Introduction to Ekiti State Governorship Election
As preparations gather momentum for the Ekiti State governorship election, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Kayode Ojo, has formally declared his intention to contest, vowing to unseat the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji.
Declaration of Interest and Nomination
Ojo’s expression of interest and nomination forms, valued at N50 million, were procured on Tuesday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja by a former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Adefemi, who led a large delegation of supporters, including Mrs. Monica Adesola Olajuyigbe (née Adekunle Fajuyi).
Blueprint for Ekiti State
Speaking on behalf of Ojo, Adefemi described his blueprint for Ekiti as a bold and transformative agenda aimed at building a distinct economic identity that would position the state as a global destination. He explained that Ojo’s development plan places human capital at its core, focusing on education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to drive growth in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, all underpinned by a strategic security system.
Agricultural Reforms
According to him, Ojo’s agricultural reforms will transform the sector from subsistence farming to agribusiness through modern techniques and value-chain development to boost productivity and exports.
Tourism Development
In tourism, Ojo plans to harness Ekiti’s natural and cultural assets with upgraded sites, hospitality training, and global marketing initiatives.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development, he noted, would be aggressively pursued through improved roads, energy supply, and digital connectivity to facilitate commerce and investment.
Challenging the Incumbent Governor
Challenging Oyebanji’s performance, Adefemi argued that the governor has not done enough to merit a second term, stressing that Ojo envisions a “game-changing super-highway” linking Ekiti to Nigeria’s coastal seaports, particularly Lekki. The project, he said, would be driven by partnerships with the Federal Government and international stakeholders.
Visionary Infrastructure
“This visionary infrastructure will transform Ekiti into a pivotal inland logistics hub, a dry port where goods bound for the northern corridor converge, streamlining national trade routes and cutting transit costs,” Adefemi declared. “It will be a lifeline for industrial expansion, unlocking access to imported machinery, equipment, and essential commodities while magnetizing investment.”
Alignment with National Agenda
He added that Ojo’s vision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning Ekiti as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s supply chain and a driver of economic transformation.
Governance and Transparency
On governance, Ojo pledged to ensure total autonomy for local governments, strengthen diaspora engagement, and embrace transparent governance. Adefemi said his principal would elevate Ekiti’s global profile through inclusiveness, people-driven policies, and international partnerships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Engr. Kayode Ojo’s declaration to contest the Ekiti State governorship election marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape. With his bold and transformative agenda, Ojo aims to unseat the incumbent governor and position Ekiti as a global destination. His vision for the state’s development, including agricultural reforms, tourism development, infrastructure development, and visionary infrastructure, has the potential to drive economic growth and transformation.
FAQs
Q: Who has declared his intention to contest the Ekiti State governorship election?
A: Engr. Kayode Ojo, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared his intention to contest the election.
Q: What is Ojo’s vision for Ekiti State?
A: Ojo’s vision is to build a distinct economic identity that would position the state as a global destination, with a focus on education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to drive growth in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.
Q: What are Ojo’s plans for agricultural reforms?
A: Ojo plans to transform the agricultural sector from subsistence farming to agribusiness through modern techniques and value-chain development to boost productivity and exports.
Q: How does Ojo’s vision align with the national agenda?
A: Ojo’s vision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning Ekiti as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s supply chain and a driver of economic transformation.
