Guber Race 2019: Ladi Adebutu assures Ogun People of a Prosperous State

The purpose of the event was simple: hope for Ogun State in 2019. But the message of Hon (Dr) Ladi Adebutu, 2019 gubernatorial aspirant, to the good people of Ogun State during an interactive session at Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government, was not the ‘hope’ routine talk, it was a clear message of ASSURANCE.

While addressing the representatives of over forty groups and associations who gathered at ASUP Hall, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Adebutu who was quite impressive in his understanding of various topical issues confronting the gateway state and offer of practicable solutions, assured the gathering of his determination and resolution to take Ogun beyond the summit in 2019.

On the deplorable roads raised by Comrade Akin Badmus, Adebutu flayed the decaying infrastructure across the state and expressed deep concerns on the effects on the lives of the people and commercial activities especially in the most productive Sango-Agbara axis. Hon Ladi, however, assured Ogun people of his greatest desire to fix all the roads. He added that concessioning of some roads was also an option for him.

As regards the relocation of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic to Ipokia, Mrs Aderounke Adesina from Ado Odo wanted to know the plans of Adebutu on the stability of the institution. Responding, Hon Ladi said that the polytechnic had come to stay and would be secured properly. Considering the educational status of Ogun, Adebutu revealed his plans for educational expansion by creating enabling environment for private establishment and its growth through tax relief among other incentives.

Mrs Dupe Olakotan’s concern was on the empowerment of market women. In his response, the federal lawmaker praised market women for their productivity and enterprise. He pledged to institutionalise various bodies that would provide financial aids to traders without endangering their businesses. This step he said was typical of Otunba Gbenga Daniel regime’s programs for business concerns such as OSAMCA. He lamented the inability of the current government to assist traders, which according to him, caused their involvement in throat cutting schemes such as LAPO. He hinted that, privately, he had been providing assistance to market women across the 20 local governments devoid of publicity.

Mr Emmanuel Ilusoro of the Welders and Iron Benders Association was interested in electricity. Adebutu said without doubt, inconsistency in the supply of electricity remained the bane of every Nigerian. He assured of his readiness to partner with the Federal Government in finding lasting solution to the incessant problem.

On agricultural plans raised by Miss Akinremi Amira, Adebutu, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Rural Development, was proud to inform the gathering that he was a farmer himself which invariably meant that agriculture would be a sector of particular interest to him. He stated that there would be a massive investment in agricultural industry with his government focusing majorly in areas of comparative advantage of each of the senatorial districts. With his desire to make Ogun the foremost agricultural destination of choice, he pledged to create encouraging atmosphere for investors and construction of Agro cargo airport among others.

Messrs Asade Adesina from Ado Odo and Yinka Tella, a retired civil servant, wanted to know if yewaland had a prime place in Adebutu’s agenda. To this, Adebutu responded in the affirmative. Even though, the billionaire businessman, preferred to work for general interest rather than sounding sectional, nevertheless, he revealed that his agenda would protect the interest of yewaland in all ramifications. Noting that Ogun west was in line for a prosperous future under him, where the potentials of the international boundary would be tapped into, establishment of free trade zones for international commerce, encouragement of commercial farming in the vast land of yewaland through public private partnership, rehabilitation and construction of roads among others.

In his response to the status of the youths in his plans as asked by Mr Godwin Micheal, President, Students Union, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Adebutu said he was a lover of modernity. He, therefore, agreed that the youths were leaders in their own right, as such, occupied a prominent place in his agenda. He gave an insight into his plan to allocate more administrative positions to the vibrant youths of the state in his government.

On support for artisans asked Mr Olusola Oludare of Taylors Association, Adebutu assured them of his desire to provide technical and other related support to enable them to be more productive, responsible and compete favourably with their counterparts in other countries of the world.

A major development at the event was the appointment of Lado Ambassadors.

Credit: Prince Deji Babington-Ashaye