…seek women, youth empowerment
…Reject any arrangement that can undermine Ogun State’s autonomy, PDP deputy guber candidate tells indigenes
Ogun State indigenes in Kano, on Thursday, welcomed the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2027 election in the state, Hajia Yemi Kolapo, with fanfare.
The scores of indigenes, who learnt that Sowunmi-Kolapo was in Kano for a programme, visited her at short notice, commending her decision to stand on what they described as the good side of history.
They expressed their appreciation to the deputy governorship candidate for making time to receive them, and even adjusting her flight schedule to accommodate their planned celebration.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the Ogun State Indigenes Association in Kano, Alhaji Lateef Faisu Alamu, expressed delight at the opportunity for Kano-based Ogun indigenes to interact with the PDP deputy governorship candidate.
Alamu, from Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, said the prompt adjustment of her schedule to accommodate the engagement with them already demonstrated her love for her people and pointed at inclusiveness in governance.
He said, “Please tell Hon. Ladi Adebutu that it (the 2027 election) is ‘Ogun for Ogun’. We go home frequently, and we have our strong structures there. Because of the love we have for our state, Ogun State, we quickly gathered ourselves together to welcome you. We could not afford to allow you to come to Kano without seeing us.
“We are pure Ogun State indigenes. We related with Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, even Governor Dapo Abiodun. We all go home often and are part of the political process.
“Please tell Hon. Adebutu that we are behind you. You will see us during the elections. But one thing is that we are praying for you in Kano now, and money cannot buy that. We will also expect you to fulfil your promises to us, the Kano-based indigenes, when you get there. Youth empowerment is key for us.
“Those of us sitting before you are accomplished Ogun indigenes. We have medical doctors, lawyers, businessmen, amongst us here,” the indigene, who was President of the Yoruba community in Kano for eight years, said.
He noted that many qualified Ogun graduates continued to struggle to secure meaningful employment despite possessing the requisite education and skills, making youth employment a critical issue that must be addressed by any incoming administration.
The General Secretary of Ogun Indigenes in Kano, H.O. Salami, prayed for the success of the PDP governorship ticket in Ogun State.
“We welcome you to Kano. I know that very soon, we will vote for you. We have seen you, we want you to be there. We have seen you, we want to see you on the seat of power. May God make it happen,” Salami, from Ogun East Senatorial District, said.
The association’s former Legal Adviser, Imam Abdulyaqeen Olugbenga Abduljaleel, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for rescheduling her trip back home to respond to the yearnings of Ogun indigenes in Kano who reached out to meet her at very short notice.
He assured her of the support of the indigenes for her aspirations, noting that the collective aspiration of Ogun indigenes was to see the state emerge as a prosperous and well-governed model for other parts of Nigeria.
Other speakers, including youth and women leaders, chorused “Ogun for Ogun” at intervals, assuring Sowunmi-Kolapo of their solid support.
Responding, the Ogun deputy governorship candidate assured the Kano-based indigenes that the PDP was committed to job creation and inclusive development.
According to her, the campaign slogan, “ITURA DE”, meaning relief/comfort has come, is predicated on competence, compassion, and effective governance.
She described Adebutu as a compassionate leader who, despite not holding elective office, had consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and development of the people of Ogun State, across all local government areas.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also called for a stronger sense of ownership of Ogun’s political destiny, urging the people to reject any arrangement that could undermine the state’s autonomy or make it subordinate to external political interests.
She cited developments in neighbouring Osun State as evidence that voters could take control of their political destiny.
“‘Ogun for Ogun’ is our reality for building a solid foundation for the future of our children and grandchildren. We won’t become second-class citizens in our own homeland,” she said.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate subsequently urged Ogun indigenes resident in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria to remain actively involved in political developments in their home state and mobilise their relatives, friends and communities ahead of the election.
The engagement ended with prayers for Sowunmi-Kolapo’s safe return as the PDP intensifies its mobilisation and electioneering activities.
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