A popular quote by Elizabeth Berg says, “There is incredible value in being of service to others”. This could best describe the personality of former Ogun East senatorial candidate during the 2019 general elections, Engr. (Dr) Deji Ashiru, FNSE also known as EDA.
No doubt, EDA is no small fry in the political firmament of Ogun State. Although he lost the 2019 senatorial elections, thousands of people he liberated and the communities he supported one way or the other through his EDA Empowerment Foundation programme are still testifying to the fact that they will forever be grateful to him for putting smiles on their faces.
As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the clamour for him to contest for Ogun East senatorial district keeps growing by the day. EDA remains a phenomenon as encapsulated in some of his many firsts during his campaign tour in 2019:
EDA traversed 103 wards, nine Local Government Areas and 1,135 polling booths twice which make up the entire Ogun East senatorial district to intimate the people about what he has in store for them, if elected.
EDA installed Solar Power in Orile Oke and Ojelana, both in Remo North and Ijebu East Local Government respectively to enable residents have access to electricity. Similarly, he graded Ogijo and Ode Remo roads.
Thousands also benefitted from EDA Empowerment Foundation for Artisans in Ogun East, held at the three Federal Constituencies which include Remo, Ijebu and Ijebu North Federal Constituency. Many also recall that he built a block of toilets at Obada station, Ijebu Igbo.
Then, during his campaign visit to Mayo Mayo Eshin funfun Owa-kurudu communities in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state ravaged by erosion, he had promised to call the Federal Government’s attention to the plight of the citizens in the area.
He also held various interactive sessions with royal fathers, elderstateman, market women/men, artisans, youths, opinion leaders, religious leaders, captains of industries among others.
He visited Ode Omi Water side twice and contributed in no small measures to the electrification of Itumetala Community in Ijebu-Ode and also provided tables and chairs to Ososa Comprehensive High School in Odogbolu. School kits and materials were also distributed to all pupils across Ogun East senatorial district.
EDA also provided financial assistance to families who suffered various degrees of burns from a petrol incident at Makalewo, Ijebu Ode. His undiluted milk of human kindness has endeared him to many across the length and breadth of Ogun East Senatorial District with calls to throw his hat in the ring yet again.
They are of the opinion that the district would benefit more from him in terms of infrastructural development, youth empowerment, welfare packages for the aged, provision for girls, child rights amongst others.
Olasunkanmi is a Documentary Photojournalist/PR Strategist from Lagos
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