*IIF Holds Interfaith Prayer Session for Ibarapakan

Ibarapakan Initiative Forum (IIF) has organised a special interfaith prayer session for the member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Adebayo Adepoju, as part of activities marking the beginning of the new year.

The prayer session which took place at the residence of the lawmaker in Igbo-Ora was held to seek divine guidance, protection and continued success for the lawmaker in his service to the people of the constituency.

Speaking at the event, the Forum noted that since the return of democratic governance in 1999, no member of the House of Representatives has attracted the level of grassroots development currently being witnessed in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North as under the leadership of Hon. Adepoju.

The Forum recalled that the association was formed barely a year ago to support Hon. Adepoju’s political mission and vision for a modern Ibarapa. However, the group suffered a major setback with the passing of its pioneer coordinator, Hon. Dare Ojelere, whose death was described as a painful loss. Following this development, the new coordinator, Mr. Adedeji Olugbenga, said members unanimously agreed to organise a prayer session to commit the lawmaker’s leadership and future endeavours into God’s hands.

According to Mr. Olugbenga, Hon. Adepoju has distinguished himself as the architect of a modern Ibarapa land through people-centred representation and inclusive governance. He said the lawmaker’s leadership style has continued to inspire hope and renewed confidence among constituents across the federal constituency.

Since his election in 2023, Hon. Adepoju has been credited with facilitating critical infrastructure projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads linking rural communities, as well as the building and upgrading of schools across the constituency. His interventions in education, youth development and skills acquisition have also provided employment opportunities and economic relief for many young people in the five communities comprising Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency.

To his credit as well, the lawmaker has implemented empowerment programmes for both the elderly and the youth, provided social support for widows and vulnerable groups and distributed essential tools and inputs to farmers to boost agricultural productivity. Community leaders and residents have also described these interventions as impactful and reflective of a representative who understands the needs of his people.

The joint prayer session featured Christian, Muslim and traditional clerics, reflecting the spirit of unity in the constituency.

Prayers were led by Pastor Esinola Oladipupo for the Christian faithful, Alhaji Ibrahim Owotutu, Special Adviser on Islamic Matters to Hon. Adepoju prayed for the Muslim faithful, while Mr. Awolowo Taofeek, Special Adviser on Traditional Matters to Hon. Adepoju, prayed for traditionalists in attendance.

Members of the Ibarapakan Initiative Forum, drawn from all 20 wards in Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, were present, with six representatives from each ward participating in the programme.