16 YEARS OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE PREPARED ME FOR OSUN GOVERNORSHIP

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 15 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, says his 16 years of experience in both public service and the private sector have prepared him to lead the state effectively.

Oyebamiji made the remarks on Thursday during a campaign visit to the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, in Ilesa, as part of his tour of the Ilesa East/Ilesa West/Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West Federal Constituency.

Highlighting his record in public office, the APC flag bearer cited his tenure as Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), Commissioner for Finance, and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), where he said he introduced reforms that significantly reduced boat accidents.

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

He explained that while at NIWA, he established a committee to investigate the causes of recurring boat mishaps, using data from the National Bureau of Statistics and international benchmarks to develop safety measures.

“Before I left the agency, our interventions had contributed to more than an 80 per cent reduction in boat mishaps,” he said.

Reflecting on his time at OSICOL, Oyebamiji said he initially had no plans to leave the banking sector until he was invited by a former governor to head the state investment company.

According to him, the once-struggling agency was revitalised under his leadership, leading to the acquisition of 32 four-bedroom apartments in Guzape, Abuja, as well as additional properties in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Unveiling his plans for Ilesa, Oyebamiji pledged to complete the water project initiated during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola if elected.

He also promised equitable development across Ijesaland, saying his administration would prioritise projects based on the needs of residents rather than political considerations.

“Our budget will be driven by the needs of the people. We will provide what citizens require, not projects that serve no practical purpose,” he said.

In his remarks, Oba Haastrup commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for facilitating the rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ilesa Road following his installation as Owa Obokun.

The monarch also appealed to Oyebamiji to support the establishment of more universities in Ijesaland if elected governor.

Oyebamiji is among 14 candidates contesting the August 15 governorship election, including the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke.