Ajadi backs youth, sickle cell awareness initiatives, pledges support for Ona-Ara projects

The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has pledged support for youth development and sickle cell awareness initiatives proposed by the Oyo State Youth Parliament representative for Ona-Ara Constituency, Hon. Atanda Fatimat Ebunlomo.

Ajadi also promised to mobilise additional assistance from the Ona-Ara Local Government to ensure the successful implementation of the projects aimed at empowering young people and improving public health awareness in the constituency.

Ebunlomo, a graduate of Physiology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and a sickle cell warrior, appealed during a meeting with the senatorial hopeful, urging him to partner with the Youth Parliament on programmes designed to promote youth inclusion and community development.

According to her, the initiatives are intended to ensure that young people in Ona-Ara are not left behind in ongoing youth development efforts across Oyo State.

“I am Honorable Atanda Fatimat Ebunlomo, and I am the Oyo State Youth Parliament representative representing Ona-Ara Constituency. We are seeking the support of Honorable Ajadi to help assist in our projects so that the youths of Ona-Ara will feel included and will not be excluded from youth development in Oyo State,” she said.

“We want to make a statement that through Honorable Ajadi, the youths of Ona-Ara are becoming a force to reckon with.”

She disclosed that one of the major projects planned for July would focus on raising awareness about sickle cell disorder, educating residents on genotype compatibility, and providing medical support for indigent patients.

“As someone who is also a sickle cell warrior and a Physiology graduate from LAUTECH, I am passionate about sickle cell awareness. I want people to understand the dangers of marrying someone whose genotype is not compatible with theirs,” she said.

“We also want to donate drugs to people who do not have the financial capacity to support themselves in managing the condition. That is why we intend to run a major awareness campaign on the issue.”

Ebunlomo further revealed that the Youth Parliament plans to organise volleyball and football competitions in August as part of efforts to promote youth engagement, talent discovery, and community participation.

“In August, we also want to organise volleyball and football competitions among youths in Ona-Ara Constituency. These are just two among several projects we intend to execute during this administration, and I am seeking the support of our leader, Honorable Ajadi,” she added.

Responding, Ajadi commended the lawmaker for her commitment to youth empowerment and public health advocacy, assuring her of his support for the proposed initiatives.

The APM chieftain said he would also engage the Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Dr. Temitope Kolapo Glorious, to provide institutional backing for the programmes.

“I will engage the Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government to subscribe to your ideology and initiatives, and I will also do my best to support you in ensuring that these projects are successfully implemented,” Ajadi said.

He reiterated the importance of investing in young people and supporting initiatives that address critical health challenges, noting that sustainable community development can only be achieved when youths are empowered and given opportunities to thrive.

The planned programmes are expected to focus on health education, sports development, and community engagement, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiatives will positively impact young people across Ona-Ara Constituency.