A former gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Chief Adewale Omoniyi, has canvassed support for the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stating that his second term will consolidate good governance and enhance dividends of democracy in the state.
Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Omoniyi, who is a United Kingdom-trained Data Scientist, urged the people of the state to prioritise the unity of the Gateway State and eschew incitements from politicians who lost out at the last elections.
Omoniyi, who is the lead facilitator of the popular non-governmental movement in the State, Ogun Poverty Alleviation Group (OGUNPAG), said he has confidence in the administration of Abiodun to upscale governance and fight for the interests of ordinary residents of the state.
While stating that the outcome of the last governorship election in the State should be seen as a ‘no victor, no vanquish’ contest, he stressed that there will be more electoral opportunities in the future for all and sundry.
“We support Governor Abiodun work for the stability and economic prosperity of our state, hence, our entreaties for peace and calm to those who are aggrieved about the outcome of the polls in March. Ogun State is bigger than all of us and there can only be one governor at a time. The governor is Prince Dapo Abiodun and he carries the people’s mandate till 2027.
“Now that the elections are over, it is time for all of us to come together to work in unity and achieve greater positive results for our state. What unites us as a State is far more important and substantial than whatever differences exist among us.
The Yewa-born philanthropist who has been complementing the effort of the state government in Alleviation of poverty through his OGUNPAG empowerment scheme, said the programme, which involves free distribution of rice, gaari and some other food items to students of all higher institutions in the state, highlighted the need for synergy between government and civil societies to ameliorate poverty rate in the society.
Omoniyi, who is a former Special Assistant to Deputy Governor in the state, disclosed that the scheme has already reached out to over 2,000 students in different higher institutions in the state, including, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, FUNNAB, among others.
“We are complementing the incredible effort of the Gov Dapo Abiodun’s administration to reduce poverty through our phased and adaptive approach. Just like the govt, we believe in investment in human capital and we support broader approach that can provide grants to poor and vulnerable households and also strengthen food supply chains for poor households.
“This is no politics or an attempt for curry recognition for public office, but a structured mobilisation to ensure the flow of poverty is largely halted especially among youths who are vulnerable to committing crimes and criminalities as a result of unemployment.”
While disclosing the next phase of the scheme as a digital journey of good returns for the youths, the ManagIng Director of NYVICS Mill Foods Limited, said youths will be engaged with free digital and entrepreneurship skills.
“For us, we will continue to work in collaboration with the government of Ogun State and youth organisations to ensure that the policies and programmes of the state government will improve the lives of youths in our state and make them contribute meaningfully to the government economic growth plan and achieve lasting peace and security,” he said.
