‘I will re-write the history of Ikorodu through good representation’ -Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan

A top contender for the Lagos State House of Assembly seeking to represent Ikorodu Constituency 1, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan has spoken on his aspiration and his intention for his people.
Speaking exclusively to BlackBox Nigeria, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, a trained economist cum brand expert revealed that his people need better representation at the assembly to ensure that democratic dividends get to them. He disclosed that he wants the voice of his people to be heard while all the opportunities in his constituency needs to be fully explored through adequate engagement of the people.
“I want to see an Ikorodu that is crime free, a society where my children can walk freely without being molested or victimised,” he said.

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He further disclosed that his aspiration was birth on the yearnings of his constituents who have been seeking better representation at the assembly.

“My aspiration is simply a response to the yearnings of our people and an interest to re-write the history of Ikorodu through good representation. One cannot overlook the needs of our people to have an accessible legislator that will build on the foundation that past representatives have laid, with fresh ideas that will complement the good works of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in my own constituency and Lagos at large.”

Mr Bolowotan who first became a public sensation after his solely funded football club, Bolowotan FC gained promotion to the Nigerian National League, NNL further disclosed that his entry into the sports world was an aim to target young people and engage them directly to discourage them from engaging in criminal activities.

“Around 2006, I had some eye opening encounters with some youths in Ikorodu. They were on the street and had lost hope for a better tomorrow. They engaged in crime to survive and I was a victim more than once. One day, I got robbed and my phones were carted away. The boys later discovered I was the person after going through the phone and they contacted me to come for my property. This was because they have been seeing me mingle with them while trying to help them get a better life. Subsequently, I met with these boys and was so sad as they were responsible looking fellows. I engaged them on what can be done to get them a better life and they insisted the only thing they know how to do was to play football. That was how Bolowotan Football club was born. That encounter has however never left my mind as I was able to understand that if the society was properly planned to work for all, we will have less criminal minds,” Bolowotan revealed.

When asked if he believes only sports can be used to take people off the street, he added,

“We used other methods. A lot of the people I got off the street were sponsored through school, some opted for artisanship and were fully supported. Today, I have dozens of wards who have attained BSc, BAs, HNDs and some other persistent ones who went as far as PHD.
However, people know the football side more because it is the one most visible and it engages more people at a time”.

On his plan for his constituents if voted in as their next representative, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan disclosed,

“I have a plan to reinvigorate and revitalise the lives of our people through legislation, while also offering palliative measures to support the executive arm of government. I will bring renewed hope for all. I will equally represent the voiceless. I am working on offering soft, ‘no-interest’ loans to support women in business. I will partner with organisations like Ikorodu Resource Group, IKODASS and Lagos State Ministry of wealth creation to organise viable economic events like the Ikorodu Trade Fair for local commerce to thrive. I will work with the Lagos State government to rehabilitate Ikorodu Water Corporation to enable residents have access to potable water. I will push for more support in security and economic stability of Ikorodu and maintain a strong and frank relationship with the state government as well as private organisations. 

I will push for legislation seeking for the provision of an ultra-modern market by the state government for the hardworking men and women in different accessible areas in Ikorodu. I will also push for legislation in the provision of affordable healthcare service to children and residents in Ikorodu.”

For further questions, Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan can be reached on all social media platforms @toyingafaar