Lagos Assembly Hopeful Dr. Shipe Poise To Rebrand Epe Constituency 2

As the political permutations towards 2027 general elections takes shape and political parties primaries are around the corner to decides whom to field as candidates, a promising aspirant for Epe Constituency 2 seat at the Lagos State House of Assembly in the person of Dr. Prince Shipe Idris has signalled his readiness for the journey ahead of time, mirroring how best the constituency can be modelled for good amongst its contemporaries, while citing its inherent potentials as well as contributions that can be made therefrom to take the state a notch higher in terms of security, commerce with huge positive impact on the state and national economy. National Daily brings excerpt:

Who is Prince Shipe Idris, why venture into politics a space dreaded by many elites of your kind?

I am Dr. Prince Shipe Idris Temidayo, a proud Son of Agbowa ikosi, Ikosi Ejinrin LCDA, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. I belong to royal lineages of many parts, with crowned kingship thrones in Agbowa and Owu Ikosi kingdoms, therefore a Bonafide Prince from birth. As a grassroot person, I have seen the struggles and hardships that have befallen our people in time past. So, I am passionately driven by a burning desire to serve and uplift our constituency. Dr. Shipe is an educational psychologist with strong academic background ( Bsc, Med, Ph.D) and professional certifications (MNIM, FNIM, MTRCN, MCASSON)

Dr. Shipe is a servant-leader driven by a passion to serve Ikosi Ejirin community, the whole Epe constituency 2 and by extension Lagos State.

I have critically watched our area grow, but challenges of needed social amenities, not too well channelled existing potentials persist. I’m stepping into politics to channel my expertise and energy towards evolving tangible changes, and also breaking the notion that politics is only for a select few in Agbowa we have basic peculiarities that demands a well thought out approach to fine tune, for our benefit as a people and which will have multiplier effect on our general worldview, basically for me it a given to take my constituency to a better placement on the globe, remember Evangelist Doctor Ebenezer Obey the Juju Maestro in his powerful lyrical piece recorded how important Ejirin and environs is to commerce in the western part of Nigeria, when he said “ Boko kan o re Ejirin Egbegberun re alo” meaning if one boat refused to go to Ejirin, thousands would embark on a journey there, this speaks volumes of how commercially viable Ejirin was to the economic hub of Lagos and the world, my resolve is to practically restore my constituency back to that enviable height and even much farther and this is doable as a legislator representing my constituents.

Why do you want to vie for a seat at the Lagos State Assembly, have you the required grassroot spread?

Ikosi Ejirin is my home, and I’ve built relationships across the constituency. My grassroots network, coupled with my understanding of the community’s needs, positions me to effectively represent Epe Constituency 2

What makes the timing right for you to aspire, given the fact that you have been around in Ikosi Ejirin for quite some time now?

I’ve prepared, gained experience, and built a strong network. Now is the time to leverage these assets to drive development and progress in Ikosi Ejirin.

What edge do you feel you have above other contenders jostling for the seat?

My edge lies in my community-driven approach, understanding of local issues, and commitment to inclusive governance. I’m not just a leader; I’m a partner and friend to the people at the grassroots level.

The incumbent lawmaker representing the area Stephen Ogunkelu is still new in the act of the legislature and it demands time to mature in the act of lawmaking, what do you plan to do differently if you are preferred by the people and how would you assess Ogunkelu’s representation thus far?

I would build on the positives while addressing gaps. Hon. Ogunkelu is my leader, brother and a friend he has initiated some projects across the constituency some were commissioned while other projects are yet to be commissioned real soon, I can say he is representing us well, but more can still be done. I would prioritize community engagement, ensure timely project implementation, and advocate for Ikosi Ejirin’s fair share of our God given resources.

Share with us your knowledge about the constituency you desire to represent, its history, geographic spread, resources and political relevance?

Epe Constituency 2 comprises of Ikosi Ejinrin and Eredo LCDA with several communities under each LCDA. Both LCDAs are thriving communities with rich cultural heritage, strategic location, and economic potentials. It spans Ikosi, Ejirin, Eredo and surrounding areas, with opportunities in commerce, tourism, and infrastructure development, on the coastline we are popular with our colourful festivals of nature that portrays our expertise in waterways culture, our boat regatta “Remilekun Agbo Day celebrated simultaneously with Christmas Day, symbolises our rich cultural heritage, there are loads of tourist sites in my constituency and with adequate consideration, it can surely turnout to be a money-spinning venture for the area and the state.

What values will your personality attract to politicking in the area?

I would bring integrity, consistency, reliability, accessibility, availability, empathy, and a collaborative spirit. My leadership style is inclusive, listening to and addressing the needs of all constituents.

Lagos polity from East to West and Central senatorial districts have some stylish trappings and as we near the general elections many permutations are in top gear, how prepared are you to seize the moment for the good of your would-be constituents?

I’m fully prepared to engage, mobilize support, and deliver results for my constituency. My focus is on the people’s mandate and driving progress.

Insecurity is on the front burner of our political discourse in Nigeria, given the nearness of Ikosi Ejirin to the coastline, are there any positive benefits this can bring for the constituency and the state as a whole if certain strategic standpoints are taken to firm-up security therefrom?

Ikosi Ejirin’s coastal location presents opportunities for economic growth and security. I would advocate for strategic investments in infrastructure and community policing to enhance security and unlock economic potential.

What plans have you for the children, youth, women and aged through legislations?

I would prioritize legislation supporting education, skills development, healthcare, and social welfare for vulnerable groups. Initiatives would focus on empowering youth, protecting men’s, women’s rights, employment opportunities and ensuring elderly care, making Ikosi Ejirin and Eredo a model constituency.