My Priority is to Turn Around Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency, Engr. Oludotun Taiwo (TWINNY)

By: Saheed Adeola

... Meet the Vibrant and Brilliant Aspirant, for Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun (TWINNY)

Engr. Taiwo Oludotun popularly known as TWINNY, the House of Representatives Aspirant is an Engineer and a politician. 

Educational background 

He started his secondary school education in Catholic Comprehensive Secondary School, Ibara Abeokuta, Ogun State ( West African Secondary School Certificate) WASSC, proceeded to Ogun State Polytechnic, Ojere, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, (MAPOLY)Abeokuta, Ogun State - OND (Electrical Electronics Engineering), he then went to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos to obtained his Higher National Diploma (HND) in (Electrical Power Engineering).

The lovable and vibrant Oludotun served his fatherland ( National Youth Service Corps 'NYSC' ) in Delta State.

After getting his Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in (Electrical power Engineering),he proceeded to get his (Certificate in Public Utility Regulation& Strategy) at the University of Florida, Gainesville Florida USA.

Career/ Professional Membership

On his successful completion of his education, as an Engineer, he is a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and Council of Registered Engineer in Nigeria (COREN).

 Oludotun was also a Member of Federal Government Committee on Metering Code for NERC (Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission) in 2010 - 2012 (2) Member Institute of Electrical Engineering, (3)Trustee Electricity Meters Manufacturing Association of Nigeria.

Awards/ Honours

Through his leadership and humanitarian service, he was honoured by the Ogun State NUJ Information chapter, "Award on Humanitarian Service", (2) Choir Patron, Africa church cathedral Owu Totoro Abeokuta Ogun State, (3) Selfless service award - Royal Baptist church convention Ogun State among others.

Work Experience

Oludotun Taiwo popularly known as TWINNY worked at Debo Industry Oshodi, Lagos as industrial trainee. Project manager at Unistar Hi-Tech System Ltd. Km 16 Ikorodu RD, Ojota Lagos, he served as the General manager of all the departments in the company which includes production, quality control, contract biding, presentation coordination.

Political Surjourn

Oludotun he's a leading contender for House of Representatives, Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency in the coming 2023 general elections.

He started his political ambition in 2009 under the leadership of former Governor of Ogun State, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Oludotun shown interest in 2011 elections eyeing House of Representatives seat but he was asked to stepdown for another candidate, he work for the party to ensure that the party candidates emerged. 

In 2015, he vied for the same position (House of Representatives) but was ask to view for the HoA due to the crisis in the party, he was denied ticket. 

Oludotun through his Omoluabi and the love for the party, he stood so firm and remain committed to the party supremacy. He contested 2019 Ogun House of Assembly but the election was not successful. 

Although, education has taken him far but Abeokuta, the ancient city remains his home town. Not only because he has spent much of his childhood in Abeokuta, but it is where his people are and will always be loved as well as ready to serve them.

Oludotun always cherish memories of his childhood, he's a vibrant and grassroots man to the core who know the nooks and crannies of his constituency. 

His constituents also believe in him, before he joined politics, he has demonstrated the traits of Omoluabi and has been able to employed youths to work with him at his private establishment within Abeokuta.

Oludotun don't just rise to be a popular person in Ogun politics, he dealt with the same power situation, and had very similar experiences to those who live in the constituency today.  

Engr. Taiwo Oludotun Achievements during his stay in office as the Commissioner for Rural Development in Ogun State( Jan 2020 - February 2022).

Before he resigned, Oludotun has done a great works under his ministry. With his great achievements, if he is given another chance, he will do better.

EXECUTED PROJECTS.

1) Rural Roads 

* He awarded and saw to the execution of the contract to upgrade the 6km Ayerose Koriko Village Road leading to Association of Senior Civil Servant Housing Scheme in Obafemi Owode.

* He saw to the construction of 3m x 3m x 10m culvert, 800m x 600m reinforced concrete box culvert and line drain in ifesowapo Community, Olomore, Abeokuta North.

* He ensured the construction of 3m x 3m x 10m reinforced concrete box culvert and line drain in Ikana-Balogun Community, Obafemi Owode.

* He also contracted and executed the construction of 2nos reinforced concrete box culvert of 1m x 1m x 10m in Ayerose - Koriko Community Road, Obafemi Owode.

2) Rural Electrification Projects.

* Provision for 25nos OFF-GRID solar lighting system at Atapa Community, Abeokuta North.

* Installation of 20nos solar street lights @ OGTV Transmission Station Along Ajebo Road, Obafemi Owode.

* Provision for OFF-GRID 340w Solar lighting system to Ori-Oko Primary Health Centre @ Ori-Oko Village Ilogun/Kesan Orile, Oke-Ogun, Abeokuta North.

* Reconnection of GRID Electricity @ Ifekowajo Community, Abule Otun, Lafenwa, Abeokuta North.

