassroots football competitions.
- Sports and talent-development initiatives.
- Support for young people pursuing employment and career opportunities.
Partnerships with training institutions, private organisations, employers, and development partners can help expand the reach and impact of these initiatives.
My ambition is to see more young people acquire marketable skills, establish businesses, secure employment, and contribute meaningfully to our constituency’s development.
I will continue to advocate programmes that promote productivity, confidence, self-reliance, and economic independence among our youth.
8. Agriculture and Small-Business Development
Agriculture and small businesses can generate employment, strengthen household incomes, and create pathways out of poverty.
Reported initiatives associated with my constituency activities include fish-farming training, practical business training, and support for beneficiaries interested in developing productive enterprises.
However, sustainable enterprise development requires more than initial training. It also depends on access to markets, technical assistance, mentorship, business-management knowledge, and appropriate start-up support.
My objective is to encourage constituents to turn their skills into productive activities and sustainable sources of income.
By strengthening entrepreneurship and supporting practical economic initiatives, we can create opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to prosper.
9. Water Supply: Addressing a Basic Human Need
Access to clean water is essential for health, sanitation, and everyday living. Communities need dependable water facilities that can serve households and reduce the difficulties associated with accessing this basic necessity.
Reported water-related interventions include:
- Rehabilitation of a borehole at Padana Street, beside Isolo Police Outpost.
- Rehabilitation of other abandoned boreholes across the constituency.
- Construction of a borehole at Anser Udeen Street, Ejigbo.
- Construction of a solar-powered borehole in Isolo.
- Construction of a borehole in Bucknor.
- Construction of a borehole in Ilasamaja.
- Rehabilitation of a borehole opposite the palace in Ejigbo, among other interventions.
I recognise that the value of water infrastructure depends not only on construction or rehabilitation but also on maintenance and continued functionality.
I will continue to support efforts to improve access to water and encourage appropriate follow-up to ensure that community facilities deliver lasting benefits.
10. Flooding and Environmental Management
Flooding remains a serious concern in parts of Lagos, threatening homes, businesses, roads, and public health.
Addressing this challenge requires careful assessment, effective drainage infrastructure, regular desilting, responsible waste disposal, and sustained cooperation among the relevant authorities and communities.
Reported interventions in this area include engagement with technical experts from the Ecological Fund Office and drainage assessments across Isolo, Okota, and Ejigbo.
I recognise that assessments must lead to practical solutions. Residents need effective responses to flooding risks and environmental challenges that affect their homes, businesses, and daily movement.
I will continue to advocate appropriate attention to these issues and pursue engagement aimed at protecting our communities and supporting a cleaner, safer, and more resilient environment.
11. Sports Development and Grassroots Talent Discovery
Sports can promote discipline, teamwork, healthy recreation, community unity, and opportunities for talented young people.
Reported grassroots sports initiatives associated with my constituency activities include:
- Grassroots Sports Championship Cup activities in Ejigbo.
- Talent-hunt programmes in Okota.
- Youth football tournaments.
- Community-based sports-development initiatives.
Our communities are home to young people with considerable sporting potential. They need platforms where their abilities can be discovered, developed, and connected to wider opportunities.
I will continue to support grassroots initiatives that encourage youth participation, strengthen community relationships, and create opportunities for promising athletes.
12. Food Support and Assistance to Vulnerable Constituents
Rising living costs and economic pressures have made life difficult for many households. I understand the burden faced by vulnerable constituents who struggle to meet basic needs.
Reported interventions have included food palliatives for constituents experiencing economic hardship and the distribution of food items and chickens to more than 8,000 constituents during the Yuletide period, according to the stewardship information available to my team.
Such assistance is intended to provide relief to households facing difficult circumstances.
At the same time, I believe temporary support should complement longer-term interventions that promote employment, entrepreneurship, skills development, and economic independence.
My commitment is to support initiatives that respond to immediate needs while pursuing opportunities capable of improving livelihoods over the long term.
13. Legislative Representation: Advancing the Interests of Our People
The responsibility of a member of the House of Representatives extends beyond constituency projects. It includes participating in lawmaking, raising issues of public importance, representing constituents’ concerns, and advocating policies that can improve the lives of Nigerians.
My reported legislative initiatives include bills and motions relating to education, transportation, governance, accountability, child welfare, local industry, and national development.
Among the notable initiatives attributed to my legislative record are the following:
Federal Institute of Vocational and Entrepreneurship, Okota
This initiative seeks to promote vocational education, practical skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
National Mass Transit Scheme Bill
This proposal seeks to establish a framework for an efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable mass-transit system.
Child Rights and Welfare Commission Bill
This proposal focuses on the protection of children’s rights and related welfare matters.
