In a high-stakes strategic engagement aimed at solidifying the grassroots base of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the incoming governorship candidate and current Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has met with party women leaders and youth representatives to map out a path to victory for the upcoming elections. The interaction, characterized by blunt truths and a call for ideological unity, centered on the party’s ambitious goal to deliver no fewer than two million votes in Lagos State for the APC.
Obanikoro Highlights Vital Demographics
The session opened with remarks from Musiliu Obanikoro, who emphasized that the gathering was a deliberate move to bridge the gap between the party’s two most vital demographics. “We have seen the energy you can unleash. The youth represent the future of our party, while women represent the very development and stability of our society. Bringing you together is about harnessing that power for a singular purpose,” he told the attendees.
Hamzat Defends Economic Reforms
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat did not mince words regarding the current political climate. He defended the tough economic decisions being made by the Presidency, describing them as a necessary cure for a nation long exploited by a powerful elite. He declared that Lagos must set the pace by delivering a massive turnout to ensure a decisive mandate. Hamzat expressed concern over the “Gen Z” shift toward opposition narratives, questioning the track record of opponents. “Tell me one thing the opponent has done,” he challenged. “The President is exchanging the systemic rot of our society for a better foundation. We are not saying we are perfect, but we are the progressives.” He identified internal friction, which he termed cocause as a hurdle the party must overcome to remain united. He revealed that the APC manifesto is in its final stages. “We know the house and it will be easy for us to fix the problems because we live here,” he added.
Women and Youth Voice Concerns
The interaction section saw various leaders voicing the needs of their constituents, ensuring that their support comes with a roadmap for accountability. The Lagos APC Women Leader, Alhaja Iyabosola Eletu, urged youth to secure their PVCs and reminded Hamzat that women are the primary influencers of their children’s votes and should be treated as more than just followers. She urged the incoming governor to make the well-being of women a top priority in his administration and solicited for more housing units for women. Former APC Women Leader, Mrs. Jumoke Thomas Okoya, highlighted unfulfilled promises from previous tenures and called for the inclusion of more women in the House of Representatives. Assistant Lagos Women Leader, Mrs. Damilola James, raised concerns over mental health and maternal health, requesting a dedicated platform for women in Tech. A youth leader, Rasheed Babosh, called for the decentralization of CBT Centers across the state to aid youth education and accessibility.
Hamzat Announces Policy Shifts
Responding to the feedback, Dr. Hamzat announced concrete policy shifts aimed at empowerment. He stated that statistics prove focusing on women is the fastest way to eradicate poverty. On housing quotas, Hamzat guaranteed that in future housing projects, a specific percentage would be reserved for women. “Out of every seven beneficiaries of Lagos Home, at least three must be women,” he promised. He confirmed that more CBT units would be established across all five IBILE divisions of Lagos to ensure students do not have to travel long distances for exams. He revealed that the government is already constructing five-story facilities dedicated to rehabilitation and mental health support.
