Some indigenes of Ogun State, resident in Enugu State, on Friday, held a brief reception for the PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, reiterating their support for change in the state.
Kolapo, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, was in Enugu for the ongoing 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference.
Speaking at the brief reception, Chairman of the group, Dr Lekan Oladapo, said they had studied the Manifesto of the PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, and had realised that the candidate and running mate were genuinely committed to the progress of the state and wellbeing of its people.
“Ogun State, by all standards, is not where it should be, to be candid. We are far behind where we should be at this stage. But we have vowed to get it right in the 2027 general elections.
“We, here, speaking to you, have what it takes to join the struggle to protect our heritage and install good governance in Ogun State, in the interest of our people and future generations.
“Ogun State is a special state. We have produced Presidents, first-class brains doing so well around the world. We have produced the first-ever professionals in many fields. It is therefore a concern to well-meaning indigenes that our state may be up for capture, all in the name of politics, if the people don’t rise to protect their heritage.
“Beyond this, Ogun State, with known ancient towns of Ijebu Ode and Abeokuta, among many others, is not anywhere close to the desired level of development across sectors, including infrastructure. For instance, there is no deliberate effort to leverage the ancient spots across the state for a steady source of revenue through tourism, even in the area of herbal health.
“For instance, Ogun State can earn so much foreign currency from the export of herbal products, and we need a government with the goodwill and capacity to come up with such policies that will guarantee assisting producers to export herbal products globally,” he said.
