Five governorship candidates of the July 16 Osun election, on Thursday rolled out their plans for citizens of the state during a debate.
The candidates include: Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuff of Labour Party (LP); Sen. Ademola Adeleke of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi of Accord Party (AP); Arc. Akinrinola Omigbodun of Social Democratic Party(SDP) and Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola of All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governorship candidates, at the debate organised by BBC Yoruba in Osogbo, Osun State capital, constructively argued out the need for improving the state’s economy, security and citizens’ welfare.
On his part, Hon. Lasun pointed out the need to make wealth from agriculture which he said he is bent on doing if elected.
He said, “I want to make Osun an economy state and make agriculture a viable economic venture. I am a farmer and well informed to make wealth out of agriculture.
“I will meet with traditional rulers on the issue of land in order to make it accessible to farmers. Within nine months, I will make available 5–9 billion naira to women as loan for investment after which they will pay back.
Dr Ogunbiyi spoke on his requisite experience in the private sector which he intends to use to rescue the state.
He promised to revitalized the economy through exploring natural resources in the state.
“I will give Osun a new beginning. I have mapped out policies on mineral resources like gold, iron ore in the state for us to develop our economy,” he added.
Sen. Adeleke debunked the notion that he has come to buy the state with foreign currencies.
According to him, foreign investors will be brought to the state to invest hugely for the growth of the economy with their foreign currencies.
Speaking on security, he said “I am an expert in security, I am a criminologist. I will bring my knowledge to bear in Osun if I become the governor. If we really have helicopter, we will use it to be making surveillance.
Arc. Omigbodun said he has plans to engage technological gadgets to tackle insecurity in the state.
He harped on the need to improve the welfare of workers and retirees in the state.
“Why I want to become a governor is that I have been living in Osun all my life and I have seen that if there is no solution to our problems soonest, we may not be able to control it again. We call Osun civil service state and workers are not well paid. I will transform Osun’s economy,” he said.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, in his response, spoke on his administration’s achievements in education, health sector, road construction and payment of salaries.
He, however promised not to relent in improving the welfare of workers and retirees as well as developing various sectors if reelected.
“When I became governor, I ensured that salaries are paid promptly and fully. The retirees were only complaining of the entitlements arrears that I inherited but for those that have retired since I came to power, I am not owing them a dime. When there is enough money, we will look into the arrears of pensioners. Education is going on well and we changed some policies that are necessary. Government is continuum and I didn’t abandon any project. When the World Bank visited us recently, it said we have performed well in the Southwest,” he stated.
