AN OPEN MESSAGE TO SENATOR ADEYEMI ADARAMODU AND HONOURABLE OJUAWO RUFUS AVM
11 November 2025
By Ambassador Tosin Michael Owonifari
AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador
AU Liaison Officer, North West United Kingdom (Merseyside)
Distinguished Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu and Honourable Ojuawo Rufus,
I greet you both with respect.
Today, I carefully followed the Senate debate on the proposal to establish an Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Centre in Omuo Ekiti. As someone deeply involved in technology, skills development and youth empowerment across Africa and the United Kingdom, and as an Ambassador engaged with Africa’s Agenda 2063, I welcome any initiative that prepares Nigerian youths for the future.
However, as a son of Ise Orun Local Government, I cannot ignore the pressing questions this development raises. Both of you are the elected voices of our people at the National Assembly. Your positions carry influence and responsibility. Yet after more than ten years of combined representation, our community remains without a single major federal presence, institution or transformative project that we can proudly point to. This reality cannot be dismissed.
Senator Adaramodu, before your current position in the Senate, you served four years in the House of Representatives. That is eight years of access at the federal level. Our people expected visible results. Yet up to this moment, there is no federal institution or signature project in Ise Orun that stands as your legacy. The AI and Innovation Centre you proposed in Omuo Ekiti is commendable for the state, but it also highlights our exclusion. If you can advocate for such a centre elsewhere, we respectfully ask why nothing of similar value has been brought to the community you once represented and still partially represent.
Honourable Ojuawo Rufus, you are from Ise Orun. You rose through the Nigerian Air Force to the rank of Air Vice Marshal. During your military service, our community expected to feel some impact, but none came. Today, as a member of the House of Representatives, our people still cannot identify any federal facility, training centre or developmental initiative brought to Ise Orun through your office. Our people voted for you with sincerity and hope. They expected your network and experience to translate into opportunities and growth. They are still waiting.
Honourable Ojuawo, you also serve as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force. That position gives you direct access to federal agencies, strategic networks and decision-makers. Our community therefore expected that your committee role would translate into visible programmes and opportunities. Yet we have not seen any development in Ise Orun that reflects your influence. Committee positions are not ceremonial. They come with responsibility for advocacy, negotiation and coordination. Our community deserves to benefit from the strength of your platform.
Senator Adaramodu, you hold the distinguished position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement. This is not a small assignment. It places you at the forefront of youth policy, community empowerment and developmental programmes across the nation. Yet Ise Orun has not seen any major youth training hub, empowerment centre, innovation project or structured skills initiative connected to your committee’s mandate. Our youths deserve more than silence.
The resources and opportunities attached to both your offices have not translated into visible development for our community. Occasional job slots for a few loyal supporters do not amount to youth development. The distribution of rice, clothing or minor items cannot be presented as progress. Real development reaches thousands. It creates structure, opportunity and long-term transformation.
Let it also be clearly stated that occasional training programmes attended by a small circle of loyal supporters do not constitute development. Our people know the difference between publicity and real impact. Training that benefits only a few is not development. Development is measured by reach, inclusiveness, measurable outcomes and continuity. If there are genuine youth initiatives, let them be documented with clear numbers, beneficiaries, outcomes and future plans.
I also speak directly to you, Honourable Ojuawo. The farm cluster activities in Ogbese and the periodic distribution of rice and clothing may create momentary relief and attractive photographs, but they are not substitutes for real development. Our people ask how these activities compare with the long-term interventions of Akin omo Akin in the Ikole axis or the sustained constituency work of Joshua Gana in Niger State. These are valid comparisons. Every office is temporary. One day you will return fully to this community. Work now so that your name is remembered with dignity.
The youths are frustrated. The elders are disappointed. The community is restless. When development continues to reach Oye, Ikere, Ifaki, Ikogosi, Ikole and Iyin but bypasses Ise Orun, it is becoming glaring that this pattern may not be accidental. If there are explanations, present them openly. Silence deepens suspicion.
There is also growing concern about the manner in which your offices communicate with the public. Loud praise and social media noise do not match the reality on the ground. Leadership is measured by results, not publicity.
Our people demand accountability. I therefore call on both of you to address the people of Ise Orun in a town hall meeting. Present your record. Explain what you have done. Explain what you attempted and what you could not achieve. Publish your efforts. Let the community see the full picture. Where there are successes, we will acknowledge them. Where gaps exist, we expect a credible plan.
To restore confidence, I request an independent review of all proposed and unfulfilled programmes for Ise Orun. This review should involve recognised oversight bodies, relevant parliamentary committees and civil society organisations. Transparency strengthens trust.
Let me say this plainly but respectfully. It would be unfair for anyone to expect Ise Orun to continue voting without evidence of performance. Our people are awake. They are informed. They will judge by results, not promises. This is maturity, not anger.
Ise Orun has fertile land, educated youths, peaceful communities and unity. Everything required for progress is present. What we lack is proactive representation.
I appeal to both of you again. Engage federal ministries. Engage agencies. Use your influence. Use your platforms. Bring home a project that our people can see, touch and benefit from. Let your names be remembered with honour.
If constructive engagement does not lead to results, I will continue to raise these issues locally, nationally and internationally. I will use every legitimate platform available to ensure that Ise Orun receives its rightful place in the development story of Ekiti State. My aim is fairness, inclusion and dignity.
Respectfully,
Ambassador Tosin Michael Owonifari
AU Agenda 2063 Ambassador
AU Liaison Officer, North West United Kingdom
Founder, AU Gateway Global CIC
Chief Executive Officer, T21 Services United Kingdom
Chief Executive Officer, T21 Consultancy Services Nigeria, Ado Ekiti Office
