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From Youth Parliament to Grassroots Leadership: J’Icon’s Next Chapter (INTERVIEW)

July 9, 2026 by admin

From Youth Parliament to Grassroots Leadership: J’Icon’s Next Chapter (INTERVIEW) INTERVIEW SESSION WITH JOSHUA OJO ADEREMI AKIN (J’ICON) Aspiring Executive Chairman, Oriire Local Government 1. Can we meet you? Thank you. My name is Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin, popularly known as J’Icon. I am a proud son of the family of the Are-Ago of Kedo in Ward 5, Oriire Local Government Area. I studied Urban and Regional Planning at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. I completed my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Oyo State House of Assembly during the 2018/2019 service year. 2. You’ve held several leadership positions over the years. Could you briefly tell us about your leadership journey? Leadership has been a defining part of my journey for many years. I have served in various student and youth organizations since 2011. I was National Secretary of the Ogbomoso Students’ Union, Vice President and Pioneer Senate President of the Federation of Oriire Students’ Union (FORSU), and one of the co-founders of the Oriire Youth Council (OYC). I also represented Oriire State Constituency in the Oyo State Youth Parliament, where I served as Chief Whip and Public Relations Officer of the Ogbomoso Caucus. These opportunities have equipped me with valuable experience in leadership, advocacy, and public service. 3. You also worked in government. How has that prepared you for this aspiration? I served as Special Assistant on New Media to the former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joshua Olagunju Ojo, and later as New Media Aide to Professors Raphael Afonja and Dahud Shangodoyin, former Commissioners for Public Works and Transport in Oyo State. Those experiences exposed me to governance, public administration, policy implementation, and the importance of responsive leadership. 4. What inspired your decision to contest for the office of Executive Chairman? I recently completed my tenure at the Oyo State Youth Parliament. Rather than seeking a second term, I chose to challenge myself by offering my services from a greater platform. My passion for serving the people of Oriire did not begin today; it dates back to my days as a student union activist at LAUTECH. As I watched our local security outfits respond to the recent security challenges confronting our communities, I realized they needed greater motivation, improved training, and better resources to perform more effectively. I also concluded that one of the best ways to empower our people and drive meaningful development is to serve from a position where I can influence policies and mobilize the necessary support. I believe Oriire deserves empathetic, visionary, and people-centred leadership. After deep consultation, careful reflection, and prayer, I decided to offer myself for greater service. 5. Security has become a major concern in Oriire. What is your position on this? Security will be the foremost priority of my administration because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear. My administration will work closely with security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, community vigilante groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and neighbouring local governments to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community policing, and restore confidence so that our people can live, farm, and do business safely. 6. You acknowledged the efforts of the state and local governments in your declaration. Why was that important? Leadership should be about continuity where progress has been made. I appreciate Governor Seyi Makinde for his investments in security and intelligence-led operations, as well as his support for the Amotekun Corps. I also commend the Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government, Hon. Michael Alabi Olateju, for working with security agencies during these challenging times. While there is still more work to be done, it is important to acknowledge genuine efforts where they have been made. 7. Beyond security, what other priorities do you have for Oriire? My vision is centred on five key areas: strengthening security, improving road infrastructure, providing access to potable water, empowering youths and women through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, and improving the quality of basic education. These are practical areas that directly impact the lives of our people. 8. Road infrastructure has remained a challenge in many rural communities. What is your plan? Oriire has nearly 800 communities, and connectivity is essential for development. Improved road infrastructure will facilitate agriculture, boost commerce, improve access to healthcare, and stimulate economic activities across our communities. My administration will pursue strategic partnerships and advocate for road projects that connect our communities and open up economic opportunities. 9. How do you intend to address unemployment among young people? Youth empowerment is central to my vision. We will revive the Vocational Training Centre within the Local Government Secretariat and introduce practical skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, and empowerment initiatives that will enable our youths and women to become economically productive. 10. Education is also one of your priorities. What should the people expect? During my tenure at the Oyo State Youth Parliament, I partnered with the Oriire Youth Council to introduce an annual Pre-UTME Quiz Competition beginning in 2024. The initiative was designed to prepare candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) while encouraging academic excellence among our young people. Outstanding participants received free UTME registration sponsored by our partners and supporters. Going forward, I intend to expand similar initiatives to include inter-primary and inter-secondary school academic competitions across Oriire Local Government. Education is the foundation of sustainable development. We will work to improve learning environments, support quality basic education, and ensure that children in Oriire have the opportunity to compete favourably with their peers anywhere in Nigeria. 11. Some people may say you are still young. Why should they trust you with this responsibility? Leadership is not defined by age but by vision, competence, integrity, character, and a proven record of service. My years of leadership in student organizations, youth development, legislative advocacy, and public service have prepared me for this responsibility. I believe I have the energy, experience, and commitment required to serve effectively. 12. Where do you see Oriire in the next four years … Read more

