The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, has declared his readiness to take over the leadership of the state, promising to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde and accelerate development across the state.
Adekanmbi’s position was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Communication and spokesperson of the APM Governorship Campaign Council in Oyo State, Yinka Oladoyinbo.
Adekanmbi said the Makinde administration had laid a solid foundation for development, adding that his government would unlock the economic potential of Oyo State, grow its economy and improve the living standards of residents.
Speaking on infrastructure development, particularly road construction, the APM candidate commended Makinde for opening up different parts of the state through major road projects.
He cited the Ibadan-Iseyin, Oyo-Iseyin and Ogbomoso-Iseyin roads, as well as the Olorunda-Akobo road, among projects that had improved connectivity.
He also welcomed the governor’s recent approval of N4 billion for the Amuloko-Ijebu road in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, where he hails from.
According to him, his administration would build on the achievements through the proposed Omituntun 3.0 programme, with a target of constructing 100 kilometres of roads within its first year.
He said a significant portion of the projects would focus on rural roads, noting that his visits to all 33 local government areas had given him firsthand knowledge of the infrastructure challenges facing communities.
Adekanmbi added that he had developed a charter with the people of the state to address their needs.
On allegations that he was being positioned as a political stooge to sustain Makinde’s influence, the former Commissioner for Finance dismissed the claims, insisting that he had the experience, professional credentials and independence required to govern.
He recalled his time in the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, saying he had stood his ground on policy decisions even when his position differed from prevailing opinions.
He argued that if he could express independent views as an appointee who could be dismissed, there was no reason to suggest he would surrender his authority as governor.
Adekanmbi identified integrity, confidentiality, professional competence, technical ability and professional responsibility as key principles guiding his conduct as an accountant.
He further said Makinde had advised him that his loyalty, if elected, must be to Oyo State rather than to any individual.
Using the controversy surrounding the Ibadan Circular Road as an example, he said he would always prioritise decisions that serve the interests of the state.
On tourism development, Adekanmbi said Oyo State had recorded significant growth in its hospitality industry, claiming that the number of registered hotels and leisure centres had increased from about 3,500 when Makinde assumed office to 18,000.
He also cited the development of the CAP Village associated with filmmaker Kunle Afolayan as part of the state’s tourism progress.
He promised to conduct an audit of tourism sites within his first 100 days in office to identify their potentials and determine the infrastructure required to make them attractive to visitors.
He said his administration would prioritise access roads, tourism facilities and promotional materials before embarking on international campaigns to attract tourists.
On the Ikere Gorge Dam, Adekanmbi said previous administrations under Ajimobi and Makinde had made efforts to secure its concession without success.
He noted that the facility, managed by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority, was reportedly concessioned to a private operator by the Federal Ministry of Power last year.
He expressed hope that the concessionaire would deliver on the project, given its potential economic benefits to the state.
However, he said if there was no appreciable progress, his administration would engage the Federal Government to consider transferring the facility’s management to Oyo State.
