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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Last 16 years prepared me for Osun governance, says Oyebamiji

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Osun State governorship election, asserts his 16 years of experience have prepared him for governance.
  • He highlighted his past roles as Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company Limited and Commissioner for Finance, as well as his tenure at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
  • Oyebamiji pledged to complete the Ilesa water project and base the budget on citizens' needs if elected governor.

Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Osun State governorship election, stated that his 16 years of experience have equipped him with the practical skills necessary to govern the state effectively. Oyebamiji made these remarks during a campaign tour in Ilesa, Osun State, while visiting the palace of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Hastrup.

I have spent the last 16 years undergoing practical training and acquiring the experience needed to govern Osun State effectively.

โ€” Bola OyebamijiOyebamiji asserting his readiness for governorship based on his experience.

During his campaign, Oyebamiji detailed his professional background, including his time as the Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited and his service as the State Commissioner for Finance. He also pointed to his achievements at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), where he reportedly reduced boat mishaps by over 80% through an investigative committee and data analysis.

I am happy to tell you that I inaugurated a committee when I was at NIWA to investigate why boats capsize. I went to the Bureau of Statistics to collect data and compare it with what we have overseas. I am happy to tell you that with my effort before leaving the agency, we now have over 80% reduction in boat mishaps to date.

โ€” Bola OyebamijiOyebamiji detailing his achievements in reducing boat mishaps at NIWA.

Reflecting on his career transition from banking, Oyebamiji mentioned being invited by the former governor to lead OSICOL, which he revitalized from a near-moribund state. Under his leadership, OSICOL acquired significant assets, including 32 four-bedroom flats in Guzape, Abuja, and properties in Ikoyi, Lagos. He assured the traditional ruler and the community that if elected, his administration would prioritize the completion of the Ilesa water project and ensure the budget reflects the needs of the citizens, rather than imposing unnecessary projects.

I want to assure you that we will do our best for Ilesa. We wonโ€™t deprive you of your entitlement and also we wonโ€™t deprive other monarchs in Ijesaland. Our budget will be based on citizensโ€™ needs. We will give the people what they want, not what we want, like building a bridge where it is not needed.

โ€” Bola OyebamijiOyebamiji's promises to the people of Ilesa if elected governor.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.