I seek your mandate to govern Ogun State because,
“I see Ogun State experiencing a Socio-Economic, Human, Political, and Development regeneration in the next four years, such that Ogun State will be transformed from an emerging force to the center of high-flying social and the enhancement of Human Dignity in Nigeria to the end that, majority of us have unhindered and stress-free access to the basi
c necessities of life; being food, clothing, shelter, health, education and equal opportunities for personal advancement. All of these in a comfortable, secure, and peaceful environment.”
MY MISSION
With the experience I have garnered through my journey in life and humbly finding myself where I am today, my mission to the Ogun State Government House is very simple. It is to use my ‘Creative Initiative’ alongside a team of intelligent, resourceful, dedicated, and patriotic Ogun indigenes, to create a new template of real and people-oriented development. We shall deploy the resources of Ogun State to create an atmosphere whereby every adult and child alike would have the capacity to create wealth for themselves. Ogun State people would have equal opportunities and a veritable platform to create the chance for a better future. Within the purview of my blueprint called ‘CREATING A MODEL STATE’, my team shall evolve an integrated and all-encompassing policy framework to harness the enormous potentials of the state in all sectors to better a lot of our people; while actively working intimately with all stakeholders in Ogun State in an open environment where there shall be no secrecy to government activities. STRATEGIC DESTINATION
Creating a model state in Ogun where full-blown development is propelled by all-around peace and tranquility.
1. PROJECT VISION STATEMENT
“To create a new state with equal opportunities for all and one where peace and development thrive.”
2. PROJECT MISSION STATEMENT
“To leverage the historical, divine, and human capital capabilities of the state, to nurture a new environment where prosperity, equity, equal opportunities, and justice prevail.”
3. PROJECT STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Include but not limited to the following:
a. To reset the state development agenda and promote peace among all citizens, residents, friends, and neighbors through effective and inclusive communication. To nurture sustainable development growth for socio-political and economic prosperity through functional and effective infrastructures owned across all Local Government Areas. To explore the historical and divine opportunities including the exploration of natural resources of our state through a strategic partnership with leading centers in and out of Nigeria. To develop our citizens' skills through massive human capital capacity-building programs in STEAMM and TVET. To pursue sustainable food security and food sovereignty through aggressive statewide Agricultural development and exchange programs. To restructure the governance system infrastructure through revitalized public sector institutions and organized alliance and exchange programs.
4. PROJECT PHASES
The project shall have two phases. The first shall be the Election phase (May 2022 – May 2023), while the second phase shall be the governance phase otherwise known as THE NEW GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE (May 2023 – May 2027). ASIWAJU ETO MANIFESTO
GENERAL POLICY THRUST
The General Policy Thrust of our administration shall be hinged on the following themes:
Our administration shall be welfarist, suffice it to say that the people of Ogun State shall be the beginning and the ending of every step the Social Democratic Party (SDP) administration under my leadership shall take. We will immediately source and recruit patriotic and proactive men and women of uncommon vision, intelligence, passion for excellence, and untainted integrity to drive the vision and programs of our administration. We shall immediately hit the ground running by exploiting all the resources and economic potentials of the state to generate financial prosperity and higher spending power for the masses. The good people of Ogun State and all relevant stakeholders shall be carried along in all our policies; from the formulation stages to implementation stages and ultimately till it becomes visibly beneficial to the people. Our administration shall pursue a radical policy to bring about wealth creation and sustainable prosperity for our people. Our administration shall consolidate the Foreign Direct Investments that we already have and we shall use our ingenuity to attract more investments into the state. Our administration shall greatly enhance power generation, water supply, and good road network with special emphasis given to rural roads; which are key indices for rapid socio-economic development. We shall employ the principles of accountability, openness, due process, and due diligence in government businesses and processes. Essentially, my administration shall have zero tolerance for corruption and graft. The SDP administration under my watch will see to the total welfare of the people such that they will have stress-free access to basic necessities of life like food, clothing, shelter, health, and education; at a very cheap and affordable cost. Our administration shall guarantee the social security of our people by aggressively tackling unemployment and eradicating poverty. We shall also see to the Human Capital Development of our people. Ogun State Youth under my administration shall have active roles to play. They shall be empowered and encouraged to achieve excellence in academics, sport, business, and any good cause they commit themselves. More importantly, they shall be involved in governance. Our administration shall consciously see to Women's Empowerment in all endeavors and also see to the protection of child right. Our government shall create a deliberate and strategic partnership with the Federal Government to attract its initiatives to the state and position ourselves to benefit maximally from the center. Ogun State shall be safe, peaceful, serene, and clean. THE “I.E.A.I REVOLUTION (Abridged Version)
In order to accomplish the above-stated objectives, and considering the dire economic position of Ogun State at the moment, there is a need for an urgent REVOLUTION in four broad sectors while development shall continue in other sectors as outlined in my policy thrust. The four key sectors (acronymed I.E.A.I) shall receive prioritized attention. They include:
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Ogun State like all other states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria is almost totally dependent on monthly federal allocation for her sustenance. The allocation from the Federal Government is, in turn, totally dependent on oil production proceeds. This has made the Federal Government and Ogun State government vulnerable to any and all irregularities in oil proceeds. Our administration is determined to transform Ogun State from its dependency on federal oil proceeds into one that is self-sustaining. We shall work towards sustaining the economy of Ogun State without dependence on federal allocation. To achieve this, the focus shall be on the industrial revolution. The revolution shall utilize the Public-Private-Partnership approach (PPP) for establishing small and medium-scale industries. Incentives such as tax holidays, lands and pioneer status breaks, and relevant infrastructures shall be provided to proponents of small, medium and large-scale manufacturing facilities to be established in Ogun State. Special attention shall be given to the ongoing “Ogun Guan Dong Free Trade Zone” where numerous manufacturing facilities were constructed by a previous administration in conjunction with Chinese investors. Other local and foreign partners shall be sought out by the administration. Our administration shall make the industrial revolution a top priority during our first term. This will create employment, boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state, improve commerce and stabilize the economy. We shall launch a conscious effort to revitalize the commerce industry in Ogun State. The state Ministry of Commerce and Industry shall be charged with identifying the various products that have eager local and international markets and the potential producers of such products shall be sought out across the globe through our Incentive-Induced Manufacturing Program” (IIMP). We shall facilitate foreign and domestic investment financing for the manufacturing sector. We shall capitalize on our vast land mass and numerous available raw materials to boost the manufacturing sector and improve on the quality and number of our existing centers/parks. Our administration shall enhance the growth of the economy in Ogun State by revitalizing the rubber plantation industry. Immediate priority shall be given to identifying all our available raw materials. INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
An agency shall be established to partner with the private sector in developing Indigenous Technology. OIL AND GAS
AS Ogun State is one of the lithoral states in the country, oil, gas and bitumen are part of our natural resources. We shall put up all available resources once we take our government to explore and fully establish our oil, gas, and bitumen capabilities with a view to obtaining an “oil producing status” (OPS). The significant positive effect that this would have on our state’s economy cannot be over-emphasized. ENERGY REVOLUTION
In order to ensure the success of our industrial revolution, we shall immediately embark on an “alternative energy revolution.”
