A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Shina Abiola-Peller from Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State has quietly set in motion a movement that may completely transform the political architecture of Nigeria.
The new initiative from Shina Peller was unveiled over the weekend during a two-day training of the trainers’ conference under the auspices of his Lead Generation Initiative.
The conference, themed ‘Engaging for a new Nigeria, which was attended by at least three youths from all the local government areas of Oyo State was held at the Jogor Center, Ibadan, the capital city of the state.
While speaking at the closing ceremony which saw participants being given certificates, Hon Peller was emphatic in his message.
According to him, the aim putting together Lead Generation Initiative (LGI) is to functionally get youths to be involved in politics.
Said Peller “Over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population is made up of youths. We are hard working and creative. Some of our colleagues in foreign lands engage in three jobs. No other compatriots of other nations do this.
“In addition, Nigeria is a blessed country. Our problem is that of leadership. We have clement weather, we are not threatened by natural disasters, we are blessed with agrarian land. So, why leave politics in the hands of people who cannot govern well? Let’s ask ourselves why we are distancing ourselves from politics.”
According to the Iseyin-born politician “It is those in government that will come up with policies that will affect your business one way or the other. Why keep away from politics then?
“I stand here to address you today and confirm that I am happy to be a part of the Lead Generation Programme. It is going to be used to give strength to the youths, to galvanize them into action. We have started, there is no stopping us by the grace of God. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
“You see, I am a shining example – today, I am in politics because I developed interest in my country, in my region, in my state, in my local government and in my town, Iseyin.
“When we started the Peller Football Competition in Iseyin, I did not know I would veer into politics, I did not know I would become a politician. But I knew the football competition would foster unity. Today, I am with my people and God has been using me.
“So, with Lead Generation Initiative, with the help of God, we intend to officially take off on January 21, 2021. We will start from Oyo State and take it across all the states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)”.
According to the plan, Hon Peller will use the platform to create financial structure to help sponsor the campaign activities of quality youths who do not have the wherewithal to succeed as politicians.
While commending the initiator of LGI, Mrs Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu, an aide to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State appealed to all the participants to take the message of inclusive youth participation in politics to all the local councils of the state.
Others who attended the closing ceremony included Prince Akínrẹ̀mí Jagaban, MHR, Ìbàdàn North Federal Constituency, Mr Ayodeji Kareem, Soji Adegbite and several others.
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola
