Admin l Wednesday, Dec.05, 2018
LAGOS, Nigeria – Prolific singer and filmmaker, Mr. Olubankole Wellington better known as ‘Banky W’ has floated a new party, Modern Democratic Party(MDP), and he is vieing for the House of Representatives in Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos. Wellington, a businessman and also a philanthropist holds an Engineering degree from the presitigious Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York, United States.
Wellington who has set up a website for the purpose is seeking 5000 volunters in Lagos in addition to donation which he hopes to be moderated by the Banky Wellington Organisation, currently under registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
He has also set up an agenda which is now open for all Nigerians. According to him, the primary responsibility of a legislator is law making, adding that Nigeria operates a bicameral legislature, which means bills need to gain a majority vote in both the House of Representatives and Senate, before being transmitted to the President for his assent.
“In addition to this, Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that subject to the provision of the Constitution, the House of Representatives shall constitute of 360 members representing constituencies of nearly equal populations. It is on this basis, I am presenting the following issues as my legislative agenda, if elected”, he said.
His agenda includes:
Job Creation – As an entrepreneur, I am well placed to originate, advocate for and champion bills that will ensure improved access to finance, business support and mentorship, and access to markets for entrepreneurs. In addition, I will champion bills that enhance technological and vocational education, which are required to improve the skill levels of my constituents, and allow them compete for jobs locally and globally
Gender Equality: I will champion bills that will ensure gender equality, especially women’s rights are upheld in our society. This will include championing affirmative action to increase female participation in governance, and focus on girl child education.
Youth Inclusion: I have been an advocate of several youth movements, and will ensure the laws establishing federal parastatals are reviewed to remove any obstacles to young people being appointed into the most senior roles in Government. I will also continue to champion the protection of minors, and ensure we provide sufficient opportunities for young people to thrive.
Affordable and Accessible Healthcare: My personal health history motivates me to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare is achieved in Nigeria. I will advocate for and champion bills that improve cancer treatment care, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and push to make universal healthcare coverage a reality in Nigeria.
Education: I will use my position in Government to advocate for all of our secondary schools having the basics of a functioning computer lab, and a basic coding skills program. It is my belief that in today’s Information Age, basic computing and IT skills are arguably as important as Standard Arts and Sciences on the current curriculum. The leaders of tomorrow must be taught with the computers of today. I will champion bills that push to make this a reality.
Plans for the Constituency
In addition to law making, a legislator must actively engage the constituency, and bring development to the constituents in a sustainable manner. It is on this basis that I also present my plans for engaging with the constituency:
Active Constituency Office: I will operate a fully functional constituency office, which will receive requests, inquiries and other forms of communications from the constituents, and also ensure timely feedback is provided.
Quarterly Town Halls: I will hold quarterly town hall sessions with the constituency to present a scorecard of my representation and also address the major issues that affect the constituency.
Homegrown Talent Development and Empowerment: I will use my existing relationships in media and Entertainment to foster a nurturing environment within my constituency which will develop, showcase and empower the youth interested in these fields.
Scholarships: As I have done in my personal capacity over the years, I will use my resources and goodwill to institute and maintain a scholarship programme to provide university education for exceptional students in the constituency.
Medical Missions: I will also run periodic preventive care programmes to detect conditions like prostrate/breast/cervical cancer, and run awareness programmes that reduce maternal and infant mortality.
