Former Lagos State lawmaker Rotimi Olowo has officially declared his intention to run for the House of Representatives seat representing the Somolu Federal Constituency under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The declaration took place on Tuesday, April 28, at Baptist Academy in Obanikoro, Lagos.
Promises of Active Representation
Olowo, who represented Somolu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly for 16 years, pledged to prioritize education, youth development, infrastructure, and effective oversight at the federal level. He emphasized that lawmakers have three core responsibilities: lawmaking, oversight, and representation, and stressed that representation must directly improve the lives of constituents.
He outlined plans to expand scholarship opportunities for students in Somolu and Bariga and introduce welfare support for elderly residents. “How many students do we have in Somolu and Bariga in universities or other institutions? Why can’t we put them on scholarships?” Olowo asked. He also proposed monthly stipends of N50,000 for elderly residents, describing it as a measure that should be on autopilot.
Infrastructure Record
The former chairman of the House Committee on Budget cited his record in the Lagos Assembly as evidence of his experience for the National Assembly. He noted that he facilitated several road projects in Somolu, which improved mobility and property values. Some roads were designed to ease congestion by creating alternative routes within communities.
Experience in Lawmaking
Olowo stated that his years in the Lagos Assembly prepared him for federal legislative duties, particularly in budget oversight during the administration of former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. “I’m not new to making laws. I’m not new to effective supervision of the executive,” he said. “We ensured that every naira in the budget was effectively spent.” He added, “I will not be a sleeping member of the House of Representatives. I will be very effective. I will look for the betterment of my constituents.”
Empowerment Initiatives
Olowo highlighted his previous empowerment programs, including sponsoring students’ education, paying school fees, and providing learning materials. He also introduced vocational training programs before distributing equipment to beneficiaries. “It’s not like we just give somebody a sewing machine who doesn’t know how to sew; they will sell it,” he explained. Beneficiaries underwent training before receiving items such as sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, and tricycles to support their businesses.
Confidence in Candidacy
When asked about the possibility of emerging as a consensus candidate, Olowo dismissed the issue and emphasized his political credentials. “I’m the most experienced, the most accepted, the most popular, the most effective, the most responsive, and I’m highly empathetic,” he said. He stated that his goal at the federal level would be to scale up the interventions he previously carried out using personal resources.
In related news, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally endorsed his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat presented his intention to contest before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders. The meeting ended with what the governor described as a consensus among stakeholders.
