….Says Ondo South won’t accept Aspirant who can’t Spend Two terms as Governor.
By: Oluwatosin Adesola
Amidst an overwhelming show of political support, Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo has formally declared his aspiration for the esteemed position of Governor of Ondo State in the upcoming primaries.
Odimayo also called on the national leadership of the party not make a mistake of fielding a wrong candidate for the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Odimayo who is the current Chairman, House Committee on Population in the House of Representatives, explained that Ondo South earnestly yearns for a two-term of eight years for whoever will represent the district as governor from February 24, 2025.
Speaking at the official declaration of his intention to run for the race at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, Odimayo said he believes that it will be right for any aspirant who by law will be deprived from spending a two-term of eight years to jettison his governorship ambition in the best interest of Ondo South senatorial district.
His words: “If you attempt to bring anybody that is short of 8 years we would struggle in the next election, if you flag off anybody who is not up to task especially someone who would not do 8 years, people would not support. Our leaders Should not be sentimental because people are watching
“We the southerners, will ensure that APC doesn’t produce anybody that would be questionable or challenged by opposition party. We are going to address our challenges as a party, we are not going to make a mistake, APC is a predominant party in Ondo State.
“Basically, it is the turn of the South, and the party would not play with it, we want the party to utilize this opportunity, we have eight years, we will not tolerate anything less than eight years for the south. So, we should be very careful not to go into trap with our enemies.”
The federal lawmaker then urged party leaders to join him in his noble endeavour, promising transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
Omo’ba Odimayo further outlined his vision for the state, emphasizing unity, progress, and inclusive governance.
He stated that Ondo South people has consistently emphasized its desire for a two-term mandate, urging the APC leadership to prioritize the aspirations of the district by supporting an aspirant capable of leading the state effectively for an extended period f two-term, benefiting both Ondo South and the entire state.
Odimayo, in his press briefing after meeting the State working committee led by Engr. Ade Adetimehin, highlighted the pressing issues facing Ondo State, including inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, healthcare disparities, and educational gaps.
He pledged to tackle these challenges head-on with innovative solutions and unwavering commitment.
In a bid to address growing concerns over safety and security of Ondo State people, Odimayo made a bold pledge to prioritize the protection of every resident emphasizing his unwavering commitment to bolstering the state’s security apparatus.
According to him, his strategy is to strengthen Amotekun, the regional security outfit, and foster seamless collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
The legislator vowed to make quality healthcare a fundamental human right for every resident of Ondo State, pledging reforms to expand access, upgrade facilities, and address public health challenges head-on.
With a commitment to declaring a state of emergency on education, Odimayo promised to overhaul the educational system, ensuring quality and accessible education from primary to tertiary levels, while prioritizing youth empowerment.
The Aspirant also emphasized his plans for entrepreneurial development, aiming to empower youth across the local government and establish entrepreneurial centres to foster economic growth and job creation.
Recognizing agriculture as the backbone of the economy, the philanthropist pledged to implement policies promoting modern farming techniques, access to credit and markets, and rural infrastructure development, aiming for an 80% mechanization rate to boost economic growth and create jobs.
He premised on redefining Ondo State’s identity, shifting from a traditional civil servant-centric economy to a dynamic commercial powerhouse stressing that through strategic utilization of our abundant natural resources and targeted infrastructure development.
Omo’ba Odimayo pledged to offer enduring solutions to the sea incursion problem in the Aiyetoro community, as well as other communities facing similar challenges in Ilaje and Ese Odo local governments of Ondo State.
Odimayo emphasized a strong commitment to prioritize the welfare of workers, promising timely payment of salaries, swift implementation of minimum wage adjustments, and ensuring prompt disbursement of retirement benefits.
He highlighted a dedicated focus on sports and youth development, vowing to promote sports activities to foster talent and improve the overall well-being of the youth. Odimayo pledged to prioritize rural road connectivity, modern infrastructure investment, and empowering local governments for grassroots development.
Furthermore, he outlined plans for cultural preservation, affordable housing schemes, and support for small enterprises through financial aid and conducive environments. The incoming governor further outlined plans to champion renewable energy adoption, afforestation, waste management, climate-smart agricultural practices, water conservation, and green urban planning.
Ondo State State Women Coordinator for Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo, Hon. Olayinka Alabi while delivering the vote of thanks, thanked the pressmen, supporters, coordinators, and the Director General of the campaign team for their invaluable contributions. She closed the event with a prayer for the safe journeys of all attendees to their respective destinations.
In attendance during the official declaration at the NUJ Press Centre, Akure were the Director General of Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo Campaign Organization, Hon. Akin Adeniyi, Ondo South Coordinator, Hon. Shadrack Olowojuni (Segro), Ondo State Women Coordinator for Jimi Odimayo, Hon. Mrs. Olayinka Alabi, Prince Adedayo Omobogunje, Hon. Stephen Olowodasa, Hon. Orowole Akinwale Adamson, Mr. Oluwole, Fanubiyan, Chief Ajoniloju Sunday, Dr. Ola Falade, Ambassador Oluseye Adeleye, Elder Robert Iluyemi JP, Mr. Rotimi Ayeni, All Ward Chairmen, Akure South, All local government excos, Akure south local government, Ward Chairmen from Irele, Women coordinators across the eighteen local governments among others.
