In Nigeria today, the question of leadership is no longer about who holds political titles, but about who truly understands the pains, hopes, and aspirations of the people. Among the emerging voices of change is Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi (BASA) — a woman whose journey blends philanthropy, grassroots activism, and political courage. She is not just another political figure; she is a woman of the people, for the people, and with the people.
Born and raised with values of service, BASA has always stood out for her ability to connect directly with communities. She does not believe leadership begins when you hold a public office — for her, leadership starts with empathy, listening, and action. This philosophy birthed her humanitarian journey through the BASA Foundation, a platform that has impacted countless lives in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Whether it is distributing school materials to underprivileged children, supporting families with health interventions, or equipping women traders with financial empowerment, BASA has shown that leadership is about impact, not position.
What makes BASA’s story unique is her insistence on grassroots engagement. Unlike many who campaign from a distance, she believes in door-to-door mobilisation, direct market sensitisation, and face-to-face interaction with residents. She listens to market women narrating their daily struggles, sits with youths eager for opportunities, and engages with communities often neglected in policy conversations. Through these engagements, she has built trust and earned respect across Oyo State.
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But BASA’s vision goes beyond charity or short-term relief. She is an advocate for systemic change — a governance style that empowers residents rather than patronises them. She envisions an Oyo State where every child has access to quality education, where healthcare is not a luxury, and where women and youths are no longer sidelined but are active participants in shaping the future. For her, leadership must dismantle barriers and replace them with bridges of opportunity.
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At the heart of BASA’s politics is a simple truth: power belongs to the people. She has repeatedly emphasised that politics should not be about personal ambition, but about collective progress. This is why she boldly took her grassroots activism into politics — to amplify the voices of those often ignored, to stand in the gap for the vulnerable, and to remind everyone that governance must never lose its human face.
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As Oyo State navigates the complexities of development, BASA emerges as more than a name on the ballot. She is a movement, a force for equity, and a reminder that leadership rooted in empathy can transform societies. Her life story tells every young girl that dreams are valid, and it reassures every resident that their voices matter.
In BASA, Oyo State has a daughter who is not afraid to stand tall, speak boldly, and serve selflessly. She is not just a politician — she is a voice of hope, a champion of inclusion, and a true daughter of the grassroots.