Ogun youths march for Abiodun’s second term
By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Youths across Ogun State recently embarked on a symbolic walk in Abeokuta to endorse Gov. Dapo Abiodun for another term in office.
The youths who trooped out in thousands under the umbrella of the Ogun State Coordinate of APC Youth League, said the decision to endorse the Gov. Abiodun for another term, was as a result of his various developmental strides and massive progressive initiatives.
Adorned in typical yellow T-Shirts and Face-caps with placards of inscriptions of Governor Abiodun’s achievements in the last three years, the youths marched through the busy Iyana-Mortuary through Sapon to Panseke, distributing flyers with persuasive words towards canvassing supports for the Governor’s continuity in office.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu enjoined the youths to uphold the peaceful political atmosphere of the state and continue to support the present administration
He said the peaceful ambience in Ogun State is a reflection of the virtues of the Governor who had refused to revenge, despite all attacks on him and his supporters in the build up to the 2019 gubernatorial election.
The Chief of Staff urged all electorates to get their Permanent Voters Cards ready in order to vote for continuity of the good works of the governor in the state.
“Gov. Abiodun has performed credibly well. He has touched virtually all sectors of the economy, be it in the area of youth development, roads, health, agriculture, security, education and others.”
Addressing the gathering, the State Coordinator of APC Youth League, Comrade Olamide Lawal noted that the walk is an annual event, explaining that the 2022 edition is the third in commemorating the 2019 attack on President Buhari and Governor Abiodun at the presidential campaign rally held at the MKO Abiola Stadium.
He said that the February 11, 2019 attack which was the height of attacks on party members is a day that will not be forgotten in the political history of the state.
He pointed out that Prince Dapo Abiodun had proved himself worthy of a second term in office, going by his records of achievements within his short stay in office.
According to him, “In the last three years, the political atmosphere of Ogun State had been so peaceful due to the Omoluwabi attitude of the Governor.
“Despite what the Governor experienced during the electioneering process, he was never vindictive, he accommodated everybody and there is high political tolerance in Ogun state and you know when there is peace, there will definitely be development.
“We are very satisfied with what the Governor is doing, particularly the inclusion of youths in his administration. In the last decade, it has never happened in Ogun state whereby you have a high number of youths in government. Everyone is happy because of the brilliant projects that have been initiated and executed in the State.”
He maintained that the Continuity Walk was organised to appreciate and mobilize support for the Governor, judging by the fact that most of his electioneering promises have been fulfilled.
He noted that the event is also an Avenue to advocate for youths to be contented with what they have and avoid social crimes and money rituals, hence the inclusion of musical performances to change their orientation.
The event also had in attendance, top government functionaries which included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Toyin Taiwo; Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Olufemi Ogunbanwo as well as top Chieftains of the APC in the State.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Youth and Sports noted that the State is blessed to have a diligent and dynamic leader like Governor Abiodun who, had made indelible impacts in all sectors of the state.
The duo believed that despite paucity of funds and the outbreak of COVID-19, the Governor had been able to deliver most of his promises to the people of the Gateway State.
The State APC Youth leader Comrade Babatunde Aremu, who declared the Continuity Walk opened encouraged the youths to ensure that they are courageous enough to take the bull by the horn in ensuring that the Governor returns in the next election.
He said, “We are here today to show appreciation to the man that has done well. Three years back, he made some promises and those promises have been fulfilled.
“We see all the initiatives of this administration as laudable, hence the youths are here paying back by supporting the Governor to continue in office.”
High points of the event were performances by ace musicians led by fuji maestro, Alhaji Sefiu Alao, enlightening the youths on reasons to ensure the continuity of Governor Abiodun.
