One of the 16 people running to become the All Progressives Congress candidate for governor in Ondo State, Olusola Oke, has pledged to prioritize agriculture as the main source of the state’s economy if he wins.
Oke spoke after turning in his expression of interest and nomination form at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Friday.
He stated that the changes he planned to make in the agriculture sector in the state will only succeed if the farmers feel safe. That's why it's important to move Amotekun Corps from towns to the farmlands.
He mentioned, “At this time, Ondo State is facing challenges that need a strong leader to address. After identifying the cause of the high poverty level, if I become the governor of Ondo State, I intend to open up the farmlands and build good roads that will cover the entire area.
“One major issue that is also making farming difficult in the state is insecurity.
“As far as I am concerned, the Amotekun has no role to play in town. I will construct a barracks for them within the farmlands so that they can provide a sense of security to our people.
“I won’t stop there. I will also provide high-yielding seedlings to the farmers, which they will also repay. I believe that by doing this, we can reduce the poverty level in the state.
“I want to acknowledge the significant role of my brother and friend, Late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who had gone to answer the call of God Almighty. He did a lot in terms of security. But what is remaining which I intend to do is to extend it to protect the farmers on their farmlands. Since the creation of the state in 1976, no government has made serious efforts to open up our resources in the forests.”
Oke supported the introduction of direct primary for the shadow poll, saying it is not susceptible to abuse and manipulation, unlike the indirect mode.
He also disagreed with claims that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed one of the 16 people competing for the ticket.
