Ibokun: The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun, Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to integrate non-indigenes and other interest groups into governance if elected in the Aug. 15 poll. Oyebamiji made this known during a public engagement meeting with the members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oyebamiji was represented at the meeting by Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former Special Adviser on Civic Engagement to ex-Gov. Gboyega Oyetola. The APC candidate stated that his administration would adopt a structured approach to fostering inclusive and participatory governance that accommodates all segments of society. He emphasized that this framework will bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that public policies reflect the direct needs and input of the people.
Oyebamiji assured that the residents would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation. He noted
that such inclusiveness would help harness the state’s potential in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the overall benefit of the people. He also mentioned that his administration would sustain people-oriented programs of the APC by engaging with diverse groups, including farmers’ associations, trade unions, artisans, and non-indigene communities, making them key stakeholders in governance.
In response, the Seriki of the Arewa community in the community, Alhaji Ayuba Abubakar, commended Oyetola for his consistent engagement with the community. Abubakar highlighted that the immediate past administration provided support and successfully resolved communal disputes through the Office of Civic Engagement, preventing potential crises. He recalled how the past administration intervened during periods of communal challenges across parts of the state and facilitated peaceful resolution of the issues.
Abubakar stated that since then, the community has been living in peace and harmony. He acknowle
dged the efforts of Oyintiloye in acquiring land for their community and noted that the government has consistently provided palliatives. He appealed to Oyebamiji to sustain the relationship established by the previous APC-led administration and pledged their unalloyed support for Oyebamiji at the upcoming poll. Abubakar called for the creation of a more business-friendly environment to boost economic growth and development in the state.