Onikola, Honicos Support Movement Visit APM Candidate Akorede, Emphasise Youth Inclusion in Governance

As part of its ongoing engagement with political stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections, Blessing Julius Onikola, popularly known as HONICOS Omo Yin, alongside members of the HONICOS Support Movement, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Adebare Lateef Akorede, the Action People’s Movement (APM) candidate for Ibarapa Central/North State Constituency.

The visit, however, went beyond a traditional courtesy call, as both sides engaged in what Onikola described as a strategic conversation on the future of the constituency, with particular attention to youth inclusion, political participation, empowerment, and the need to give the younger generation a stronger voice in governance.

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Onikola stressed that the future of Ibarapa Central/North requires a leadership approach that places inclusiveness, accessibility, and meaningful participation at the centre of governance.

According to him, young people constitute a significant part of the constituency and must not only be recognised during election periods but should also be actively involved in decision-making and the development process.

“It was more than a courtesy visit; it was a strategic conversation about the future of our constituency, with particular emphasis on youth inclusion, participation, empowerment, and giving the next generation a stronger voice in governance,” Onikola stated.

He noted that Ibarapa Central/North deserves representation capable of carrying the people along, listening to the aspirations of young people, and creating opportunities for wider participation in the political and developmental affairs of the constituency.

Onikola further described inclusive governance as an essential pathway to achieving sustainable and meaningful development, stressing that the collective interests of the people should remain at the heart of political leadership.

“We believe that Ibarapa Central/North deserves representation that carries the people along, listens to the youth, and understands that inclusive governance is the pathway to meaningful development,” he added.

The HONICOS Support Movement also used the occasion to reaffirm its support for Hon. Adebare Lateef Akorede, urging residents of Ibarapa Central/North to take an active interest in the forthcoming electoral process.

Onikola called on sons and daughters of the constituency, particularly young people, to unite behind what he described as a vision of inclusive representation and a stronger voice for the people.

He appealed to eligible voters across the constituency to support and vote for Akorede in the forthcoming election, describing the contest as one that extends beyond an individual candidate to the broader question of the constituency’s future.

“This is not just about one candidate; it is about the future, voice and collective interest of our constituency,” he said.