By Shina Abubakar
OSOGBO — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has promised to prioritise agriculture and mechanised farming as part of efforts to boost economic growth and improve livelihoods across the state if elected.
Oyebamiji made the pledge during the APC campaign rally for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency held at Ibokun and Ijebu-Jesa market squares at the weekend.
The candidate said his administration would leverage Osun’s agricultural potential to transform the economy, create opportunities for rural communities and increase agricultural productivity.
Addressing supporters in Ibokun after meeting with traditional rulers, Oyebamiji said agriculture remained one of the state’s major areas of comparative advantage.
“One of my major plans is to develop the Osun economy using agriculture, where our state has comparative advantage. We will encourage mechanised farming in all agrarian communities to make farming easier, attractive and increase productivity,” he said.
He added that his administration would complement agricultural development with improved rural infrastructure by constructing and rehabilitating roads to connect farming communities with markets.
“We will not only improve agricultural output; we will link agrarian communities to their markets by building rural roads and rehabilitating existing ones,” he said.
Speaking at Ijebu-Jesa, Oyebamiji promised to ensure equitable development across the state, stressing that no local government area would be favoured over another under his leadership.
He said his administration would avoid nepotism and ensure that all communities benefit from government programmes and projects.
“As I said during our campaign flag-off in Ile-Ife, our administration will not prioritise one local government over another. We campaigned across all local government areas and we will return the favour without bias,” he said.
Oyebamiji also expressed concern over the condition of some public schools, primary healthcare centres and roads, promising to address the challenges if elected.
He pledged to rehabilitate schools and healthcare facilities, recruit qualified teachers and health workers, and expand access to quality education and healthcare services.
Earlier, during visits to the palaces of the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Adegboro, and the Egboro of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Moses Agunsoye, alongside other traditional rulers, Oyebamiji received royal blessings and prayers for the success of his governorship ambition.
