The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, on Wednesday said he is in the race to become the next governor because of his vision for the State’s economic transformation and inclusive, sustainable growth.
Ajayi who was a former deputy governor and the candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2020 governorship election stated this while briefing newsmen at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, in Akure ahead of his campaign tour of the 18 council areas of the state.
The former House of Representatives Member who explained that economic growth is the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and improving the wellbeing of the people said he as a grassroot politician understands what is required to revive the economy of the coastal state.
His words: “This is Ondo State and it belongs to all of us. So, if it is well governed, we will be safe. If it is not governed as expected, all of us will become the casualty of the bad government. That is exactly what we are experiencing in Ondo state now.
“I know in Ondo state, I know in Kiribo, Arogbo, Igbekebo, Oke-Agbe that our people aren’t having meals the way they should. Most of the communities that used to be economically vibrant cities have become dead.”
Specifically, he said, “I am embarking on a journey that will transform Ondo State totally, a journey that will give us a state to be proud of. We will not give our people fish but we will teach them how to catch fish.”
The former Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government boasted that he will still win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
” I started politics at a very tender age as a ward chairman. I was one of those who went for Abiola’s convention in Jos. So, you should know that I started long ago. From there, I became secretary of the party, I became a councilor, I was also elected as a supporting chairman.
“From there, people elected me to represent Ilaje/Ese-Odo in the House of Representatives and with due respect to all members who must have represented that local government in that capacity, they have not been able to beat my record.
“So, the people of the state know us very well, they are going to choose wisely, I can assure you, they have already chosen me to lead the state in the coming election.”
He further assured that, “I am going to make sure that we transform Ondo State to economic base where everybody will be busy in terms of commerce, economic activities and everything”, he stressed.
On agriculture, Ajayi said if elected, his administration will make farming a more attractive and lucrative venture for both old and new farmers in the state through encouragement of what he termed “aggressive mechanised farming”.
“There is no single tractor provided for farmers in Ondo State, so, how do you expect mechanised farming to thrive in such state? I believe that Ondo State can feed the entire South West states. My government will encourage massive mechanised farming, farmers will be provided with adequate facilities to aide their businesses.”
On the state workers welfare, he said, “No staff will be owed salary and I’m going to ensure that workers of Ondo State get paid latest on 24th of every month.”
Earlier, while presenting the PDP candidate, the Former Vice Chairman (South-West), of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, and the current Zonal Liaison Desk Officer of the party in the Southwest, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, described Ajayi as personality who is unwavering, tenacious, persistent, persevering and never giving up.
“It’s not about your size or your height, it’s about what is in your heart. When you’re fearless, you can conquer the world and that’s what Agboola Ajayi represents.
“We were very open in our primary. Our own Congress is not the type that is written in the space even without an election.”
Olafeso, who said agriculture remains at the centre of Nigeria’s national identity, said the APC government, particularly in Ondo State can hardly be said to have made farming a priority.
“I am a farmer but I can now say that I was a farmer because I didn’t plant this season. I requested and begged for a tractor which I’m going to be paying N90,000 per hectare but I couldn’t get any till now. That means, there is no agenda for people in the agricultural sector, which means there is no agenda for people in small businesses.
“We will hold APC accountable for all the monies that came in all the years Akeredolu was elected till this moment.
“When he took over the state it was more or less like a cesspool of scandal with money flying out by signature, flying in by signature and everything just slept in the hands of whoever cares to be a criminal.”
The PDP chieftain added that, “the criminality in government must be fought. And you see, you look at our faces and ask why are these old men think they can fight? Yes, we may not be able to make 100 meters in 20 seconds but the truth is that our head is as clear as when we were 18 years old.”
Also, the state Chairman of the party, Tola Alabere vowed that the party will win the November 16 governorship election in the coastal state.
Fidelis David
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