By Comfort Olayinka
In a bold move to redefine political representation and grassroots impact, Hon. Davidson Kolawole Akinlayo, a federal lawmaker representing Ekiti State, has rolled out a series of people-centered initiatives, including the delivery of long-awaited federal jobs and the launch of a new skill-based empowerment scheme targeting youths across his constituency.
Speaking during an exclusive interview, Hon. Akinlayo described the 10th National Assembly as a “People’s House,” asserting that citizen welfare remains at the core of legislative activities. “It’s been a good house, a house that is people-oriented,” he said. “Every activity is centered around the people.”
Long-Abandoned Road Now a Federal Expressway
Among his major milestones, Akinlayo celebrated the completion of the Otun-Ora road linking Ekiti and Osun states a federal project abandoned for 24 years. Reawarded under an emergency intervention scheme, the road has now been transformed into a fully tarred expressway.
“I promised the people during my campaign that the road would be completed, and I ensured it was monitored from start to finish,” he said, noting the project has become a symbol of renewed government presence in long-neglected communities.
On employment, Akinlayo announced the successful placement of 25 graduates into federal agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Centre for Management Development (CMD), with more job offers expected imminently.
“For my people, employment is the key concern. Once they are gainfully employed, about 60% of their challenges are solved,” he said.
In a significant shift from traditional constituency programs, the lawmaker unveiled a new skill-based empowerment model. This initiative will train youths in vocational fields such as tailoring, plumbing, and auto mechanics, equipping them with certificates and startup tools to build sustainable livelihoods.
“Distributing items that people resell the next day isn’t real empowerment,” he said. “This time, we’re doing it right—with skills that can feed families for life.”
Responding to claims of inaccessibility, Akinlayo affirmed that his phone line has remained unchanged since the advent of MTN in Nigeria. “Everyone knows my number. Even if I become governor tomorrow, I’ll still be reachable,” he quipped.
He also highlighted the role of digital media in bridging the gap between leaders and constituents, especially in Ekiti where literacy and online engagement are high. “Even farmers in Ekiti follow our updates online,” he added.
With the National Assembly currently on recess, Akinlayo said the break marks not a pause, but a redirection of focus to deeper constituency engagement. “This is another period of engagement. The work continues, and we’re committed to doing even more for our community.”
As he combines infrastructure delivery, employment, and sustainable empowerment, Hon. Davidson Akinlayo is charting a new course for legislative service—one defined not by promises, but by measurable impact.
