***BTO-sponsored initiative boosts support for President Tinubu — Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye
Residents of Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have pledged continued support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing ongoing reforms and infrastructure development as signs of progress since the administration assumed office in 2023.
The residents particularly highlighted the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Expressway, a major federal road passing through the area, noting that the project is expected to improve transportation and stimulate economic activities.
The endorsement came on Monday during the Jingi Asiwaju Medical Outreach held at Ifon Town Hall, Ifon, where hundreds of residents benefitted from free healthcare services.
The outreach was organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) and sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Beneficiaries received free medical consultations, eye screenings, treatment and medications for various ailments, while the initiative also promoted preventive healthcare and wellness awareness.
The GMT Director General, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the outreach is part of a broader effort to complement government initiatives in improving the welfare of citizens.
He said: “We are here in continuation of our programme, the medical outreach, Jingi Asiwaju, giving medical treatment, drugs and eyeglasses to our people in Ondo State.
“We are in Ose Local Government Area today. Two days ago, we were in Akoko Southeast. After this place, we will be going to Idanre. After, we will be going to Ile-Oluji, Ondo West and Irele. That is to tell you we are moving all over the local government areas.
“We are doing this to add value to what Mr. President is doing. But we could not have gotten to this stage if not because of the assistance, financial support of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. That is why we are here. If not because for God, Tunji-Ojo and our determination, we would not have taken this programme to all the nooks and crannies of the state.
“We know it is very important. It should be government effort, giving medicare to people. We think government cannot do it alone. That’s why the Minister of Interior is partnering GMT to ensure that people of Ondo State get medical attention.
“He deemed it fit that he should contribute to the welfare of the people of Ondo State. That’s why we are moving round, especially for eye problems, sugar, hypertension. This is not what we are doing alone. We are doing other programmes like e-lo-so-loja market initiative and others.
“This is beyond politics. It is about caring for the people. It is about philanthropy. Government cannot be everywhere. That’s what GMT stands for.”
The GMT State Secretary, Hon. Rasheed Badmus, emphasised the importance of the initiative to rural communities.
“We appreciate our leader, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his support for the good people of Ondo State. Our people appreciate this programme because health is wealth. If you have good health, you have almost everything.
“Most of our people are living in rural areas. They don’t go to hospital. They don’t know the importance of checking their blood pressure so that they will understand what is exactly happening to them.
“That is why we approached the Hon. Minister with this medical initiative and he graciously approved that we should go from one local government to another so that these people that have various health challenges will get assistance from us. That’s what we have been doing and it has been so meaningful.
“I can tell you that there is a woman in Oba-Ile. She had been coming to me for financial assistance to take care of her health. When this programme was taking place at Oba-Ile, she went there. She was tested. They gave her treatment and drugs.
“She said she has been sleeping soundly since the programme took place at Oba-Ile. She has been feeling okay since then. So, this programme is very important to our people. That’s why we will continue to feel grateful to Hon. Tunji-Ojo,” Badmus said.
The GMT Coordinator in Ose, Mr. Falana Abayomi, described the initiative as unprecedented and impactful.
He stated: “The initiatives being sponsored by Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo are very marvellous. They are people-oriented programmes scattered all over the state. It has never been like this.
“Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has been outstanding in all of his programmes, especially this health programme being organised by GMT headed by Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye. GMT has cut across every sphere of Ondo State. So, it is a very wonderful programme.
“We will give President Tinubu total support, not even only in Ifon but the whole of Ose Local Government Area. Hon. Tunji-Ojo is the most popular politician in Ondo State today. Because of him, President Tinubu will get a lot of votes.
“There is nowhere you mention Tunji-Ojo’s name that people will not troop in. He is a wonderful person. We thank God for having him as a minister representing our state. We are looking forward to better things for him.”
A resident, Hon. Awodeyi Feyisitan, also commended the outreach, noting its direct impact on the grassroots.
“Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has dished out so many programmes that have actually touched the lives of the people in Ose Local Government Area. He has been up and doing and he has gotten close to the people at the grassroots level.
“We’ve been feeling the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s programmes and projects in Ose. He has been able to actualise many of the programmes.
“Governance is nothing when it is not taken to the grassroots. We are actually feeling the impact of the Jingi Asiwaju. This hall is jam-packed despite that today is Ifon market day.
“People brought all forms of ailments to this place. The medical team is doing a wonderful job. I just got my own glasses and I’ve been given medications.
“This has greatly impacted on the poor masses of Ose who hitherto felt that the impact of the federal government could not get to the grassroots,” Awodeyi said.
