By Solomon Odeniyi
“I want to build on the giant strides already made by the current administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola”, says Gboyega Oyetola.
Oyetola won the July 19 Osun All Progressives Congress direct primary with a landslide margin to emerge the flag bearer of the ruling APC in the September 22 gubernatorial election.
He maintained that having been a privileged member of the team that has brought the current transformation the state has witnessed in the past seven and half years, he knows measures to put in place to deepen the current gains infrastructural development and other aspects of the economy that can bring about prosperity to the people and the generations yet unborn.
He believes that the Six Points Integral Action Plan of the present government is enough a template to hit the ground running immediately he assumes office, adding that, “with commitment and service, the experiences acquired from the implementation of the Action plan of banishing hunger, poverty, unemployment, restoring healthy living, promotion of functional education and enhancement of communal peace and progress, enunciated by the Aregbesola led administration, we will ensure that the plan is objectively reviewed for effectiveness and efficiency”.
He assured that the welfare of the workers would top in his agenda, adding that he is bent on maintaining the National Bureau of Statistics ranking of having the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
“While the current administration has tried its best to enhance the welfare of the workers, our administration shall intensify efforts and come up with stronger strategies to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions of our senior citizens.
“We shall pursue workers’ welfare with all the energy in us. We will seek a gradual and inclusive civil service reform, make the work environment more conducive, stimulating and development-oriented with sustained reward mechanism and keep workers morale high. We will promote an enviable culture of excellence and service.
“Today, Osun, according to NBS is reputed as having the lowest unemployment rate in the country, this has made Job creation uppermost in my mind and my goal is to make Osun to be known as the state for employment and jobs in the country.
“A study we commissioned has indicated that 25-30 factories employing over 30,000 workers can be created within a period of 3-4 years across the length and breadth of the state of Osun”, he said.
Oyetola pledged that he would work harder to improve the state’s IGR even as he looks to block all leakages and waste of the state Commonwealth, cut leakages in tax collection and administration processes.
He added that he would run a transparent and accountable government with the mindset of reducing dependence on federal allocation.
On education the APC flag bearer said, “I know you’re all working hard to give qualitative education to your children based on limited resources. Education is a ladder. Rung by rung, it helps people climb the ladder to make progress on the path of social mobility. When we educate our people, our society and way of life becomes stronger and better. That is what our late leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo did. It was the gift he gave us. That is why I can stand before you today”.
