* As Boroffice, Ekungba, Ehindero, Awosika, Akinruntan, join campaign train to Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ilaje
*Seaport, light restoration top agenda for Ondo South – Gov
By Nudoiba Ojen
It was carnival on Monday as the campaign train of Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa arrived Odigbo, Okitipupa and Ilaje Local Government areas.
The governor is touring the 18 local government areas of the state to meet with All Progressives Congress members and solicit their votes in Saturday’s primaries for the emergence of the party’s candidate for the November governorship election.
Notable APC leaders from across the three senatorial districts of the state joined the governor’s team to show solidarity and support and as well let party members know that Aiyedatiwa is the best man to be voted for both in Saturday’s primary election and as well the governorship election proper.
They included former Deputy Senate Leader, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice; House of Representatives member, Hon. Ife Ehindero; Chief Jamiu Ekungba; Ambassador Olusola Iji; Chief Gbenga Ale; Mr Tola Awosika; and Mr Awodeyi Akinsehinde Apata.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Abayomi Akinruntan and the Chairman of the campaign, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, among several other party leaders were also at the campaigns at Ore, Okitipupa and Igbokoda, respective headquarters of the three local government areas.
Across the three local government areas, party leaders and stakeholders reaffirmed their full support for the governor, affirming that Aiyedatiwa remains their preferred candidate of the party.
Aiyedatiwa, whose confidence was rekindled by the rousing welcome at the three council areas by thousands of enthusiastic party members, assured them that his performance in office so far, which stands him out among the aspirants and campaigning for him, is just a tip of the iceberg compared to what he will still do in all parts of the state before the end of the tenure and when reelected.
The governor said that his administration would pursue the implementation of the Ondo Sea Port and complement the efforts of the Federal Government in restoring power supply to the southern senatorial district of the State.
Speaking at Igbokoda, while responding to requests of religious leaders in the area, the Governor said the sea port is a legacy project of the former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, which must be sustained for the economic growth of the state.
He said, “As for the power issue, one of our sons who works with the NDDC has continued the job and it’s 98 per cent completed. The BEDC authority has the challenge of meters and since many people are owing them, they cannot procure meters for individuals.
“Our government will help in procuring meters as I have asked those in charge to calculate the cost. As soon as that is done, power will be restored.”
The air at Igbokoda was filled with palpable sense of pride as the people embraced their hometown hero with open arms, with the young and old in the community standing united in support of Governor Aiyedatiwa, affirming him as the best man for the job.
The governor told the crowd, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the esteemed leaders and members of our party hailing from Ilaje local government. The overwhelming expression of joy from your hearts speaks volumes.
“To the vibrant Ilaje youths, I am deeply grateful for your steadfast support. Your impressive turnout today fills me with confidence, knowing that come Saturday, your presence will only multiply across the wards.
“Our collective resolve for continuity is resolute, and to achieve this, it is imperative that we all show up on Saturday equipped with both our membership and voter cards. Together, we shall excel.”
In Odigbo, the governor visited the traditional ruler of the land, Orunja of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade, where he expressed gratitude for monarchs’ endorsement and prayers.
He reaffirmed his commitment to exploring the natural resources in Odigbo and other communities in the southern senatorial district for the betterment of the state and pledging to prioritize the traditional institution in his governance.
Subsequently, the governor went to address the eagerly waiting crowd of party loyalists at Mega Primary School, Ore, appreciating them for their sustained solidarity, with a pledge to sustain the good governance he has started.
The governor said “I deeply appreciate each one of you for standing by me up to this moment. It’s evident that Odigbo stands united with me, and I’m confident that you are all ready for Saturday’s election.”
A former Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, led his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, and they were welcomed by Governor Aiyedatiwa at Odigbo.
Addressing the crowd of party leaders and members who gathered at Okitipupa, the governor thanked them for their overwhelming support which would translate to victory at the primary.
He expressed his gratitude for their endorsement, assuring them that he would not let them down.
Earlier, the governor had paid a visit to the Jegun of Idepe-Okitipupa, Oba Michael Obatuga Adetoye and the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba William Oluwasegun Akinyomi, where the governor received royal blessings from the traditional rulers in the council areas.