3) Rural Water Projects.

* Construction of 1no of Solar Powered Borehole Water Scheme @ Baba Pupa Village, Odeda.

* Construction of 1no of Solar Powered Borehole Water Scheme @ Elefun Village Via Idi-Ori, Abeokuta North.

* A special Intervention for 50 Communities in Ogun State, which 40% was directed to the communities in Abeokuta North and Obafemi-Owode and 60% to the 5 other Local Governments in Ogun State.

* Fabrication and Distribution of Modern Smoking Kilns, Abeokuta North and Obafemi-Owode were also picked statewide for 30 Fish Processing Cooperative Groups in estimated average of eight hundred and seventy two fishes in the state.

* Repair of Ministry Hab Truck for the betterment of his people, this commenced in Obafemi-Owode Local Government.

* Another post cholera outbreak Intervention Exercise to Agbo Afoju in Abeokuta North.

4) Odeda Benefits.

Odeda Local Government was so much blessed through the administration of Engr. Taiwo Oludotun as the Honourable Commissioner for Rural Development in the aspects of water supplies and sanitation. The projects and their locations are;

* Rehabilitation upgrade of 9nos Hand Pump Borehole into simple Solar Power Borehole at:

* Olodo Community

* Bosero Community

* Alabata Community

* Akintobi Community and

* Alaagba Community.

Twinning also gave scholarship to students of more than 20 institutions across the State.

He also gave out capitals for funding of small scale businesses to so many beneficiaries for the betterment of their lives.

Oludotun has also helped many youths to become entrepreneurs today who also in turn have become blessings to the society at large.

The prominent and renowned Aspirant for House of Representatives, on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Engr Taiwo Oludotun, has consulted the good people of Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode to intimate the leaders of his ambition to represent the people of his constituents come 2023.

Oludotun, after consultation with APC leaders, he officially declared his intention while meeting All Progressives Congress ( APC) leaders in Abeokuta North local government and party faithful in Abeokuta, the State capital.

He said the 2022 Electoral Act has paved way for a free and fair contest devoid of imposition of aspirants, stressing that he is contesting the election because he is ready to serve the people and make a meaningful contribution at the green chamber.

Oludotun, who has just resigned from the cabinet of Governor Dapo Abiodun administration as a Commissioner, urged the party to give him support and consideration, “to make a more impactful and better representation of his constituency”.

Oludotun declaration was witnessed by all party leaders and elders in Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode, Odeda local government which included Mr Sunday Akintona, Mr Sonola, the Abeokuta North local government Chairman, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi among others.

While appealing to the members of the party, Oludotun appealed to the the leadership of the party to give him necessary support, adding that all aspirants should be give the opportunity to go for the primaries and not to step down for a preferred aspirant

Oludotun noted that he had begun the local governments tour and people of Odeda and Obafemi Owode have turned out to support his candidature because of his good deeds and brilliance.

According to him, I cannot do it alone except with the support of the elders, local government executives, wards chairmen and all the leaders in our party”

“This time around, I am going to contest and I will not step down for anyone. With your ( party leaders, faithful) support, I am assuring you that I will contest the election and I will win by the special Grace of God.”

He revealed “I resigned my appointment because I know I can represent our constituency better, also to enable me reach out to party members for their support. Have been to the other two Local Government ( Odeda and Obafemi Owode) for support

To this end, I will be going out to wards to wards to campaign, I can’t do it without informing the wards chairmen and the leadership of the local government. So I am here to seek for your support and prayer on this journey.”

"I also want you to give me the opportunity to talk to the executives because we don’t know the modalities of this coming elections, maybe indirect or direct, so I am here to seek for permission to be able to dialogue with the executives because this election I am going to win it by the grace of God, Oludotun vowed.

In their separate parts, Mr Sonola and Mr Sunday Akintona from Obafemi Owode and Odeda assured Oludotun of their support saying that the aspirant is not a new comer in the race.

The Abeokuta North, local government Chairman, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi on her part, said Oludotun has been a good leader to the party and his constituents in terms of contribution to the development of the people.

Alhaja Faidat therefore prayed that if God say yes to his ambition no man can stop it.

The venue was overwhelmed with the party faithful and loyalists who belongs to Oludotun’s group.

Oludotun, also made it known to the good people of Odeda Local Government his intentions to run for the race to represent the people of Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode and Odeda Federal Constituency* at the National Assembly and he was welcome by the youths and women of the Local Government. In his company was Hon Kunle Sonola (Baba Oba) and Fatai Osolake From Obafemi Owode Local Government. 

He was introduced by Hon. Adeyeye Monsuru (Legacy) from Odeda, he was also asked to explain reason(s) why he visited.

Hon. Kunle Sonola stated the reason for the visit, in his words, he pleaded with the people of Odeda LG to be in unison with the people of Obafemi Owode LG in order to cast atleast 80% votes to prove their total support.

