Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Governorship Campaign Organization, has applauded Awori community in Lagos and Ogun states for supporting governorship aspiration of Lagos Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat.
Obanikoro made the commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the organization by leaders of the community, in Lagos.
The delegation was led by Alhaji Semiu Yusuf.
Obanikoro described the endorsement as a demonstration of unity as well as confidence in Hamzat’s leadership qualities.
He said that the support would further strengthen Hamzat’s election campaign.
“I want to thank you for finding time to come and identify with one of your own.
“It is always good to promote unity within our sub-nationality and the larger Yoruba family.
“Standing together gives us strength and hope for greater achievements,” Obanikoro said.
Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, said he was proud of his longstanding relationship with the Awori people.
Obanikoro assured the community of his continued support, saying his doors would remain open to initiatives that would advance the collective interest of Awori people and Lagos State.
“Feel free to approach me at any time. I consider myself a true representative of the Awori family, and I will always be willing to support causes that promote our common interest,” he added.
On President Bola Tinubu and Hamzat’s candidacy, Obanikoro described the president and the Lagos deputy governor as accomplished and experienced public servants.
“We are fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu and Dr Kadri Hamzat as our candidates,” he said.
He said that Hamzat’s pedigree and service as commissioner and deputy governor, as well as his academic qualifications and international experience, positioned him well as the next governor of Lagos State.
“Our members are excited because they see in him a leader they can identify with and one who understands their aspirations.
“We believe he is well prepared for the task ahead,” Obanikoro said.
Earlier, the Leader of the Awori people, Alhaji Semiu Yusuf, said there was need to unite Awori sons and daughters across Lagos State, Ogun and the diaspora for progress, peace and inclusive development.
Yusuf promised that the community would mobilize grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election and work toward the emergence of progressive governments in Lagos and Ogun states through sustained mobilization and civic engagement.
He said the community would encourage continuous voter registration, permanent voter card collection and active participation in free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.
“We will continue to promote political awareness through community outreaches, advocacy campaigns, town hall meetings, strategic media engagement and grassroots sensitization programmes.”
He stressed the need to encourage greater participation of youths and women in politics, governance, leadership, entrepreneurship and community development.
According to him, the community is also committed to preserving the cultural heritage, traditions and identity of Awori people through collaboration with traditional institutions, religious organizations, professional bodies, market associations, and youth and women groups.
Yusuf added that Awori people would continue to advocate policies that would promote peace, unity, tolerance and harmonious coexistence.
He said that the community would support programmes for improving education, healthcare, security, agriculture, infrastructure, industrialization, employment, innovation and economic prosperity.
In his remarks, a member of the campaign organization, Mr Ademola Popoola, thanked the Awori community for identifying with the organization.
Popoola said the visit further strengthened the relationship between Awori people and the campaign organization. (NAN) .