“Makinde’s Leadership Is What Nigeria Needs,His Humane Governance Restored My Faith in Politics” – Dr. Amuda Hafeez

October 22, 2025 by admin

For Dr. Hafeez Amuda, representation goes far beyond holding public office, it is about active engagement, community-driven advocacy, and selfless service. In this interview with Citybuzznews, the entrepreneur and philanthropist shares insights into his journey from private sector to politics, his foundation’s impact, and why he believes Governor Seyi Makinde’s style of governance is the template Nigeria needs. Excerpts: Can we meet you? Tell us about your educational and professional background? I am Hafeez Amuda — a visionary professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for community development, with a strong academic and leadership track record. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), a Master’s degree from Jaipur National University, India, and a Doctorate degree from Prowess University, Delaware, USA. Currently, I am concluding another degree at Lead City University, Ibadan. Beyond academics, I am a Peace Ambassador with the Federation of International Peace and Love Ambassadors (FEPIA) and also an Ambassador of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). These recognitions reflect my commitment to peace building, youth empowerment, and humanitarian service. Over the years, I have applied my knowledge and experience across key sectors, particularly healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social impact — with a consistent vision to inspire progress, promote well-being, and foster sustainable development. You’ve been known for philanthropy through your foundation. Why are you joining politics now? For me, politics is not a sudden shift, it’s a natural extension of service. My entry into politics was inspired by the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Governor of Oyo State. He has shown that leadership can be humane, transparent, and impact-driven. His governance restored my confidence in the political process, and I now see politics as a powerful tool for real transformation. Under his watch, Oyo State has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. He leads without fanfare, yet the results are visible and impactful. What sets him apart is his calm strength, listening ear, and sincere commitment to public service. To many of us, Governor Makinde is more than a state leader, he is a national asset. His leadership style is what Nigeria desperately needs: one rooted in competence, compassion, and integrity. Through my foundation, I’ve witnessed the everyday struggles of our people, from healthcare and education to youth development, I’ve also seen how sincere leadership, like Governor Makinde’s, can turn these challenges into opportunities. That’s what motivates me to take my service to the next level and contribute more through public office. Tell us about your foundation and its activities? The Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation was established out of a deep passion to uplift lives, particularly young people and underserved communities. Over the years, we’ve carried out impactful programs in healthcare awareness, drug abuse prevention, youth empowerment, and community development across various parts of Oyo State. Our mission is to complement government efforts by promoting a healthier, more informed, and self-reliant society. Governor Makinde’s people-oriented policies have shown that when government leads with sincerity, NGOs like ours can easily partner to drive grassroots development. What’s your political ambition come 2027, and on which platform do you plan to contest? By the grace of God and the will of the people, I am offering myself to serve as member, Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Akinyele Constituency I in the 2027 general elections under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This decision is rooted in a desire for purposeful and compassionate representation, inspired by Governor Makinde’s transformational governance. As a loyal PDP member and a believer in his vision, I’m determined to carry his model of inclusive governance to the grassroots level, ensuring that the voices of Akinyele people are heard and their needs prioritized. Some PDP governors recently defected to the ruling party. What’s your stance on these developments? Defections are not new in Nigerian politics, but what truly matters is loyalty, conviction, and purpose. My loyalty to the PDP remains absolute. Under Governor Makinde’s leadership, the PDP has gained credibility and trust. While some may leave for personal gain, many of us remain committed to the party’s philosophy of development, inclusiveness, and genuine service. Our focus going into 2027 is not on those leaving, but on consolidating unity among those who share the PDP vision of a greater Oyo State and Nigeria. What are the chances of you emerging as the PDP candidate for Akinyele Constituency I in 2027? I am optimistic. More than just being a candidate, I am presenting a 10-Point Development Agenda that mirrors Governor Makinde’s legacy of good governance. This agenda focuses on, youth empowerment, accessible healthcare, quality education, women inclusion, security, agriculture development, small business support, Infrastructure,transparency and community engagement. With unity and sincerity of purpose, I believe our message will resonate strongly and we will earn the trust of the party and the people. Finally, do you believe Governor Makinde should contest for the presidency in 2027? Absolutely. Governor Makinde’s leadership represents what Nigeria urgently needs — vision, competence, unity, and integrity. His humility, patriotism, and proven track record make him a credible candidate for national leadership. We strongly believe that if given the opportunity, he will replicate the success of Oyo State at the national level. Nigeria deserves a leader like Governor Seyi Makinde — one who can heal divisions, restore trust, and move the country forward.

