Consistency Over Campaigns: Bala’s Grassroots Interventions Build Momentum in Akure South and North*

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AKURE — As discussions around political representation begin in Akure South and North Local Government Areas of Ondo State, constituents are citing a record of direct, community-level interventions by Hon. Bala as the reason his name keeps surfacing.

Rather than rallies in Abuja, residents say they are measuring impact by what changes in classrooms, markets and skill centers on a regular basis.

Over the past few years, the interventions have focused on closing small but persistent gaps in education, water access, skills and livelihoods.

*Education support reaches hundreds of pupils*
About 500 children who previously carried books in nylon bags or under their arms have received proper school backpacks. School heads say the “Bag A Child” program has helped reduce late-coming and absenteeism.

“Children are proud to come to school when they don’t feel different,” a headteacher in Akure North, he said.

More than 100 pupils in government schools had their term fees paid directly, with no waiting lists, according to the records shared by the team. Another 100 students received new school uniforms, while torn ones were replaced. Teachers report improved class participation from students who previously avoided attention because of worn clothing.

To address learning materials, over 5,000 textbooks and exercise books covering English, Mathematics, Sciences and Civic Education were distributed to 10 public schools across Akure South and North. Some school libraries that had been inactive are now functional again.

Ahead of WAEC and NECO, more than 600 mathematical sets were also distributed to SS1 to SS3 students. During school visits, teachers receive teaching aids and welfare support. “He doesn’t just ask about students. He asks about us too,” one principal said.

*University access and skills*
For the 2026 JAMB exercise, 100 forms were procured for qualified but indigent school leavers, many of them first-generation university aspirants. Beneficiaries are also receiving support for post-UTME preparation.

In skills development, 55 young people from Akure completed training in 10 vocational areas including fashion design, catering, ICT, electrical works and barbing. Each graduate received starter packs to begin work immediately.

*Water, sports and market support*
To ease daily hardship, industrial water tanks were installed in communities facing acute shortages. Local health centers say the intervention has cut down time spent trekking for water and reduced cases of water-related illness.

Two secondary schools received full support for extracurricular sports, including kits, equipment and stipends for coaches, aimed at talent discovery and student well-being.

In the markets, financial support is extended yearly to women in five major markets across Akure South and North. Market leaders describe it as direct assistance to help traders restock and stay afloat amid rising costs, “support that comes with respect.”

*A pattern residents say matters*
What stands out to many, community members say, is consistency. The Bag A Child drive runs every resumption. Market support comes every year. School visits are not tied to election periods.

In Oja Oba, a trader said, “He greets us by name.”
In a classroom in Ijapo, a JSS2 student said, “This is my first new uniform.”
At a skill center, a graduate said, “I have my own shop now because of the starter kit.”

With representation debates picking up, the question many voters in Akure South and North are asking is direct: “Who has been with us? Who has delivered?”

By that measure, support for Bala is growing louder across schools, markets and skill centers in the two LGAs.