Alhaji Tajudeen Opeloyeru described Engr. Taiwo Oludotun as a good person with listening ear who yields to corrections more often.

Engr. Taiwo Oludotun started by singing, he stated all the challenges he faced during and after his education, how securing a job was a big challenge, but, today, he is thanking God for his mercies over him and his household. He explained how he has helped atleast 20 people to seek employment with his former employer before he resigned.

He stated how loyal and obedient he has been since 11years ago, he explained how he was asked to step down during the 2011 and 2015 elections respectively. During 2019 contests, he was also faced with various challenges, one of which led to closure of some of his properties before he was later compensated with the appointment as the Commissioner for Rural Development, even at that, they were informed of the need to manage resources as the fund is minimal and needs to be shared amongst all agencies, he has since been trying his best until his resignation in February, 2022. He stated further some of the projects he facilitated through the hep of the world bank, some of which will commence anytime soon, he mentioned his other business which are situated within the Constituency to benefit indigenes. 

Hon. Oyeye Yinka in his submission, welcome the aspirant and made it known to people that he is familiar with Engr. Oludotun and has known him for his good works for a very long time, he asked if there will be a Constituency office and how often the aspirant, if elected, will visit the office and make himself available for the general public.

The party's women leader, Mrs. Muyinat Lawal also appraised him and confirmed she has also known the aspirant for his good works for a very long time, she promised atleast 80% of women's votes. 

The party youth leader, Comrade Timothy Odedina in his own words advised Engr. Oudotun to consider making life more favourable for the youth if elected in, he stated further that they have been taken for granted in time past.

The party secretary acknowlegded that he has known Engr. Oludotun as a man of his words who never fails in his promises, he was directed to request for a generator set, standing fan and chairs which he did and the fan has been provided immediately by the aspirant.

The party Chairman All Progressives Congress APC, Odeda Unit, Hon. M.O Saka applauded Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, he confirms his awareness of the World Bank's project that was mentioned by Engr. Oludotun.

The aspirant in his words promised to have a constituency office at each local Government, which is also going to generate employment for the youths of each location. He added that he will organize vocational trainings and empowerment programmes for both youth and women of the Loca Governments.

The meeting ended with various songs sang by youth and women at large, vote of thanks and closing prayer was said by an executive member of Odeda LG arm of the Party.

Engr. Taiwo Oludotun also, met with Obafemi Owode Local Government All Progressive Congress (APC) party executives.

Engr. Taiwo Oludotun FMNSE was appreciated by the great people of Obafemi Owode LG for the goods works he has been doing, he was said to be a man of outstanding character with listening ears which gave them the confidence to assure him of their full support towards the forth coming elections.

Some of his great works were mentioned by them, which are bridges built in the underlisted areas like Ikana Balogun, Ajura and Abule Oba amongst many others. These were projects done by him during his stay in office as the Commissioner for Rural Development of the State.

Engr Taiwo Oludotun, FMNSE, in his response commended them and promised to do more if given the opportunity.

He was blessed by many amidst the excos, they were all filled with joy.

The attendance was massive, some group photographs were taken thereafter. It went so well.

The leading aspirant, Oludotun on 11th April, 2022, together with his team, met with another group at Ofada in Obafemi Owode Local government called The Mandate Group with some other leaders in the Local Government. 

He made his ambition known to the group headed by Alh. Rafiu Oseni who is also known as Elele to represent them at The Federal Constituency during the forthcoming general elections. He assured the group of his well representation and told them not to entertain any fear whatsoever.

He encouraged all to get a PVC, as this is the only weapon to fight for their right in the coming elections.

The group leader, Alh. Rafiu Oseni, in his words, pledged his full support, as he knows no other aspirant other than Engr. Oludotun. He has promised massive turnout and votes from his people.

Engr. Oludotun also paid a surprise visit to the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, this portrays his respectful character as he did not just decide to pass by. He sees the visitation to the LG as a call visit to the Executive Chairman and the Local Government Legislatures as a whole.

Twinny made it known to the people present that he had resigned as the Commissioner for Rural Development because of his ambition to represent his people in Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode and Odeda LGs respectively at the lower chamber of the National Assembly in the forthcoming elections. He also pointed out the project of constructing the Ikana - Balogun bridge linking about 13 villages Obafemi Owode Local Government during his stay in office as the Commissioner.

The Vice Chairman of Obafemi Owode LG expressed that he is really happy as he is seeing someone like Engr. Oludotun who is so courageous to contest, he further said it is now clear that people in the party now has voices. He advised him to meet with community leaders in Obafemi Owode and the whole constituency at large.

The Council Chairman appreciated Engr. Taiwo Oludotun for the call visit, he said some words of prayers for him and some group photographs were taken thereafter.

The attendance was encouraging, the meeting was well coordinated and all members left with fulfilment.