Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has maintained that his victory in last Saturday’s governorship election is a call to do more for the state and its people.
The governor stated that his administration would continue to uplift the people of the state and pull them out of poverty into prosperity.
Governor Makinde stated this at Ilaji Resort in Ibadan during a reception organised by the chairman of the resort and Otun Apesinola of Ibadanland, Engr. Dotun Sanusi.
Makinde appreciated Sanusi for his support and for putting together what he described as a victory get-together, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa.
He said he would now focus on the task of building the state, having exited the campaign mode.
He said: “I want to specially appreciate Engr. Dotun Sanusi, who has put all of these together. It is really a victory get-together.
“I can see that majority of us are still in campaign mode, but it has ended, and we don’t have to be abusing ourselves anymore. Now, it is time to focus on the task ahead, which is to continue the work of taking our people from poverty to prosperity.
“Let me also use this opportunity to thank the royal fathers, traditional rulers, various associations, artisans, who are here seated.
“I really thank you for your efforts towards this victory. We would not have won 31 Local Government Areas against two they won.
“I see this victory as a call for more work for the progress of Oyo State, and I want to assure you that just like the first tenure, this will be an administration that will not discriminate on the basis of religion, ethnicity or background.
“We won’t discriminate against those who did not support us. It will be a government for the people of Oyo State, by the people of Oyo State and for the progress of Oyo State.”
The governor commended Sanusi for his selfless contributions, stating that in the last four years of his government, the businessman has never for once approached him for anything, saying: “Let me say it publicly, for the last four years, he never came to me to ask for anything.
“Even those we assigned to carry out mobilisation in their different neighbourhoods, they failed. But for Engr. Sanusi, who loves this state, he did what he was supposed to do. So, I really thank him.
“I thank you my people here in Ona Ara LG. You see, in 1979, my father came to drop me here at Akanran Community Grammar School for the entrance exam, and he came back to pick me around 4 p.m. On our way to this venue today, I almost cried when we were descending on the Olorunsogo Bridge, I saw the ongoing 4.1km road, which my government is dualising and I wished my father was alive to see some of these things.
“What this means to me is, our children too will be great and fulfill their destiny in life by the special grace of God. We are building an Oyo State that will give opportunities to everyone regardless of wherever they come from and their background.”
Speaking earlier, the chairman of Ilaji Resort, Mogaji Sanusi said he never had a doubt that Makinde would win his re-election, having done the needful in serving the people of the state.
He appreciated the different groups who stood by the governor, saying the victory was unprecedented.
Sanusi said: “They said Makinde will not win the re-election but I said no, he will emerge victorious because he is serving God wholeheartedly and have always believed in Him.
“I want to appreciate all the groups, who stood by the governor; the Mogajis, the traditional rulers, the market men and women, artisans and religious bodies. I am not a politician but whoever I am supporting is who my fathers and mothers here will really support as well as the Mogajis and Balees.
“This victory is unprecedented as it has never been experienced in Oyo State before. But things worked out for the governor because he did the needful things that the people expected.
“Some critics even said he has committed political suicide by supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for president. But can they say it again now that he has won? No.”
The reception was attended by traditional rulers from across the state, Mogajis, Babaloja and Iyaloja of Oyo State, market associations and the leadership of Christian, Muslim and traditional worshippers.
The governor was accompanied by top government dignitaries, serving and newly-elected National Assembly members and PDP leaders.
