Osun 2018 Governoship Election: Ex Federal Permanent Secretary, Oyemomi Joins Race

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun State, Dr Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi on Friday officially declared his intention to contest for the governorship race in Osun in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Dr Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi

Oyemomi made the declaration while presenting his manifestos to the leadership of the APC at the party secretariat located along Gbongan/ Ibadan road.

Addressing the party leadership and the mammoth crowd who gathered to welcome him at the party secretariat, Oyemomi said that he would build on the foundation being laid by the present administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the area of infrastructural development.

Oyemomi who had served as Federal Permament Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Agriculture, Lands and House, Women Affairs Social Development and office of the Head of Service of the Federation said, he would used his wealth of experience to transform the state and move it to a greater heights.

He said the foundation which Aregbesola’s government has laid would galvanise him and his team to turn the various opportunities to actualising the great potentials of Osun , as the industrial giant, so as to alleviate the suffering of the people.

He further stated that he had mapped out ten main mandate thrust platform of governance, which according to him are intended to better the lot of the people of Osun State.

The ten areas according to Oyemomi are; agriculture, youth orientation, engagement and empowerment, functional education, women empowerment and repositioning, rural infrastructure development, development and rehabilitation, staff development and re-orientation, rehabilitation and repositioning of the health sector, development of art and culture, tourism and industrialisation among others.

Examining the motive behind his coming out to contest the governorship on the platform of APC, Oyemomi who hails from Olugbon compound, Orile Owu in Ayedaade local government area, said his intention after retirement was to be actively involved in the commercial business, including offering his service as a consultant in agriculture, policies and other areas but while working hard towards making a mark in all the enumerated ventures, old friends and others who knows what he can do discourage his plan as they believe that he was still very strong and could render selfless service to the people.

He added that if he was able to contribute so much at the Federal level, there was nothing wrong if the same could be extended to Osun state by him if he is voted for to succeed Aregbesola.

He said his friends, well meaning and concerned people within and outside the state invited him as an experienced man who can move the state forward to run for the governorship race.

According to Oyemomi, “after searching my mind and weighing various options and have considered my experience in the service and connections both at home and abroad, I agreed with them because it would be great disservice to my state of origin, if I should fail to offer my services for the benefit of the people”.

Oyemomi pointed out that while in service at the Federal level he had related with various international agencies and organisations and he was prepared to use his connection with them because he was already aware of where this organization would be useful for the development of Osun State.

Oyemomi who was said to have headed nine administrations including Military and civilian while in service at the Federal level said he has everything it takes to move Osun State forward, saying as a retired Permanent Secretary, he had interacted with the government officials and to join in developing the state.

The astute technocrat and politician told the large crowd that he would surpass what has been achieved in Lagos, saying the most of the technocrat who had served are still serving at the helms of the affairs in some states of the federation did well and never disappointed the people and their performance still remain indelible today.

He therefore, urged members of the party to look very well and deeply too for a credible person who is not to deceive them but willing to work at this crucial stage of state.

He however commended the leadership of the party at the Federal and State level saying what should be their paramount concern was how to win the election to further transform the Osun State beyond what is today and not how it would remain stagnant.

He argued that any slip or mistake by the party, would be disastrous as he reiterated the stand of the people of Osun west that the governorship should come to the zone.