Leadership is often defined by the ability to manage responsibility with sincerity of purpose, fairness, and a genuine commitment to public service. It requires experience, vision, and a benevolent disposition that prioritizes collective progress over personal interests.
These qualities were evident as accolades poured in for Distinguished Senator Dr. Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, during a recent senatorial district stakeholders’ meeting held at Labamba Hotel in the ancient city of Oyo. The gathering provided an opportunity for the Senator to present a comprehensive scorecard covering two and a half years of impactful representation at the Nigerian Senate.
Critical stakeholders, party leaders, and community representatives expressed strong confidence in Senator Akintunde’s performance, acknowledging his contributions across legislative duties, infrastructural development, healthcare, education, human capacity development, and community engagement.
Former Senator of Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Ayo Adeseun, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Elder Olaide Abas, Alahaji Fatai Ibikunle alongside several party leaders, commended Akintunde’s leadership style and developmental strides, describing his representation as purposeful and people-oriented.
While presenting his scorecard — highlighting legacy projects, landmark legislative engagements, effective oversight responsibilities, and contributions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — Senator Akintunde emphasized that his passion for service and compassion for humanity remain the driving forces behind his work.
> “My commitment is anchored on a benevolent disposition and an unwavering passion to serve humanity. These values continue to inspire my resolve to do more for our people in the months ahead,” he stated.
LEGISLATIONS
Reaffirming that legislation remains the core mandate of his office, Senator Akintunde highlighted his active participation in plenary debates, committee work, and legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and promoting development.
Key Sponsored Bills
1. Federal University of Geomatics (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – Upgrade of the Federal School of Surveying
2. Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – Upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
3. Federal Polytechnic, Ayede (Establishment) Bill, 2025
4. Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Bill, 2025
5. Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) (Amendment) Bill, 2025
6. Mandatory Payment of Child Support by Biological Fathers Bill, 2025
Key Motions moved include;
Motion to halt the proposed electricity tariff increase
Appeal to resident doctors to suspend nationwide industrial strike
Advocacy for police retirees’ welfare through legislative action
His well-researched contributions to several bills and motions have earned him respect among Senate leadership and colleagues within the Red Chamber.
EDUCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Describing education as the strongest investment in the future, Senator Akintunde outlined major interventions aimed at improving learning environments across Oyo Central.
Infrastructure Projects
Construction of multiple classroom blocks with furniture across LGAs including Ogo-Oluwa, Atiba, Oyo West, Oyo East, Egbeda, Lagelu, and Ona-Ara.
Construction of a 500-capacity multipurpose hall and E-library at Oranyan Grammar School (ongoing).
Construction of three 6-classroom blocks with toilets at Ilu-Aje Community High School, Afijio (ongoing).
Additional classroom projects have been facilitated across schools in Afijio, Akinyele, Atiba, Egbeda, Lagelu, Ogo-Oluwa, Oluyole, Ona-Ara, Oyo East, Oyo West, and Surulere LGAs.
Renovations
Rehabilitation of classroom blocks in schools across Surulere, Oluyole, Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio, and Akinyele LGAs.
ICT Centres Established
Baptist Grammar School, Ajaawa
Community High School, Iwo Ate
Army Children School, Isokun Oyo
Ojoo High School, Ibadan
Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo Projects
Administrative Building
2,000 and 1,500 capacity lecture theatres
Guidance and Counselling Building
Road and drainage infrastructure
Additionally, 100 UTME forms are distributed annually to deserving constituents.
HEALTH SECTOR INTERVENTIONS
Through a large-scale Optical Medical Outreach Programme, Senator Akintunde facilitated healthcare services across the district:
3,500 beneficiaries reached
2,200 individuals diagnosed and treated
Additional 1,300 beneficiaries sponsored personally
320 special surgical cases identified
The programme was executed with experienced medical professionals, including international specialists.
HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Recognizing people as the foundation of sustainable development, the Senator has an enviable record in this regard.
He appointed 42 aides across the district for grassroots engagement
Facilitated federal employment opportunities for over 50 youths
Supported training programmes for women in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and international partners
Organized GSM repair training for rural cooperators
Secured admissions into the Police Academy and placements in key federal institutions including NRS (formerly FIRS), NIMASA, TRCN, Nigeria Police Force, and others.
ROADS AND DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE
Key projects include:
Construction of the 17km Alegun–Oleyo Road (ongoing)
Rehabilitation of Alabata Junction–Elekuru–Onibonla Road (ongoing)
Drainage construction at Aroro Makinde, Akinyele
Erosion control works at Gedu Scheme, Oyo West
Completion of selected SPED roads.
OVERSIGHT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Senator Akintunde has maintained strong oversight functions with agencies including the Nigeria Police and Ministry of Environment. He also participated in global climate engagements, delivering lectures and receiving an ambassadorial recognition at COP28 in Dubai.
To maintain close communication with constituents, he sponsors the radio programme “IGBALAYE” on Dynasty FM, Oyo, and Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, enabling direct interaction and feedback from residents.
The engagement of his Team including Zonal (CRCs,) Community Relations Coordinators, Special Assistants and Laison Officers who represent him at the various eleven Local Government areas within the Senatorial District have helped to connect with the peculiar needs and expectations of the communities and interests.
Senator Akintunde’s experience in politics and direct governance spanned over three decades of active participation in various capacities having once served as Commissioner in The Oyo State Civil Service Commission, then as Commissioner of Works and Executive Assistant during the tenure of Senator Abiola Ajimobi former Governor of Oyo State.
Akintunde holds a PhD in Energy Studies at the University of Ibadan after he had bagged a First and Masters Degrees in Physics at the Lagos State University Ojo Lagos State. With several laurels and Awards including Best Senator of the Year by the Nigerian Union of Journalists Oyo State Council, Senator Yunus Akintunde stands tall and quite distinguished indeed.
Stakeholders agreed that Senator Akintunde’s tenure reflects effective leadership, inclusive representation, and measurable developmental impact across Oyo Central Senatorial District.
With renewed commitment, the Senator reaffirmed his readiness to “Do More”, promising expanded programmes and sustained engagement as he prepares for the next phase of his developmental agenda.
