2027: GTMIKE Takes Town Hall Meetings to Ibarapa North, Unveil Tourism, Power and Empowerment Agenda

In continuation of his grassroots engagement with constituents ahead of the 2027 general elections, Hon. Gabriel Timileyin Micheal, popularly known as GTMIKE, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate for the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency, has extended his town hall meetings to Ibarapa North, where he presented an ambitious development agenda focused on tourism, electricity restoration, employment, education, agriculture and economic empowerment.

GTMIKE was accompanied by his principal, Hon. Oluwasegun Theophilus Oladimeji OTO, the ZLP candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, and the party’s Assembly candidate, Hon. Oyerinde Nafiu, alongside party leaders, stakeholders and other faithful.

The team first met with the people of Igangan at the Igangan Old Town Hall before proceeding to the Ayete New Town Hall, where constituents from Ayete and Tapa communities gathered to engage with the candidates and listen to their proposed plans for the constituency.

Addressing the constituents, GTMIKE reiterated his commitment to promoting Ibarapa’s tourism potential, identifying several natural and cultural attractions that he said deserve greater attention and development.

Among the locations highlighted were Oke Aako in Igangan, Imofin Hills in Tapa, Oke Isamuni Hills and other tourism sites across Ibarapa.

He also promised to facilitate the development of befitting palaces for the Elempe of Tapa and the Asawo of Ayete, describing the preservation of traditional institutions, cultural heritage and tourism assets as important components of the region’s development.

According to him, deliberate investment in these attractions could help position Ibarapa as a destination for tourism, attract visitors and create economic opportunities for local communities.

On economic development, GTMIKE reiterated the commitment to facilitating employment opportunities for thousands of constituents, while promising business grants to support entrepreneurs and small-scale business owners.

He also assured party members and beneficiaries that the interest-free loan initiative being provided by the party would continue, stressing that the empowerment programme would not be discontinued.

On electricity, the ZLP team reaffirmed its commitment to restoring power supply across Ibarapa within the first year in office if elected, describing electricity as a critical requirement for business growth, education, industrial activities and improved living standards.

The candidates also emphasised the need to improve the quality of education across the constituency through initiatives that would strengthen learning opportunities and support students.

Recognising agriculture as one of Ibarapa’s major economic strengths, GTMIKE highlighted plans to support farmers through the provision of tractors and other interventions aimed at improving agricultural productivity.

He particularly mentioned the cocoa business, noting the need to strengthen the sector and explore greater opportunities for cocoa exportation.

The proposed agricultural agenda, he explained, would focus on improving farming activities, supporting farmers and expanding the economic benefits available to people engaged in agriculture and its value chain.

In his remarks, the party’s Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Oluwasegun Theophilus Oladimeji OTO, also presented his vision for bringing modern technology and development initiatives closer to constituents.

Drawing from his overseas experience, particularly in China, Oto expressed his intention to introduce solar-powered vehicles and other modern amenities to benefit people across the constituency.

He noted that exposure to technological advancements in other countries had strengthened his belief that such innovations could be adapted to improve transportation, infrastructure and the general welfare of communities in Ibarapa.

His proposal formed part of the broader development conversation at the meetings, with emphasis on exploring practical ways to improve the quality of life of residents.

As part of the engagement, each constituent who attended the meetings from Igangan to Ayete received ₦3,000 as transport support.

The gesture accompanied the town hall engagements, which provided opportunities for residents to interact with the candidates, hear their proposed programmes and participate in discussions about the future of Ibarapa.

Prominent party stakeholders and faithful who attended the meetings included members of the ZLP Women Wing from Ibarapa North and Central, the Ibarapa North ZLP Chairman, Gbemileke Micheal; Tapa Coordinator, Omooba Adedokun; Ayete Ward 1 Chairman, Alabi Temidayo; the Ibarapa North ZLP Youth Coordinator; and Mojere Ifeoluwa, Special Assistant to GTMIKE on Special Duties.

Other party leaders, stakeholders and supporters from the participating communities were also present.