BAO AGENDA 2026 GROUP DEFENDS MHR STEVEN FATOBA, DISMISSES JDPI/NUJ RATING AS BIASED

The BAO AGENDA 2026 Group has strongly condemned a recent performance rating by the Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Chapter, which scored Hon. Olusola Fatoba, Member of the House of Representatives (MHR) for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, low in stewardship.

In a press release signed by the State Coordinator, Hon. Moshood Lawal Bamayi, and co-signed by the Secretary-General, Hon. Olufemi Aduloju, and the Public Relations Officer/Media, Ms. Yewande Aribasoye, the group described the publication as lacking thorough investigation and being politically motivated.

The BAO AGENDA 2026 Group commended Hon. Fatoba for his unwavering dedication to his constituents.Aree Ebenezer Adebusuyi the group’s Treasurer noted that his role as a board member of the group financially whas further demonstrated his commitment to democratic values and grassroots development. The statement emphasized that the lawmaker has never taken the trust of his people for granted, as evidenced by his numerous empowerment programs, infrastructural projects, and legislative contributions.

The BAO AGENDA 2026 Group outlined Hon. Fatoba’s key achievements since his inauguration, dismissing the JDPI/NUJ report as a misrepresentation of facts.

Hon. Fatoba has sponsored critical bills, including the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ado-Ekiti (Establishment) Bill (2022), the National Rice Production, Processing, and Research Institute, Igbemo-Ekiti Bill (2022), and the Root Crops Production and Research Institute, Igede-Ekiti Bill (2022).

He has also moved and co-sponsored impactful motions, such as the call to investigate exploitative bank lending practices, protect telephone subscribers from fraud, and address flood disasters in Nigeria.

Across Ado-Ekiti and Irepodun-Ifelodun Local Governments, Hon. Fatoba has constructed and furnished classrooms, ICT centers, and health facilities. Notable projects include the Erelu Bisi Fayemi Health Centre in Irewolede Estate, multiple ICT centers in schools, and solar-powered streetlights in over 30 communities.

The lawmaker has facilitated employment opportunities for constituents in federal agencies, distributed empowerment materials (including motorcycles, sewing machines, and grinding machines), and sponsored skills acquisition programs. Over 500 beneficiaries have received financial support, while hundreds more have enjoyed COVID-19 palliatives, N-Power placements, and agricultural grants.

Hon. Fatoba has donated medical equipment to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), organized free medical outreaches, and provided instructional materials and uniforms to students across multiple schools.

The BAO AGENDA 2026 Group urged JDPI and NUJ to conduct a more comprehensive and unbiased assessment, stressing that Hon. Fatoba’s achievements are visible and verifiable. The group warned against politically motivated smear campaigns, affirming that the constituents of Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 remain solidly behind their representative.

The statement reaffirmed Hon. Fatoba’s commitment to delivering quality representation and urged the public to disregard what it termed a “hatchet job” by JDPI and NUJ. The group vowed to continue supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people above political propaganda.

The BAO AGENDA 2026 Group’s stance aligns with the earlier rebuttal issued by Hon. Fatoba’s Constituency Office, which dismissed the JDPI/NUJ report as “absolute fabrication and falsehood,” emphasizing that the lawmaker’s visible achievements and grassroots engagement render the rating unjustifiable.