Osun poll: AMBO will improve workers’ welfare, boost agriculture – APC national secretary

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has assured Osun residents that the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), will prioritise the welfare of civil servants and implement policies aimed at revitalising the state’s economy if elected governor in the August 15 election.

Basiru gave the assurance on Monday while addressing party supporters at the APC governorship campaign rally in Ila-Orangun.

He said an APC administration under Oyebamiji would focus on improving workers’ welfare, strengthening agriculture, expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare and enhancing security across the state.

According to him, Osun should leverage the increase in federal allocations to accelerate development, adding that Oyebamiji possesses the experience and economic knowledge required to manage the state’s resources effectively.

“Reports have shown that allocations to states have increased significantly, and even the Osun State Government has acknowledged the improvement. That is why we are supporting AMBO. He understands governance, business and the economy, and we believe he will utilise these resources to build a better future for our people,” Basiru said.

He pledged that civil servants would enjoy better welfare under an APC government, describing them as the backbone of public service.

“Our civil servants deserve improved welfare because they remain the engine of government. We will also support farmers to increase production and create better opportunities for them to market their produce, thereby strengthening the state’s economy,” he said.

Basiru added that agriculture would receive special attention because of its potential to create jobs and improve rural livelihoods, while the education sector would benefit from the recruitment of more teachers to address existing manpower shortages.

He also criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke over the condition of healthcare facilities, alleging that many health centres established under previous APC administrations had deteriorated due to inadequate staffing and shortages of essential medical supplies.

Speaking at the rally, Oyebamiji promised to complete abandoned road projects and embark on the construction of more rural roads to support agriculture and stimulate economic activities.

He said road infrastructure would be one of the priorities of his administration because of its importance to farmers and rural communities.

“When I become governor, we will complete ongoing road projects and construct additional roads linking our towns and villages. Good roads are critical for transporting agricultural produce, attracting investment and improving the lives of our people,” he said.

The APC candidate disclosed that he had already held discussions with contractors handling some abandoned projects and expressed confidence that work would resume shortly after his inauguration if elected.

“There are projects that were started but left uncompleted. I have spoken with the contractors involved, and by the grace of God, once we assume office, work will resume immediately because these are commitments we intend to fulfil,” he said.

Oyebamiji assured residents that his campaign promises were realistic and achievable, stressing that his administration would be guided by integrity, accountability and responsible governance.

“These are not empty promises. We are presenting practical solutions that will improve the lives of our people and build a stronger and more prosperous Osun State,” he said.

He also urged residents of Ila-Orangun and other parts of the state to mobilise support for the APC ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

“I appreciate the warm reception from the people of Ila. I urge you to spread our message across Osun and support our vision for a better state. The confidence you had in our leader, Chief Bisi Akande, should also be extended to AMBO,” he added.

In his remarks, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdul Wahab Olukayode Oyedotun, offered prayers for Oyebamiji’s electoral success, expressing optimism that he would emerge victorious in the forthcoming governorship poll.

The monarch said members of his household had already been canvassing support for the APC candidate and prayed for God’s favour over his ambition.

“It is only God who grants success. I pray that AMBO’s aspiration will be fulfilled and that he will emerge victorious in the election. By God’s grace, we shall all celebrate the victory,” the traditional ruler said.