New era of leadership beckons in Ondo, says Kekemeke

Akinterinwa pledges to propel state into global hub, economic powerhouse

THE National Vice Chairman ( South- West) of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), Isaacs Kekemeke, has said that it is time for Ondo State to embrace a new era of leadership to achieve the desired socio- economic prosperity and growth. Kekemeke, a pioneer APC chairman in the state, who stated this while declaring his intent to contest for the gubernatorial ticket of the party, stressed the need for a departure from pettiness and prejudices in the governance of the state.

According to the Pioneer Board Chairman of the National Examination Council ( NECO) during a media briefing, yesterday, at the NUJ Press Centre in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, he is well- equipped to lead the state towards a future characterised by growth and development.

Kekemeke stressed the importance of having a leader, who can rise above sentiments and prioritise the collective progress of the state.

He said: "Today, more than ever before, our dear state is in dire need of an experienced leader armed with vision, mission, aim, programmes, goals, objectives, and core values that we put forward.”

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LSO, another aspirant on the platform of the APC, Wale Akinterinwa, has vowed to propel the state onto the world stage through innovative policies and strategic initiatives if voted as governor.

Akinterinwa, who was the immediate past Commissioner for Finance in the state, stressed that transforming the state into a global hub of development would be taken as utmost priority. The governorship aspirant, who said the state has the potential to become another Lagos in terms of economic development, noted that the state's longest coastline and deep sea port, coupled with a very large land mass, would be able to feed the entire South- West.

Akinterinwa, at his official declaration at the APC secretariat in Akure, the state capital, said his administration would find a means to engage unemployed youths.

MEANWHILE, in his reaction, the state chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, decried the high rate of unemployment in the state, adding that something urgent must be done to reduce the ugly trend.

Adetimehin, who urged all the aspirants to allow the party to be in charge of the appointment when they eventually become the governor, said that is the only way members at the grassroots could benefit from the party.