By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15 Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to run an inclusive administration devoid of nepotism if elected governor.
Oyebamiji made the promise on Thursday during the party’s governorship campaign rally at Enuwa Square in Ile-Ife, where he outlined his plans for infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, electricity and workers’ welfare.
According to him, an APC administration would ensure equitable distribution of resources across the state and avoid favouring one community over another.
“We will run a government that benefits all and sundry. Resources will be distributed fairly across the state, and no community will be neglected,” he said.
The APC candidate also promised to prioritise capacity development for civil servants through regular training and retraining programmes both within and outside Nigeria.
He said teachers would receive special attention to improve the quality of education in the state.
“We will take better care of civil servants, especially teachers. We will invest heavily in their training and expose them to global best practices through capacity-building programmes at home and abroad,” he said.
On healthcare, Oyebamiji lamented the condition of health facilities across the state and pledged to rehabilitate and equip hospitals and primary healthcare centres.
“Our hospitals are in a poor state. When we come into office, we will rejuvenate our health centres and ensure quality healthcare delivery for the people,” he said.
The APC flag bearer also promised to boost agricultural productivity through mechanised farming and support for workers interested in agriculture.
“We will encourage our workers to engage in farming and provide the necessary support to enhance mechanised agriculture in the state,” he added.
Speaking on electricity, Oyebamiji disclosed that discussions were already underway with a German company to improve power supply across Osun.
“We are working on plans to improve electricity supply to support artisans and businesses. We have reached an advanced stage of discussions with a German company that is ready to generate 3.5 megawatts of electricity. Once elected, we will conclude the agreement and commence implementation,” he said.
He also pledged support for traders and transport operators through grants, soft loans and other empowerment programmes.
Earlier, Oyebamiji paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his palace, where he promised to facilitate the reconstruction of key roads in Ile-Ife if elected.
He identified the Enuwa–Fajuyi Junction Road, Ilare–Sabo Road and Aderemi Road linking Ondo Road as priority projects.
“I have sent my team to assess the condition of roads in Ile-Ife and they have submitted their report. By the grace of God, work will commence on the Enuwa–Fajuyi Junction Road when we assume office. We have also assessed the Ilare–Sabo Road and the Aderemi Road to Ondo Road,” he said.
Oyebamiji further promised to renovate dilapidated primary schools and establish a modern market in Ile-Ife befitting its status as the cradle of the Yoruba race.
“We want a world-class market that reflects the historical and cultural importance of Ile-Ife. Anyone visiting from any part of the world should immediately recognise that this is the cradle of the Yoruba race,” he said.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife urged political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the election.
The monarch cautioned against violence and called on residents to maintain the peaceful character for which Osun State is known.
“I appeal to all political actors to embrace peace. There should be no bloodshed in Osun. Politics should be conducted peacefully because elections will come and go, but the state will remain.
“I beg you with my crown: on election day, vote peacefully. We do not want violence or the use of weapons. Osun is greater than any individual, and we must all work to preserve its peace and stability,” the monarch said.