A new political platform, the Arc. Awoniyi Mentees, was inaugurated in Lokoja on Friday as part of activities marking the 65th birthday of Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Bayode Mekakese described the platform as a structured group of young people, party members, and community leaders being groomed, supported, and mobilized under the political leadership of Arc. Awoniyi, who serves as mentor to the group.
Engr. Bayode described the life and politics of Arc. Awoniyi as one defined by service and sincere, inclusive leadership, adding that the former Deputy Governor remains an example of the kind of leadership and representation that needs to be entrenched in Kogi State.
According to Engr. Bayode, the Awoniyi Mentees will, in the coming days, begin capacity building and training on good governance, legislation, community service, public speaking, and party structure.
He disclosed that the group will commence grassroots mobilization for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the goal of ensuring that emerging leaders imbibe the qualities and political ideals of Arc. Awoniyi in building representation that meets democratic standards.
The mentees, he said, will serve as foot soldiers of Arc. Awoniyi, taking his message to wards, polling units, and communities across the state. A key part of that message will be advocacy for violence-free and peaceful elections, a value the former Deputy Governor has consistently preached.
“We are loyal to the APC and the present administration in the state because that is how we were raised by Arc. Awoniyi,” Engr. Bayode said.
The Awoniyi Mentees also pledged commitment to succession and continuity by supporting leaders and representatives who have served meritoriously. The group said it is focused on grooming future councilors, Local Government Chairmen, and members of the House of Assembly from among its ranks.
“That is how political legacies last beyond one term,” Engr. Bayode noted, quoting the philosophy of their mentor.
Through its Community Service Arm, the platform will also run empowerment programs, scholarships, health outreaches, and advocacy initiatives in the name of the leader.
Engr. Bayode assured that the political platform will provide a dependable support base for Arc. Awoniyi in 2027.
“The mentees are solidly behind their leader. The structure of Arc. Awoniyi is intact for the APC in the state. We are also fully mobilizing for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Salihu Ibrahim and Hon. Maikudi Yusuf expressed optimism that the Awoniyi Mentees would be beneficial to the APC. They described the programs lined up ahead of the elections as strategic and said their leader’s style of leadership deserves to be emulated.
Highlights of the inauguration included prayers for the mentor and the singing of birthday songs in honor of Arc. Awoniyi, who was described as politically sagacious and passionate about the development of Kogi State.
In a statement signed by Abu Micheal and issued to newsmen after the meeting, the Arc. Awoniyi Mentees were described as committed to supporting the ideals and politics of their leader in the politics of 2027.
