Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has charged voters in the Saturday, November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State to make a bold statement with the election by voting out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Makinde urged “all lovers of good governance to come out and say enough of the APC and its lack of people-centred policies.”
The Oyo State governor stated this on Thursday in his newsletter to his supporters and the people of the state.
He added that it is time for Nigerians to rally around the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the party that can help Nigeria get out of the economic doldrums.
“Let me start by encouraging everyone in Ondo State to come out this Saturday and make a bold statement with the Ondo State elections.
“Let all lovers of good governance come out and say enough of the APC and its lack of people-centred policies. It is time for Nigerians to rally around the PDP as the party that can help Nigeria get out of the economic doldrums,” Makinde said.
He appealed to the undecided voters to consider all the efforts being made by the PDP governors for their people.
“Just yesterday (Wednesday), we presented our Budget of Economic Stabilisation. As usual, it was a people’s first budget. Based on the data we have from previous years, there is a 7:10 chance of us implementing the items in the budget. So, the people of Oyo State can expect more infrastructure development, more educational projects, and more economic development,” the Governor said.
He stated that Ondo State is a litmus test for Nigerians to show that their hunger and anger can produce real change. “Tell everyone you know that the PDP is the party that can really rescue Nigeria,” Makinde charged.
Speaking further on a question by one Idayat regarding the plan of the state government about employment, the Governor said, “Well, yesterday (Wednesday), we announced the highest number of recruitments in one swoop under any government in Oyo State. 14,500 teachers are being recruited. We are also recruiting about 3,300 health workers. But the fact remains that there are only so many direct jobs that the government can create.
“The entire civil service in Oyo State is just a tiny fraction of the Oyo State working population. Our primary responsibility is to continue to focus on creating an environment that will allow the private sector to thrive and create employment,” he said.
Makinde added that this explains why over 22 per cent of the state budget is earmarked for infrastructure.
“The more infrastructure we build, especially roads, the more economic development we have. As we always say, where roads go, development follows. So, Idayat, we will continue to prioritise job creation and support skills development in Oyo State to help bridge the unemployment gap. I also wish you the best in your job search.”
Responding to another question from one Clement on the plan of the Oyo State Government to create more and new industrial estates within Ibadan metropolis, the Governor said the answer was quite obvious.
“We have been talking about the Ilutuntun Business District in Akinyele Local Government Area, a modern take on Dugbe. That area is developing rapidly, with the train station and the 65km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road. We are also looking forward to an agro-industrial processing hub in that area.
“By God’s grace, when that project is completed, it will really open the area up more,” he assured.
Makinde also addressed another issue raised by Clement requesting an update on the Ikere Gorge Dam. “Well, the first thing we are doing out there is getting the road fixed. We have already advertised the road for contract bidding under the World Bank-assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
“Once the process is complete, the road will be constructed, and then investors will come in to actualise that project. We really cannot do anything about the dam without the road access.’
Governor Makinde concluded the newsletter with optimism that of an economically better 2025.
“We just have to keep pushing and making the right decisions in the overall interest of our people and nation,” he added.