Abiodun Mustapha Unveils Foodbank App, Highlights E-commerce As Solution To Food Sufficiency And Farmer Prosperity

July 11, 2025 by admin

The Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Technology And Innovation Limited, Mr Abiodun Mustapha, who is a member of Lives Amplified, a global institution of world leaders, who also doubles as the founder of FoodBank App, in this interview with Citybuzznews speaks about the newly launched App designed to connect farmers with consumers, ease of shopping for food items at a regulated price, effective delivery, logistics and some challenges facing young entrepreneur among others. Excerpt. Can you share your experience as an Agro-Tech Expert with us and what are the potentials of your newly launched App Foodbank? Absolutely. FoodBank is a product of Sovereign Technology. I’m a trained software engineer with over five years of experience in building and optimizing software solutions. I studied advanced Human Resources Management at the University of Lagos, and Software Engineering at NIIT Lagos. During my trip to Dubai I met Doctor Steve and my second time meeting Anmol Goel, I met him first time during my trip to Lisbon Portugal and he has been my night star during the journey, with their amazing supports I became a member of Lives Amplified. A global institution of world leaders, so, I will say this experience and exposure has prepared me well for this laudable innovation called FoodBank. So, I am proud to say that Foodbank App is an innovative, tech-driven e-commerce platform that I and my team developed to address the growing problem of food insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the south west part of the country, and being a member Lives Amplified, a global institution of world leaders, we see it as our duty to come up with ideas, and innovation that will be a tech-driven, we are committed to solving societal issues, such as ease of shopping, connecting our indigenous farmers to the final consumers, thereby making it more easier for them to sell their produces, get more profits and as well assisting the lower income earners in the society. What led to creation of Foodbank App? We observed that rising inflation and economic challenges have made it difficult for many Nigerians to access basic food items. Our platform ensures access to affordable food items without the burden of immediate financial pressure. It’s simple and convenient, you download the FoodBank app, place your order, schedule your delivery, and your food stuffs gets delivered to your doorstep. So, I can say, I was inspired by a trip to Dubai, where I was privileged to had a meeting with several stakeholders, including the Princess of Dubai, So we are hoping that government will call us for partnership deal, collaborate with us by bringing subsidized food items to doorsteps of Nigerians through our app, this will ease the burden of taking loans at high interest rates just to get something to eat. Foodbank App is an hub where you can shop for your food items. We discovered that many busy professionals struggle with food purchases due to inflated prices and lack of trust in middlemen. FoodBank brings transparency to the process. Once you input your details and make an order, every transaction is tracked and recorded. Nothing can be tampered with. We’ve built a system that ensures accountability and efficiency. How do you handle perishable items like tomatoes? We source our perishable items directly from trusted wholesalers and only buy based on demand. This way, the produce stays fresh, healthy, and there’s no spoilage. So far, we haven’t had any complaints, and we’re confident the government will continue to see the potential in our work. Do you sell food items or already prepared meals? We are currently focusing on essential food items like rice, vegetable oil, crayfish, and other market staples. If you want to stock your kitchen, simply download our app and place your order. We sell at regulated and affordable prices. We’ve already onboarded over 5,000 customers, including civil servants from different ministries at the Oyo State Secretariat. During the last Ileya festival, we received a large volume of orders, and we’re proud to say we delivered without complaints. We operate with diligence, efficiency, and integrity. Are you thinking of any partnerships deal to enhance your efficiency? Yes, we’ve secured a partnership deal with Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Trade and Investment. This has opened doors for collaborations with several ministries. They’ve been impressed with our model and operations. Our app is user-friendly, you won’t need to scroll endlessly. Even users without a tech background can navigate it easily. Who are your target audience? Our primary audience includes low- and middle-income earners, high-income professionals, and busy individuals who may not have time to visit the market. We also offer a “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature exclusively for Oyo State civil servants. However, we plan to extend this feature to the general public soon. What makes FoodBank unique in the e-commerce space? We’re not just an e-commerce platform, we’re building a food accessibility ecosystem. We know what it feels like to go hungry or not be able to afford a meal. Our goal is to make food both affordable and accessible to all, regardless of income level. Currently, food inflation makes it difficult for people to plan their meals. About 70 out of 100 families are affected. We’re stepping in to stabilize prices and handle logistics end-to-end, ensuring users don’t have to break the bank to eat. Despite the cost of fuel and delivery, we’re keeping our prices affordable. As a young entrepreneur and an tech innovator what are the challenges that posed as a threat to your growth, do you think government policy are very okay for businesses? Policy isn’t much of a challenge. The real challenge has been funding. I’ve personally bootstrapped this venture. However, the partnership with the Oyo State Government has been a major step forward. We believe more government support will bring even bigger impact and excitement to the public. How do you cater to market women and traders who may not be tech-savvy? We have a … Read more

