APC Governorship Aspirant, Ekiti State
Dr. Wole Oluyede is a governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ekiti State. The renowned medical practitioner and an astute politician, in this interview with journalists recently in his campaign office at Ado Ekiti, highlighted some of the crucial issues that prompted his ambition. He also hints on how to ensure a vibrant economy in Ekiti State. ADEWUMI ADEMIJU was there.
Excerpts:
What is your personal assessment of the last tour to the wards, local governments and senatorial districts in Ekiti State in respect to your ambition?
It was the continuation of our third round. It was a very interesting tour. We moved round the communities to see our people. We were able to comb the three senatorial districts, from one local government to the other. We were able to exchange good ideas. I am glad to know where the shoe pinches my people. I am doing very well on the field. I am happy with the tour.
What are you doing to mobilise eligible voters for the ongoing voters’ registration exercise in the state?
We are collaborating with our party, APC to support where necessary, to tackle the challenges. We do create awareness to eligible voters on the importance of the registration. We are also mobilising through radio jingles and television advertorials .We are doing the needful to encourage all eligible voters to register. We also encourage younger ones to appreciate their civic responsibilities and the importance of franchise.
What prompted your ambition for governorship seat in Ekiti state?
Ekiti is a poor State with no desired development plan. I am motivated to run for governorship to implement new ways of development.
Ekiti is a state where unemployment rate is more than 87 percent. I want to create opportunities for the younger generations and make life more meaningful to all.
Ekiti State an agrarian community, how do you plan to tap into its huge agricultural potential for the economic development of the state?
A lot of energy and investments have gone into agriculture. We would find ways to assist farmers .We would let them know they can make living as farmers, stabilise the market for them to make more money and also help them market their produce.
What plans do you have for tourism development in Ekiti State?
There is nothing on ground now to stimulate the growth of the industry in Ekiti State. There is no calendar of festivals .We need to change peoples’ mindset towards tourism. Tourism is not just aesthetics of nature. Tourism is an Industry. I will bring stability and prosperity to tourism. Friendship among towns and communities would be encouraged through which they can learn and understand traditional festivals, cultures and values of one another.
Why do you believe delegates to the APC’s primary should entrust you to fly the party’s flag at the next governorship election in the state?
When I was moving round the wards, local governments and senatorial districts, I assured Ekiti State of participatory governance where democracy will be enthroned. It would be a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Our local governments, as the third-tier, will be independent, strong and viable.
Democracy cannot thrive well if the government is not brought back to people. People must take ownership of the government.
The delegates would be part of my government. The party would play a major role. I mean, a major of who gets what.
Like many other states of the Federation, unemployment rate is high in Ekiti, how do you intend to tackle the menace if voted as governor in 2018?
Our people both young and old have a lot of potential. Before now, I have been encouraging people both at home and diaspora, to set up businesses in Ekiti State. I would continue to encourage more people especially in the diaspora to come and set up invest and set up industries at home to provide job opportunities, for the young and unemployed people. There would be quick issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C-O-C) to ease business opportunity. Young people would be trained in skill acquisition in such a way that would enable them work anywhere in the World. There would also be entrepreneurship training. We would be able to establish a good and prosperous economy.
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What message do you to Ekiti people as the 2018 election draws near?
Hope is coming. Right now Ekiti State is going through a tortuous period. Everybody has lost hope in government .People have forlorn look on their faces. I want Ekiti people to lift up their heads and believe things are going to be better. By God’s Grace, I will turn things around, for good.
Ekiti used to be the best in education. We were known as rich farmers. It would be a team work. All of us will work together. Ekiti State will be Great Again!