Functional Library and E-Library Bill
This proposal seeks to promote access to physical libraries and electronic learning resources across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
National Constituency Projects Management Commission Bill
This initiative seeks to establish a framework for the management of constituency projects.
Corporate Social Responsibility Commission Bill
This proposal concerns a framework for corporate social responsibility.
Accountability and Effective Governance Bill
This initiative seeks to promote accountability and effective governance in public service.
Local Content and Indigenous Industry Bill
This proposal seeks to give greater priority to local manufacturers and indigenous companies in public procurement.
My reported legislative record also includes other bills and motions relating to public administration, law enforcement, transportation, and national development.
According to the stewardship information available to my team, I have moved more than 300 motions in the House. I have also presented petitions on behalf of individuals and groups, providing a channel through which grievances and public-interest concerns can be brought before the National Assembly.
I recognise that legislative initiatives must be assessed according to their actual status, progress, and outcomes. The ultimate value of legislative representation lies in its contribution to stronger institutions, better accountability, and improved opportunities for citizens.
I will continue to pursue my legislative responsibilities with the aim of advancing the interests of our people and contributing to national development.
14. Community Engagement: Listening, Responding, and Following Through
Effective representation begins with listening.
Our communities understand their challenges. Residents know where roads require attention, where drainage is inadequate, where electricity infrastructure is insufficient, and where additional educational, healthcare, and empowerment opportunities are needed.
My constituency activities have included community engagement, infrastructure assessments, petitions, and interventions directed at issues affecting residents.
I recognise that representation must remain responsive and accountable. Constituents should be able to communicate their concerns, monitor projects, ask questions, and seek updates on interventions affecting their communities.
I do not believe that supporting development requires us to pretend that every problem has been solved. Rather, it requires us to acknowledge progress honestly, identify remaining gaps, and work together towards better results.
That is the spirit in which I intend to continue serving Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.
Why One Good Term Deserves Another
My dear constituents,
I know that our constituency continues to face challenges in electricity, healthcare, education, youth employment, road infrastructure, environmental management, and economic empowerment.
I do not take these concerns lightly. Our people deserve tangible results, and their expectations are legitimate.
However, I also believe that a fair assessment of my representation should consider the projects pursued, the initiatives undertaken, the legislative responsibilities discharged, and the opportunities created for our people.
When I reflect on the work undertaken across infrastructure, electricity, roads, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, youth development, water supply, sports, and legislative representation, I see a foundation upon which further progress can be pursued.
I know that a first term cannot solve every problem. But I believe that the progress made should be assessed fairly and that worthwhile interventions should be strengthened.
My vision for the future is to consolidate the gains, complete outstanding work, improve existing programmes, and expand development to more communities.
I do not ask for support merely because I occupy public office. I believe that constituents should assess my stewardship, examine the evidence, ask questions, and make informed decisions based on the record.
Leadership is a continuing responsibility. The trust of the people must be matched by commitment, accountability, and a willingness to do more.
For me, the argument for continuity is about building on the foundation already established while addressing the challenges that remain.
One good term deserves another when the people believe that the work undertaken provides a credible foundation for greater progress.
2027: Consolidating the Gains, Expanding the Opportunities
As we look towards 2027, I remain committed to a constituency where roads receive sustained attention, communities benefit from improved infrastructure, children have better educational opportunities, young people acquire useful skills, women strengthen their businesses, and vulnerable residents can access essential support.
I want to see more opportunities for our people.
I want to see development reach more communities.
I want to see existing programmes strengthened and outstanding challenges addressed.
Above all, I want our people to remain at the centre of every decision and every intervention undertaken in their interest.
The next phase must build on the work already done while demanding an even greater commitment to measurable results.
To the traders who need better infrastructure, the students seeking educational support, the young people pursuing opportunities, the women building businesses, the families who need healthcare, and the communities demanding improved public services, I recognise your expectations.
Your concerns matter, and the work of representation must continue to respond to them.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I remain conscious of the responsibilities that come with this mandate, and I recognise that public service must ultimately be judged by its impact on the people.
As we look towards the future, I invite our constituents to assess the record, engage constructively, and remain committed to building a better Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.
My commitment is to consolidate the gains, complete the work, address the remaining challenges, and expand opportunities for our people.
ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER!
HON. OKEY-JOE 2027
Consolidate the Gains. Complete the Work. Expand the Opportunities.
Responsive Representation. Visible Impact. Sustainable Development.
Together, let us continue working towards a constituency where development reaches more communities, opportunities are available to more people, and the needs of our constituents remain a priority.
OKEY-JOE LEEKANSI!
NDC — TOP TO BOTTOM!
Hon. Barr. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi