A former member of the House of Representatives representing Odigbo/Ile Oluji/Okeigbo federal constituency, Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, asserts that he remains the best aspirant to be the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
While discussing his interest in the governorship seat, Akinfolarin made this statement in Akure, the state capital. He believes he stands out as a symbol of integrity, possesses educational qualifications, is committed to the masses, and supports the less privileged.
The former Deputy Speaker in the state emphasised the need for a paradigm shift to improve the Sunshine State. He argued that there is a dire need for fresh and better ideas, particularly in the areas of the economy and agriculture.
Akinfolarin stated, “My agenda is to transform, reconfigure, and restructure the politics of Ondo State. Ondo State is economically dynamic, with abundant mineral resources that can make it one of the best states in the country. Critical to the state’s development, the agricultural sector is currently overlooked. We must focus on natural resources like cocoa, rubber, and palm kernel.”
He continued, “Apart from the agricultural sector, the education system needs attention. Teachers are not adequately encouraged. During my tenure in the House of Representatives, I organized several seminars for teachers because students are the product of teachers.”
“When addressing rural electrification, it should be taken seriously. My agenda prioritizes rural electrification and the agricultural sector, which I believe will create job opportunities for unemployed youths,” he added.
Akinfolarin assured, “In the education sector, we will build new classrooms where necessary, renovate structures, and make them habitable. We will also employ more teachers. The welfare of citizens will be paramount to my government.”
He stressed, “If your citizens are uncomfortable, you have failed as a leader. My agenda is people-oriented, and everything we do will be in relation to the people.”
The two-term Deputy Speaker asserted that he is the most qualified to succeed Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the 2025 February elections. Akinfolarin highlighted his experience, having contested and won elections seven times, significantly impacting the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
“In terms of experience, I’m better than all of them because I’ve contested elections seven times and won five times. The entire Ondo South Senatorial District was PDP when I was in PDP. Only when I left for APC did the party gain representation in the National Assembly. I was the face of APC in the House of Representatives,” he declared.
Acknowledging Akeredolu’s achievements, Akinfolarin pledged to build on developmental projects if elected. He praised the current administration’s efforts in infrastructural development and security, promising to consolidate the present security architecture in the state. Akinfolarin emphasized that providing an enabling environment for people to realize their potential would be his government’s primary objective.
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