The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged that his administration will integrate non-indigenes and other interest groups into governance if elected in the August 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.
He was represented at the meeting by Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former Special Adviser on Civic Engagement to ex-governor Gboyega Oyetola.
The APC candidate said his administration will adopt a structured approach to fostering an inclusive and participatory governance that accommodates all segments of society.
“This framework will bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that public policies reflect the direct needs and input of the people.
“The administration will bring all of them on board and make them participate actively in governance. They will give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
Oyebamiji further assured that the residents would be actively involved in both the policy formulation and implementation.
He said 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 assured that his administration would sustain people-oriented programmes of the All Progressives Congress by engaging with diverse groups, including farmers’ associations, trade unions, artisans, and non-indigene communities, making them key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, the Seriki of the Arewa community in Obokun Local Government Area, Alhaji Ayuba Abubakar, commended Oyetola for his consistent engagement with the community.
Arewa also said the immediate past administration provided support and successfully resolved communal disputes through the Office of Civic Engagement, preventing potential crises.
Abubakar recalled how the Oyetola-led administration intervened during periods of communal challenges across parts of the state, and facilitated peaceful resolutions of the issues.
“Since then, we have been living in peace and harmony. Through the efforts of Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, land was acquired for our community, and the government has consistently provided palliatives.
“We appeal to Oyebamiji to sustain the relationship established by the previous APC led administration. We pledge our unalloyed support and will demonstrate it at the polls.
We will support and vote for the APC in the forthcoming governorship election. Bola Oyebamiji is our candidate,” he said.
He called for the creation of a more business-friendly environment to boost economic growth and development in the state.
