By Otunba segun Akanle
Distinguished leaders of our great party, esteemed elders, fellow progressives, ladies and gentlemen:
In the good old days, our mothers and grandmothers taught us the secrets of making soup rich, palatable, and nourishing. They knew that ingredients such as iru and ogiri were not just condiments, but the very essence that gave the meal its depth, flavor, and uniqueness. Without them, the soup was ordinary; with them, it became extraordinary.
Today, I draw inspiration from that timeless wisdom. Just as iru and ogiri transformed simple meals into memorable delicacies, so too do individuals of good will and clear purpose transform a political party into a formidable movement. It is my candid opinion that those of us who have recently joined the Progressive Party have done so, not for personal ambition, not for selfish gain, but with the sole aim of adding value, enriching the fabric of the party, and strengthening its foundation for greater success.
We stand here not as strangers, but as fellow compatriots with a shared vision. Our decision to join this party is rooted in conviction, in the belief that the Progressive Party represents the true hope of the people. We have seen its values, we have studied its record, and we are convinced that this is the political platform upon which meaningful development and inclusive governance can be sustained.
Let it be clear: joining hands with the Progressive family is not a matter of convenience, but a deliberate commitment to service. Just as our mothers carefully chose their ingredients, measuring and balancing them for the benefit of the entire household, so too have we chosen to contribute our ideas, our energies, and our loyalty for the benefit of this party and for the advancement of our people.
I am aware that in politics, much like in cooking, every ingredient must play its role. Salt cannot take the place of palm oil, and pepper cannot replace meat. Each has its place, each has its function, and together they create harmony. In the same way, every member of this party—new and old—has a role to play. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are better. Together, we shall achieve victory.
Therefore, I call on all members, leaders, and stakeholders of the Progressive Party to see our entry not as competition, but as contribution. We come to complement, not to compete. We come to build, not to scatter. We come to fortify, not to weaken. With unity of purpose and sincerity of action, there is no height we cannot attain and no obstacle we cannot overcome.
As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities before us, let us draw strength from our shared values—discipline, accountability, inclusiveness, and service. Let us renew our commitment to the people, for it is in their trust and their votes that our future lies. Let us ensure that this party remains not just a political organization, but a movement of the people, by the people, and for the people.
In closing, permit me to return to where I began. The wisdom of our aged mothers was simple yet profound: a good soup is not judged by the size of the pot, but by the flavor it carries. In the same way, the strength of a party is not measured merely by numbers, but by the quality, unity, and commitment of its members. We, the new entrants into the Progressive family, pledge to be the iru and ogiri that will add flavor, resilience, and distinction to this great party.
Together, let us build. Together, let us grow. Together, let us march forward to greater victories.
Long live the Progressive Party!
Long live our democracy!
Long live our beloved nation!
Otunba segun Akanle
APC. WARD 9, UNIT 6.
EELG.