News
Ondo 2024: I am the Strongest, Best Prepared to Transform Ondo— Ohunyeye
***Says state to become hub of Blue Economy
An All Progressive Congress governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Dr Felix Olamide Ohunyeye has indicated that he is best positioned to transform the state among all those jostling for the number one citizen of the state.
Ohunyeye made the bold assertion Thursday night while sharing his plans for the state on a TVC programme, Politics Tonight.
The retired brigadier general explained that he threw his hat in the ring because of “the call for a paradigm shift in the governance of Ondo State” to ensure rapid economic growth that will translate to development.
“It (his ambition) is with the aim to ensure a collective transformation, a paradigm shift in the way governance have been run in Ondo State to ensure that the state is poised and prepared for rapid economic growth that will translate to development for the people,” the aspirant said.
Decribing Ondo State as a consuming state, he lamented that it is currently not where it should be if placed against the human capacity and abundant natural, agricultural and aquatic resources at its disposal.
Ohunyeye noted that he would prioritise reviving moribund industries and invest in agriculture to boost production as part of efforts to restore the lost glory of the state
He stressed that the state can become the hub of the blue economy agenda of President Bola Tinubu once the coastal areas are opened up through the construction of deep seaports in Araromi and Igbokoda and even Igebkebo areas in partnership with private investors while other required infrastructural projects are provided.
“Ondo State in no time can become Dubai, Ondo State in no time will become major industrial hub if the blue economy is accorded the needed priority. He reiterated that luckily, our visionary President, the pragmatic leader has set up the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and if you look at the activities of this economy which will be blending aquatic resources with agro-allied resources, Ondo State is best fit to be the pioneer of the focal point of actualising the dream of this ministry. These are very huge potentials that should excite all citizens of Ondo State towards seeing my team as the next governor of Ondo State without necessarily campaigning,” he said.
Ohunyeye expressed confidence that he has the required credentials to turn around the fortune of the state for rapid growth and development.
According to him, his decades of military experience has placed him as the strongest aspirant in the state, noting that this will be essential in boosting security in the state through the improvement of Ondo State South West Security Network, codenamed “Amotekun” and introduction of new initiatives.
Ohunyeye is one of the aspirants eyeing the governorship ticket of the All Progressive Congress ahead of the November gubernatorial poll in the state.
Former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaba, has passed away at the age of 84.
According to reports, he died peacefully on Saturday in Abuja.
Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa, Secretary of the Egbira Elders Forum, confirmed the news, stating, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and leader, Prof. Tom A. Adaba, has answered the call of nature this morning. Further details about his burial arrangements will be communicated later.”
Born on July 2, 1941, Prof. Adaba made significant contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. Between 1988 and 1992, he became the first Nigerian to serve as President of the African Council for Communication Education.
Despite calls for suspension from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State local government election proceeded as scheduled on Saturday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke voted in Ede North Local Government Area, describing the process as peaceful and urging residents to exercise their franchise.
The AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, cited a Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating sacked local government chairmen, while the police warned of potential security threats.
However, the Osun State government insisted on holding the election, emphasizing its commitment to obeying a court directive. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotted the polls.
Voting took place under tight security, with minimal commercial activity observed in Osogbo, the state capital.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioner for Information, Jonathan Vatsa, has indicated that Firmer President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence at the public presentation of former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography, The Journey of Service, held in Abuja on Thursday was not surprising.
Speaking to journalists in Minna on Saturday, Vatsa suggested that Buhari’s no-show was a result of unresolved bitterness over the 1985 coup, in which Babangida overthrew him and subsequently detained him.
According to Vatsa, Buhari may still harbor resentment, especially over being denied the chance to bid his late mother farewell while in detention.
“It Would Have Been the 9th Wonder of the World If Buhari Had Attended”
Vatsa claimed that Buhari’s absence was expected, given the deep-seated history between the two former leaders.
“The memory of the ‘mother of all betrayals’ has not left him. It would have been the ninth wonder of the world if Buhari had attended that book launch,” he said.
The APC chieftain also linked Buhari’s perceived neglect of Niger State during his eight-year presidency to his history with Babangida.
“The whole world knows that Niger State was made a scapegoat by Buhari because of IBB. For eight years, he did not pay any serious official visit to the state, and not a single federal project was executed here. The Baro Port project was abandoned, and federal roads across the state were left in disrepair,” Vatsa alleged.
He claimed that despite the overwhelming votes Buhari received from Niger State in 2015 and 2019, the state was sidelined due to the personal history between the former presidents.
“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Niger State paid for the sin of one man,” he lamented.
When asked for his opinion on the contents of IBB’s autobiography, Vatsa said he would reserve his comments until he has read and digested the book fully.
“There are certain things I expected to see in the book. Once I am done reading, I will invite you all for my comments,” he stated.
The book launch attracted several high-profile attendees, including President Bola Tinubu, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Yakubu Gowon, as well as former military head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Other dignitaries included former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo, former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma, and ex-vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Yemi Osinbajo, and Namadi Sambo, alongside traditional rulers and state governors.
Buhari’s absence, however, remained a major talking point, reinforcing speculations that the 1985 coup remains a sore point in Nigeria’s political history.
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