A leading gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Olusola Ayandele yesterday continued his tour of palaces of Obas as well as party leaders.
The Idere-born entrepreneur cum politician visited the Aseyin Of Iseyin, Oba AbdulGaniyu Salawudeen and APC leaders in the ancient town.
The visit came few days after the governorship hopeful visited the palaces of the Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oba Jimoh Oyewumi respectively.
Apart from his wife, he was accompanied to the palace by the director-general of the campaign, Hon. Demola Ojo, Hon. Gbemileke Olawore, Hon. Adetunji Omolewu, Chief Mrs Aderinsola Soname, Hon. Akeem ‘Yinka Taiwo.
Informing the monarch of his intention to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2019, Ayandele said he was equipped for the task.
He added that he is in politics to put smiles on the faces of the people, explaining that “education, health, physical development as well as youth development are some of the areas our administration will work on. I promise that workers will receive their salary before month ends.
“As Okeogun is the food basket of Oyo State, we are going to do all within our powers to explore all the opportunities so as to boost our economy and empower the youth,” he added.
Ayandele described the vast agriculture potential of the state as a goldmine needed to be fully tapped by government and private investors in the quest to banish hunger, poverty and under-development from the society.
According to him, “With vast arable land, favourable climate and manpower which we can boast of, particularly in Oke-Ogun and other parts of the state, the future looks very good for us in the Pacesetters State. Agriculture remains the largest employer of labour in the global arena and all we need to do is to come up with right policy direction, facilitate mechanization and encourage citizens’ participation.
“I use this opportunity to re-emphasize my determination to work assiduously towards developing every part of the state without any discrimination if given the chance to emerge as the next governor.
“The job would be a lot easier for us because the current governor has laid the foundation.” Ayandele added.
He expressed optimism over the acceptance his ambition has received since he came out, adding that “I won’t disappoint our people if I am elected.”
Explaining that there is no difference between Ibarapa and Okeogun, Oba Salawudeen urged Ayandele not to ignore the counsel of the elders.
The monarch, however, charged politicians to create jobs, noting that “I feels sad listening to politicians making unachieveble promises during campaign.”
He said “without jobs, youths will become criminals, women will become prostitutes. We need personal development and individual empowerment. All those who are making new things in China are people who are not educated; personal development made them.
He referred to a Russia national, who, he said, told him why Africans cannot be rich. “We don’t eat what they make. We don’t make what we use. We need to use what we produce. There must be a law that prohibits usage of made-in-Nigeria products. We should use what we make in Nigeria.”
He said he also craves foreign things but “it is because I see them. If I don’t, I will use what is available. If we don’t produce what we eat, we won’t be successful.
“We want you to come use the experience you have garnered abroad to development our land,” he concluded, blessing the aspiration of the aspirant afterward.
Reacting, the monarch, Oba AbdulGaniyu Salau expressed his delight over the quality of aspirants jostling to succeed Governor Ajimobi. “Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa people have got a good chance this time to produce governor for the state going by the quality of people like you (Dr. Ayandele) who are now showing interest with great promise.
“I am particularly impressed by your record of service and achievements as well as the burning passion in you.
“Therefore, I pray for your success and I urge you to be faithful to the people of the state if you eventually got the chance to govern the state as desired”, the custodian of culture said.
Ayandele later proceeded to the party secretariat of the party in Iseyin local government after which he met APC leaders from Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola and Iwajowa local government areas.
At the meeting were Alhaji Sikiru Osuolale, Chief J. A Adeleke, Alh. Kolawole Alowonle, Alh. Mufutau Alobo, Elder Amos Aderounmu and others
