By Jubril Bada

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has assured the people of the state that he will transform the economic base of the state if given the mandate to serve as governor of the state in the November 16 gubernatorial election.

The former deputy governor gave the assurance on Wednesday when the party’s leadership unveiled him as the party’s gubernatorial candidate before journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

He promised to transform the economic, educational, security, infrastructural and agricultural sectors, and create a state that everyone will be proud of.

While outlining his transformational agenda which he believes will be achieved based on his wealth of experience as a former local government chairman, ex-House of Representatives member and a former deputy governor, the PDP governorship candidate also promised to address Ayetoro Sea incursion in the Southern Senatorial District to save the lives and property of the people of the area.

“I am embarking on a journey that will transform Ondo State totally, a journey that will give us a state to be proud of. We will not give our people fish but we will teach them how to catch fish.

“So, the people of the state know us very well, they are going to choose wisely, I can assure you, they have already chosen me to lead the state in the coming election.

“I am going to make sure that we transform Ondo State to economic base where everybody will be busy in terms of commerce, economic activities and everything”, Ajayi stressed.

He noted that if voted in, his administration would make the state’s economy more vibrant and promote self-reliance among its people, just as he promised to run a farmers-friendly administration that encourages mechanized farming by providing essential agricultural supports and facilities to ensure food security and combat hunger.

On education, Ajayi promised that his administration would offer affordable education, give incentives and training to teachers to improve quality education, and as well encourage parents and guardians to send their children to school.

Regarding security, the PDP gubernatorial candidate said he would establish a new unit within the Amotekun security network, called the Forest Guard, equipped with modern technology to protect lives and property, especially in farmlands.

He emphasized that his administration would strengthen the Southwest Security Network also and engage traditional rulers in security activities within their communities to ensure the safety of their subjects.

Ajayi acknowledged the crucial role of journalists in nation-building and encouraged them to continue their work despite the challenges they face.

Additionally, he promised to complete the abandoned Olympic stadium in Akure and elevate the Sunshine Stars Football Club to be one of the best in the country.

“In terms of sports, my government will engage many youths in various sporting activities to provide them with better futures,” he pledged.

The party’s leaders accompanied him included former Deputy Governor, Omolade Oluwateru, former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Chairman Elder Committee PDP, Dr. Omotayo Dairo; former Governorship aspirant of the party, John Ola-Mafo; state Chairman of the party, Mr. Tola Alabere; ex-speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bakkita Bello and Princess Caroline Olupitan among others.

Presenting Ajayi as the party’s candidate to journalists, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, the former South-West Deputy National Chairman of the PDP stated that Ajayi possesses all the qualities necessary to govern the state and address the needs of its people.

Dr. Olafeso emphasized that Ajayi, who has extensive political experience, is committed and focused on building a better society and transforming the state for the better.

Dr. Olafeso, who is currently Zonal Liaison Desk Officer of the party in the Southwest, described Ajayi as an unwavering, tenacious, persistent, persevering and never giving up personality.

“It’s not about your size or your height, it’s about what is in your heart. When you’re fearless, you can conquer the world and that’s what Agboola Ajayi represents”, he said.

In his address, the state Chairman of the party, Bashorun Tola Alabere said PDP is confident of victory at the polls, just as he lauded journalists in the state for their professionalism.

The State Chairman of NUJ, Prince Leke Adegbite, reassured the opposition party of their continued unbiased reportage of political activities in the state.