The member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Hon. Biodun Omoleye, has strongly refuted claims of non-performance and neglect levelled against him by a coalition of student and youth leaders from the constituency, describing the allegations as “misleading, inaccurate, and dismissive of verifiable achievements.”
Reacting to a widely circulated statement accusing him of “abandoning” the youth and failing to deliver on campaign promises, Omoleye, through his media office, described the allegations as “misleading, inaccurate, and dismissive of verifiable achievements across the constituency.”
The lawmaker maintained that his representation at the National Assembly has been “active, people-centred, and result-oriented,” citing several legislative interventions, empowerment programmes, and infrastructural projects executed since he assumed office in 2023.
“It is false to say that I have been silent or inaccessible. Since taking office, I have held several stakeholder engagements, constituency tours, and grassroots consultations involving traditional rulers, youth groups, women leaders, and religious organisations,” the statement read in part.
Omoleye, who chairs the House Committee on Nigeria–Canada Parliamentary Friendship, listed some of his key interventions, including the sponsorship of a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery in Ijero-Ekiti and a motion advocating a national disaster insurance scheme for timely relief to disaster victims.
On youth and student-focused interventions, the lawmaker pointed to what he described as “inclusive and merit-based programmes” benefiting artisans, smallholder farmers, women, and persons with disabilities.
Among the programmes highlighted were:
●A constituency-wide empowerment initiative during his first 100 days in office, which supported hundreds of traders and farmers
●A training programme for 100 women in Adire production
●100 youths participated in a seminar on ICT, agriculture, and governance.
●Distribution of laptops to all local governments and LCDAs, including students across the constituency
●Provision of materials include; 150 mattresses, 150 pillows, 150 bathroom slippers and cash donations to the School for the Deaf in Ikoro-Ekiti;
●Ongoing plans to award bursaries to over 1,000 students in higher institutions before the end of the year.
“It is on record that I was the only National Assembly member from Ekiti State who marked 100 days in office with a formal empowerment programme,” he added.
In a notable revelation, the lawmaker disclosed that some of the youth leaders who signed the petition against him had previously benefited from his empowerment programmes, including the youth seminar and digital literacy initiatives — raising questions about the intent and sincerity of the allegations.
In a move that appears to validate his commitment to youth development, Hon. Omoleye was recently conferred with an Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ekiti State Chapter, a ceremony held two months ago in Ado-Ekiti, recognising his outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and development.
Speaking during the award presentation, the NYC State Chairman, Aare Moses Adedara, said the honour was in appreciation of Omoleye’s unparalleled commitment to the empowerment of the masses and support for youth-driven initiatives.
“Hon. Omoleye embodies hope for Ekiti youths. He has demonstrated remarkable humility and leadership acumen. His quiet, yet impactful achievements distinguish him as an outstanding legislator and advocate for the common man,” Adedara stated.
In the area of infrastructure, Omoleye stated that solar-powered streetlights have been installed in over 20 towns, including Efon-Alaaye, Ipoti-Ekiti, Ijero, and Okemesi. He added that he also facilitated the release of relief materials to rainstorm victims in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II.
He also confirmed the installation of a 33,000 KVA transformer in Efon-Alaaye and the construction of a six-classroom block at Community Grammar School, Ipole-Iloro — a project acknowledged by traditional leaders in the community.
While acknowledging the right of citizens, particularly youth, to demand good governance, Hon. Omoleye appealed for a more constructive and solutions-driven approach to civic engagement.
“Criticism, when constructive, helps build society. But destructive or uninformed criticism serves no one — especially the youth themselves. I urge our youth leaders and student bodies to seek consultation, collaboration, and roundtable discussions that can birth sustainable development for our constituency,” Omoleye said. “I remain open to dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders who are genuinely committed to progress. Let us replace attack politics with developmental conversations. Our shared goal should be the advancement of Ekiti youth, not the amplification of division,” he added.
The rebuttal follows a memo jointly signed by leaders of various student unions and youth bodies in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Youth Council (NYC), which accused the federal lawmaker of “abandoning the youth” and failing to engage with his constituency.
But Omoleye maintained that such a narrative fails to recognise “the scope, scale, and sincerity of ongoing efforts,” warning that politicising development efforts could undermine genuine progress in the region.
