• Opinion leaders seek actualisation of bitumen project, employment generation, end to insecurity, others
• Afenifere chiefs-Arogbofa, Duyile make case for the elderly, vulnerable citizens

By Jubril Bada

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Two chieftains of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere,  and elder statesmen, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa and Chief  Korede Duyile, have set agenda for  Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of today’s inauguration.

The two respected elders urged the governor to make his mark by focusing on the actualisation of the bitumen exploitation project that will lead to industrialisation as well as eradication of mass unemployment in the state.

Besides, they encouraged Governor Aiyedatiwa to revamp the state’s education sector and continue with all the good legacies of his predecessors, particularly in the area of security as government is a continuum

The duo spoke in separate interviews with The Hope, yesterday.

 Basorun Arogbofa said: “He should now make his mark on the bitumen that will lead to the industrialisation of the state. All the past Governors have areas where they had excelled separately except Baba Ajasin that excelled in all areas. Agagu had philosophy on education, Mimiko in health and Akeredolu on security. He has to improve on them but must do things that he will be remembered for.”

The Afenifere chieftain enjoined the Governor to battle insecurity of lives and property by strengthening Amotekun Corps which was established by his boss, late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“Amotekun has to be strengthened for peace to reign. If there is security of lives, hunger will be addressed, we were told rain will be better this year. For people to go to their farms, it is very important that the Governor tackles insecurity while waiting for the federal government to fulfill its promise of state police”

Arogbofa, who commended the Governor for his pronouncement on employment of teachers at Araromi seaside last Saturday, enjoined him to always give them refresher course

“It is good that the governor has announced that teachers will be sent to schools to strengthen the state’s education sector. He should also give them refresher courses to upgrade them. The Governor should also focus on agriculture by buying equipment and inputs for farmers.”

On road infrastructure across the state, Arogbofa enjoined Aiyedatiwa not to relent in his efforts, adding that the effect of good road network cannot be underestimated

He said elderly ones too must be taken care of, saying it is an act of God and a privilege to be aged.

“Elderly people want to live a happy life and must be taken care of. It is an act of God and privilege to grow old. Work must continue on road infrastructure. We need good roads,” he stressed.

On his part, Chief Korede Duyile, who is also the state chairman of Afenifere,  called on the governor to fully implement his manifestoes, which prioritises key sectors such as education, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialisation.

He emphasised that by concentrating on these areas, the government can make meaningful impacts on the lives of the people.

The Afenifere chieftain urged the governor to equip schools with modern facilities and employ more teachers to improve the quality of learning in both primary and secondary schools.

Korede, who was former  federal lawmaker also stressed the need for the renovation of technical colleges, polytechnics, and universities across the state in line with global best practices.

On infrastructure, he highlighted the importance of completing all ongoing road projects while also paying attention to the dilapidated roads in local government areas.

According to him, most roads in these areas are in poor condition and require urgent reconstruction to enhance connectivity and economic activities.

Regarding electricity, he noted that the decentralisation of the power sector presents an opportunity for the state government to invest in electricity infrastructure.

He urged the governor to take advantage of this development to improve power supply, as stable electricity would boost the state’s economy by reducing production costs for businesses, industries, and artisans.

He concluded by expressing optimism that if the government prioritizes these key sectors, it will significantly improve the standard of living for residents and drive economic growth across the state.