Why Bamidele Salam Must Be Re-elected – E4 Development Advocates
A coalition of community leaders, professionals, youth groups, and development stakeholders under the banner of E4 Development Advocates has formally declared support for the re-election of Rep. Bamidele Salam to the House of Representatives, citing his performance and impact across the Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by its Coordinator, Dr. Ogundeji Awoniyi, the group described Salam as one of the most productive lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly. It referenced his ranking among the top 20 legislators in the ERGAF-AFRICA Legislative Productivity Index, noting that he emerged as the highest-performing representative from Osun State with 33 legislative actions recorded in a single session.
The coalition highlighted Salam’s constituency interventions, which it said have significantly impacted residents across the four local government areas. According to the statement, these include youth empowerment initiatives such as the Business and Leadership Bootcamp, skills acquisition programmes for women and artisans, healthcare outreach for the elderly, and educational support schemes for students.
The group listed several projects attributed to the lawmaker, including the construction of over 100 classroom blocks in 25 schools, distribution of bursaries to more than 3,000 students, and the provision of over 50 motorized and solar-powered boreholes. It also cited the installation of solar streetlights, distribution of transformers to communities, and the facilitation of rural electrification projects.
Other initiatives mentioned include the training and empowerment of over 20,000 constituents, grants exceeding ₦150 million to support youth entrepreneurship, ₦40 million disbursed to women through a micro-credit scheme, and ₦10 million allocated to the Nigerian Union of Teachers for financial support. The lawmaker was also credited with constructing civic infrastructure such as town halls, ICT centres, and skill acquisition facilities, as well as sponsoring over 100 indigent students on full scholarships.
On infrastructure, the group noted that more than 30 kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated across the constituency, alongside the facilitation of job placements for hundreds of constituents in federal ministries, departments, and agencies.
Addressing concerns around political representation, the coalition dismissed claims of marginalisation within the constituency, particularly regarding Ejigbo Local Government. It outlined a historical rotation of the House of Representatives seat among the four local governments since 1999, noting that Ejigbo has produced two federal lawmakers and held other key positions, including Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and a senatorial seat.
The statement further emphasized the strategic importance of retaining experienced lawmakers, noting that Salam’s current role as Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts and his membership of the ECOWAS Parliament position him to attract greater federal presence and development to the constituency.
While acknowledging the right of individuals to contest for office, the group cautioned against what it described as divisive and misleading political campaigns. It urged aspirants to engage in issue-based politics and called on party leaders and stakeholders to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven performance in their decision-making.
The coalition also reaffirmed its commitment to unity within the political fold and commended party leadership for maintaining stability. It urged all political actors to align with the development agenda of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, which it said focuses on people-oriented governance.
The group concluded that re-electing Rep. Salam would ensure continuity of development projects and strengthen the constituency’s influence at the national level.
“At this crucial stage of our constituency’s development, continuity remains key to consolidating the gains already achieved,” the statement read.