Bridging the Divide: How Eniola Taiwo’s Smartsave is Bringing Offline Nigeria into the Digital Economy

October 1, 2024 by admin

An Exclusive Interview with CityBuzzNews CityBuzzNews: In today’s Nigeria, fintech startups seem to emerge almost every week, many of them targeting the same digital-savvy population. But there’s still a large segment of the population that operates mostly in cash. What inspired you to focus on this overlooked group? Eniola Taiwo: You’re absolutely right. We looked at the market and saw a gap wide enough to drive a truck through. Everyone was building for the online user, but no one was building a bridge for the offline user to cross over. That’s the problem we decided to solve with Smartsave. We wanted to make financial inclusion truly inclusive. CityBuzzNews: That’s an interesting perspective. So how exactly does Smartsave bridge that gap between offline and online users? Eniola Taiwo: Smartsave operates on what we call a “phygital” model – essentially a blend of physical and digital services. Instead of expecting users to come fully online immediately, we meet them where they are. We have a network of trained field agents, or what we call account officers, who go into communities, register customers physically, and collect cash savings directly from them. Once the agent collects a deposit, they log it into our admin app. Within moments, that transaction reflects in the customer’s Smartsave digital wallet, and they get an SMS confirming it. From there, they can download our app and begin tracking their balance in real time. It’s seamless. CityBuzzNews: That sounds like a clever way to build trust. What made you believe this model would work in a cash-heavy society like Nigeria? Eniola Taiwo: It all comes down to trust. You can’t just tell someone who has dealt in cash their whole life to suddenly trust a mobile app. You have to start with a handshake, a receipt, and a human conversation. Once they see that their physical cash is now safely reflected in a digital balance they can view, the fear fades. That’s when adoption begins. We realized that digital transformation for this segment has to start from relationship before technology. CityBuzzNews: Impressive. How has the response been so far in terms of growth and adoption? Eniola Taiwo: It’s been very encouraging. We’ve already onboarded over 5,000 users, even though we’re still in our growth phase. What’s more exciting is that about 40% of those who started with only physical deposits have now downloaded the Smartsave app to track their savings and even make bill payments. So far, we’ve processed over ₦30 million in transactions, including savings and bills. Every week, our field officers keep signing up dozens of new customers who eventually begin engaging with the app themselves. It’s a gradual but powerful migration from offline to digital. CityBuzzNews: Beyond the business numbers, what does this mean to you personally as a founder? Eniola Taiwo: For me, this goes beyond business. It’s about empowerment. Smartsave is not just helping people save – it’s helping them build financial confidence. When I see a woman who has always relied on cash now using the Smartsave app to pay her electricity bill or track her savings, that’s deeply fulfilling. We are guiding people into the digital economy one Naira at a time, and that, to me, is the real impact. CityBuzzNews: Finally, where do you see Smartsave – and the future of fintech in Nigeria – heading next? Eniola Taiwo: I believe the future of fintech in Nigeria isn’t purely digital; it’s phygital. For financial inclusion to truly work in a country like ours, innovation must walk hand-in-hand with accessibility and human connection. Smartsave is proving that you can merge both worlds successfully – and that’s where we’re headed.

I Started Practicing Photojournalism Using My Android phone At NYSC Camp – Nigerian Photojournalist

