By Comrade Ajibade Toheeb Olalekan
One of the major reasons I believe Senator Yunus Akintunde’s performance deserves serious consideration in discussions about representation in Oyo Central Senatorial District is his reported grassroots impact, legislative activities, and community development initiatives during his first term in office.
In assessing any elected representative, I believe we should look beyond political promises and examine the projects attributed to their tenure, the legislative bills they have sponsored, the motions they have moved, and the opportunities they have helped create for the people.
For me, effective representation should connect legislative responsibilities at the National Assembly with the everyday needs of the people at the grassroots.
Let us examine some of the projects and legislative activities attributed to Senator Yunus Akintunde.
1. GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
✅ Solar-Powered Boreholes: The provision of solar-powered boreholes across local governments in Oyo Central to improve access to clean and reliable water.
✅ Solar Streetlights: The installation of solar streetlights in communities to improve visibility and support public safety.
✅ School Renovation: The renovation of schools across local governments in the senatorial district to improve the learning environment for students.
✅ Construction of a New School: The reported construction of a new school to expand educational opportunities and support the future of our children.
✅ Employment Opportunities: Reports of employment opportunities secured for more than ten people during his first term, providing livelihoods for beneficiaries and their families.
These initiatives are among the areas residents can examine when assessing the senator’s reported contributions to community development.
2. BILLS SPONSORED AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Beyond constituency projects, legislative representation is another important measure of a senator’s work.
The following bills have been identified as part of Senator Akintunde’s legislative record. Their official titles and legislative status should be confirmed against National Assembly records.
✅ Federal University of Geomatics (establishedment)Bill,2024 (SB,497)
✅ Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo Establishment Bill, 2024: A legislative proposal concerning the establishment of a specialised federal university of education in Oyo.
✅ Federal Polytechnic,Ayede Bill, 2025: A proposed legislative initiative concerning the establishment of a federal polytechnic at Ayede .
✅ Matrimonial Causes Amendment Bill, 2025: A proposal seeking amendments to legislation governing matrimonial causes.
✅ Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Amendment Bill, 2025: A proposed amendment concerning the law governing tinted glass on motor vehicles.
✅ Child Support Payment Bill, 2025: A proposed legislative measure concerning child support payments by biological fathers. The exact official title and provisions should be verified.
✅ Federal Medical Centre Act Amendment Bill, 2025: A reported legislative proposal concerning amendments to the relevant legislation governing federal medical centres. The exact title and intended amendments should be confirmed.
These bills represent areas of legislative activity that deserve closer examination, including their objectives, progress through the legislative process, and potential benefits to Nigerians.
It is important to distinguish between a bill that has been introduced, one that has passed the required legislative stages, and one that has received presidential assent. Sponsoring a bill is an important legislative activity, but it does not automatically mean that the proposed law has been enacted.
3. THE PROPOSED 100-BED MOTHER AND CHILD HOSPITAL
Another project identified in this account of the senator’s activities is a proposed 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Ona Ara Local Government Area.
Healthcare is a vital part of community development. A project of this nature could help improve access to maternal and child healthcare, depending on its location, implementation, facilities, staffing, and operational arrangements.
The project’s current status, funding, implementation timeline, and expected beneficiaries are important details for the public to examine.
4. MOTIONS MOVED AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The senator’s reported parliamentary activities also include motions relating to electricity tariffs and industrial action by resident doctors.
A. Motion on the Proposed Increase in Electricity Tariffs
One reported motion concerned the proposed electricity tariff increase involving the eleven successful electricity distribution companies (DISCOs).
Electricity tariffs remain an important issue for households, small businesses, and industries. Legislative scrutiny of tariff proposals is relevant because changes in electricity costs can affect household spending, business operations, and the wider economy.
The exact wording, date, and outcome of the motion should be checked against official National Assembly records to establish the specific position taken and any action that followed.
B. Motion Appealing to Resident Doctors to Suspend Their Planned Nationwide Strike
Another reported motion concerned an appeal to resident doctors to suspend a planned nationwide industrial action.
Healthcare workers play an essential role in the delivery of medical services. Efforts to address industrial disputes and prevent interruptions to healthcare deserve public attention, alongside consideration of the concerns raised by the doctors and the steps required to resolve them.
The official record of the motion would help clarify its precise wording, the circumstances surrounding the proposed strike, and any resolutions adopted.
5. WHAT SHOULD THE PEOPLE OF OYO CENTRAL CONSIDER?
When assessing a senator’s first term, I believe the following questions are important:
* What constituency projects have been initiated or completed?
* Which wards and communities have benefited?
* What bills has the senator sponsored, and how far have they progressed?
* What motions has the senator moved, and what outcomes followed?
* What employment and educational opportunities have been created?
* What has been done to address healthcare, electricity, water, and other pressing needs?
* What projects remain incomplete, and what plans exist to address outstanding needs?
These questions provide a useful basis for examining both legislative performance and grassroots development.
CONCLUSION
Senator Yunus Akintunde’s first-term record, as outlined in this account, covers several areas of public interest, including water supply, solar streetlighting, education, employment opportunities, legislative proposals, electricity tariffs, healthcare, and the reported 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital project.
The next step is to examine these claims against official records, project documentation, and feedback from the communities concerned.
For me, the discussion about representation in Oyo Central should be informed by evidence, transparency, accountability, and the actual needs of the people.
As conversations about the next electoral cycle continue, residents deserve an opportunity to examine what has been achieved, what remains outstanding, and what future priorities should guide representation in the district.
Oyo Central deserves development, effective representation, and accountability to the people.
Signed,
Comrade Ajibade Toheeb Olalekan
