A prominent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert and researcher Hon. Ahmed Babajide Olanrewaju popularly known as Abono has officially declared his intention to contest for the Irepodun Constituency seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Olanrewaju, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Director of ICT at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, made his formal declaration before party leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in his ancestral home of Arandun, Irepodun Local Government Area.
In a speech titled “Irepodun Deserves More, And I Am Ready To Deliver It,” the aspirant, who is the son of a respected community leader Alhaji Yusuff Olarewaju (Sir K), stated that his ambition is fueled by a dogged determination to tap into the constituency’s dormant potential through technology-driven representation.
Olanrewaju, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan is currently a doctoral candidate at Summit University, Offa.
He brings a robust professional background, having attracted over £1 million in international research grants from global bodies such as Google and the World Bank for projects in health technology and digital capacity building.
Reflecting on his previous attempt at the seat in 2018, Olanrewaju noted that he remained committed to the constituency despite the outcome. “I did not win that election, but I did not retreat. I have watched with concern as the potential of our constituency has remained largely untapped. Irepodun can and must do better,” he said.
The aspirant presented a “Covenant of Service” built on five foundational pillars designed to transform the constituency as highlighted;
- Technology & Youth Innovation: Establishing innovation hubs and digital skills programs to position Irepodun youth for the 21st-century economy.
- Education: Advocating for STEM education and vocational training in primary and secondary schools.
- Agriculture: Using his experience with World Bank-funded programs to support smallholder farmers through mechanization and market access.
- Healthcare: Improving primary healthcare infrastructure and deploying innovative health technology solutions. 5.Infrastructure: Prioritizing the rehabilitation of the Arandun-Rore-Ipetu-Aran-Orin road and other vital farm access roads.
The aspirant drew deep inspiration from his father’s four decades of philanthropy, noting that the elder Olanrewaju personally supported and funded major community services. “The torch has passed, and I will not let it fall,” he added.
Closing his remarks, Olanrewaju urged the APC leadership and the people of Kwara South to embrace a new era of active representation.
“I have been tested. I have not been found wanting. By the grace of Almighty God, I am ready to deliver,” he concluded.
9japarrot reports that Olanrewaju’s declaration has reportedly received early support from several APC Ward Chairmen and community influencers, who cited his international exposure and local roots as the right mix for the constituency’s growth.
