APRIL 20: APC MEMBERS, MONARCHS GIVE AIYEDATIWA ROUSING WELCOME AS GOVERNOR CAMPAIGNS IN ODIGBO, ILAJE AND OKITIPUPA
***Promises to implement Seaport Project, Restore Light to Southern Senatorial District
***Receives former Deputy Speaker, Iroju Ogundeji from PDP to APC
Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that his administration will pursue the implementation of the Ondo Sea Port and complement the efforts of the Federal Government in restoring power supply to the souther senatorial district of the State.
The Governor made the promise on Monday at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje local government area of the State as he continued his campaign tour ahead of the coming governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
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% 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 campaign train of the Governor moved to Ilaje, his local government, Odigbo, and Okitipupo Local Government areas where he was given a rousing welcome by the people.
While in igbokoda, the air was filled with a palpable sense of pride as the people embraced their hometown hero with open arms, with the ypung and old in the community standing united in support of Governor Aiyedatiwa, affirming him as the best man for the job.
Addressing the crowd, he said: “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.”
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.
In Odigbo, the Governor visited the traditional ruler of the land, Orunja of Odigbo, Oba Rufus Adegboyega Akinrinmade, expressing gratitude for the monarch’s endorsement and prayers while reaffirming 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 Maga 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.”
Addressing the crowd of party leaders and members who gathered at Okitipupa, the Governor thanked them for their overwhelming support which will 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 Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba William Oluwasegun Akinyomi, where the governor received royal blessings.
Also, a former Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ogundeji Iroju, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC, and was welcomed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, those on the entourage of the Governor included the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ife Ehindero, former Deputy Senate Leader, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Abayomi Akinruntan, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Ambassador Olusola Iji, Chief Gbenga Ale, Mr. Tola Awosika, Mr. Awodeyi Akinsehinde Apata,
Chairman of the campaign, Victor Olabimtan, among several other party leaders.