Ondo 2024: Olusola Oke Declares Governorship Bid, Vows to Hit the Ground Running

Chief Olusola Oke, a leading aspirant under the All Progressive Congress (APC) platform, declared his intention to govern the state after governors Olusegun Mimiko and late Rotimi Akeredolu.

Addressing party members at the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital, Oke promised to “hit the ground running” if elected, drawing on his extensive experience in politics and previous executive positions.

Oke, who has been a lawmaker, party administrator, and occupied executive positions, believes his well-rounded experience has equipped him to effectively manage party members, lawmakers, and the state’s affairs as governor.

He acknowledged that Ondo State is currently facing a critical period of transition and vowed to lead the state towards progress in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and employment.

The aspirant expressed concern over the decline in the state’s economic growth and the loss of employment opportunities since the creation of Ondo in 1976.

He highlighted the need to revive the agricultural sector, as well as tap into the state’s forest, coastal, and mineral resources to generate wealth and improve the micro-economy.

Oke referred to the successful initiatives introduced by former Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu, such as the Alpha 3D in Ikare, the Owena Multipurpose Dam, and the Akure stadium, as examples of what can be achieved with visionary leadership.

He emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for the thousands of graduates in the state, arguing that government alone cannot be the sole employer.

The governorship hopeful also addressed the issue of poverty in the state, attributing it as a contributing factor to the rise in crime.

He pledged to be part of the solution to the problems faced by Ondo State, having been a part of the suffering and denial in the past.

As the race for the governorship ticket heats up, the APC chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin, urged all aspirants to play by the rules and engage in a civil campaign focused on the development of the state.

He appealed to Olusola Oke to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer after the primary.