September 20, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Citybuzznews in an exclusive interview with Mr Joshua Ojo,an official photographer to the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport who has been practicing photojournalism in the past 6 years Can we meet you? My name is Joshua Ojo. I’m the first of five children, a Nigerian Photographer, and a photojournalist. I currently serve as the official photographer for the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Where are you from? I’m from Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Oriire Local government to be precise. What did you study in school? I studied Urban and Regional Planning at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. When did you start photojournalism? I started my career in photojournalism professionally in the year 2019. When I finished secondary school in the year 2010, my Dad enrolled me immediately in the pre- degree program of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. Though, I actually put in for Mechanical-Engineering because I fell in love with some of the topics we did in physics and chemistry, but by the time my admission was out, I was given Urban and Regional planning. I really wanted to forfeit the admission then, but people kept reminding me about how difficult it can actually be to gain a University admission and more-so, as at the time, Lautech had to increase their school fees from forty thousand naira to around a hundred thousand naira. So, I also nursed the fear that if I didn’t study then ,I might have to pay more for school fees as I believe it will keep increasing. At that time, I didn’t really have a mind of my own, because I didn’t want to waste the efforts of my parents in getting me schooled, so I studied what was given to me because I believed it was the best choice for me. After my graduation from LAUTECH, I got mobilised by NYSC to Potiskum camp in Yobe State, that was in the year 2018. At the camp, we were advised to be serious with the development of a particular skill we were very passionate about, a skill we can build upon after the compulsory three weeks of regimental in-camp activities. This was, according to the then State NYSC Coordinator – Madam Grace Adzar, because there is no sustainable supply of white-collar jobs to accommodate the ever-increasing number of graduates in Nigeria. I went for the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) lectures, and I put in for Photography which I had been practising with my phone earlier. That was where my photography journey started. When I returned from Camp too, I enrolled for the postgraduate programme of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja at their study centre here in Ibadan, Iyaganku Area to deepen my knowledge of story-telling with my lens. Why did you choose this path? I’ve always had a passion for creativity. As a child, I was drawn to the pictures in newspapers, and I realised that I could better understand stories through images. Photography allows me to tell stories visually, which has always fascinated me. Who were your mentors in photography before you started? In Nigeria, I looked up to and followed photographers like Taibat Ajiboye, Bayo Omoboriowo, Tolani Ali, Ayo Adeagbo, and Samuel Ojo, among others. Can you describe your experience in Photojournalism and your most notable projects or assignments? My experience in photojournalism has been rewarding and full of growth. Some of my most notable projects include capturing images of road constructions, road terminals, and bridges, which have been well-received for their quality and impact. How did you get to work with the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport? When I was done with my three weeks camping at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Potiskum,Yobe State, my Uncle, RT Hon Joshua Olagunju Ojo, who was the Speaker of Oyo State,made a call to the NYSC State Coordinator to make a case for my redeployment to the Oyo State House of Assembly. Here, I eventually served at the Office of the then Director,Planning Research and Statistics who later got promoted as the Deputy Clerk of the House, Madam Yetunde Awe Oludara (now retired as a Clerk) as a graphic designer and a computer operator, which added to my growing knowledge in photography. By the time I was done with my one-year compulsory service, my uncle was done serving as the Speaker of Oyo State. At that point, I didn’t just want to go back to sit down with my parents and go about in search of a job. I was really disturbed by these thoughts that he gave me headache and sleepless nights for days. So, I approached Madam Yetunde Awe, and she really calmed me down and asked what I wanted and how I wanted to go about it. I explained all to her, and since I’d started my journey in learning more about photojournalism, she referred me to the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport and that was how I became their official photographer. Is photojournalism a lucrative one? Yes, it is lucrative, especially for those who know their craft. While there are ups and downs,the rewards are worth the efforts. What equipment do you typically use for photojournalism? I use a Nikon Full Frame Camera D750 and a DJI Mini 2 Pro Drone. These are my personal gadgets. Can you describe an example of a challenging situation you faced while on an assignment and how you handled it One challenging situation was when some “area boys”at Sango, Ibadan, snatched my camera and demanded money to return it. I had to give them some of my transport money to get it back. This experience has taught me to assess the environment before taking out my camera. Can you describe your process for selecting and editing photographs for publication? I choose the most captivating and creative pictures that tell a story at a glance. I often set my camera to take multiple shots per second and then select the best ones during editing. How do you handle criticism or feedback on your work? As much as I get positive feedback almost all the time, I also get negative feedback. I only make … Read more

From Youth Parliament to Grassroots Leadership: J’Icon’s Next Chapter (INTERVIEW)

“Makinde’s Leadership Is What Nigeria Needs,His Humane Governance Restored My Faith in Politics” – Dr. Amuda Hafeez

Abiodun Mustapha Unveils Foodbank App, Highlights E-commerce As Solution To Food Sufficiency And Farmer Prosperity

Bridging the Divide: How Eniola Taiwo’s Smartsave is Bringing Offline Nigeria into the Digital Economy

I Started Practicing Photojournalism Using My Android phone At NYSC Camp – Nigerian Photojournalist

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