This will be through PPPs. We shall look at practicable alternative energy sources such as small hydro, wind, and solar in conjunction with private sector participants under the IPP policy. We shall take advantage of International Green Energy Funds to develop this sector. Ogun State is blessed because the EPS gas pipeline passes through our gateway state. We shall capitalize on this by creating industrial parks around locations that the gas pipeline passes through, thereby guaranteeing adequate energy for the industries. Industrial parks shall therefore be established in Sagamu, Ewekoro while that of Agbara shall be enhanced so that the industries can capitalize on the accessible gas. This will ensure that all three senatorial districts of Ogun State where the gas pipeline transverse become industrialized. Our administration shall revive the moribund West Africa Gas Pipeline that transverses Ogun State so that emerging industries can enjoy an effective source of gas. We shall work with the Federal Government to activate the 10MW Oyan Dam electrification project within the first six months of our administration. This is to provide a boost to the energy sectors. We shall continue with the implementation and maintenance of the 47 units of mini power plants, each with 42MW output initiated by a previous administration in the state. Ogun State is also blessed with bitumen and offshore oil and gas resources. We shall reinstate the development of Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas Project (OKLNG) initiated by a previous government and work very closely with the Federal Government and the Ondo State Government in achieving the FID (Final Investment Decision). As a result of climate change, we shall access International Clean Development Fund (ICDF) available for establishing power plants. These funds are soft loans and grants available under the PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) policy. AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION
Our administration shall give full attention to large-scale farming. This will ensure a drive towards food sufficiency. The specific focus shall be given to:
A. Large-scale rice farming and milling with emphasis on our local OFADA rice. We shall facilitate this through private sector channels. Large-scale cassava farming and conservation to exportable products. Primary and Secondary conversion of cassava to other products and Bi-products shall be facilitated by our government. Large-scale cotton growing and ginnery specifically targeted at Nigeria’s vibrant textile industry shall receive urgent attention from our administration. Special attention shall be given to our cocoa industry which is in dire need of resuscitation as a major cash crop. The three areas that will be revamped are Production, Processing, and Marketing. There is currently a limited processing capability in Ogun State. Hence, the produced crop is vulnerable to fluctuation in the international market. We shall therefore create enabling environment for processing by providing incentives for local and international processors. Our administration shall vehemently search for interested processors far and wide and provide adequate incentives so that cocoa which currently has some high-breed seeds can become a major cash crop again. Our agricultural revolution shall be private sector driven (PPP) with government facilitation. We expect this sector to provide employment, increased revenue, and food sufficiency. AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY
In order to accomplish our objective of ensuring farming as a major source of youth employment, we shall establish an agricultural academy. Graduates and non-graduates that are poised to be employed through our large-scale farming skills shall be put through short incentive courses and practical training at the academy. They will subsequently deploy for employment at the farms or be assisted as entrepreneurs establishing their own small, medium, or large farming business. Some assistance could come in form of micro-credit finance guarantees. This is anticipated to go a long way in significantly reducing youth unemployment which in turn has a positive effect on security. We shall transform Ogun into an exporting state by exporting quality finished products to other states in Nigeria and overseas. INFRASTRUCTURAL REVOLUTION
Road maintenance and road construction shall occupy a prominent position in our infrastructural revolution. A “ZERO POTHOLE” policy shall be enforced. To achieve this,
Routine maintenance of state roads shall be a top priority. We shall embark on massive rehabilitation of roads in rural areas to encourage industrialization and agriculture. Every kilometer of state road shall be assigned to designated government engineers for routine stress testing and inspection. Each engineer shall be held responsible for an undetected pothole in his territory. The objective is to use a stress test to determine the level of fatigue in order to achieve a “Catch it Before it Breaks,” (CIBB) policy. Provisions will be made for the maintenance crew to service the engineers in their various territories, and special-purpose maintenance equipment shall be acquired for every crew. Performance appraisals of the engineers shall be tied to their road maintenance successes. OTHER CRITICAL SECTORS
EDUCATION
Our administration shall strengthen the Education Ministry’s inspectorate department to monitor activities of the private and public educational institutions,
We shall immediately engage in an “Educational Summit” in tertiary institutions with special emphasis on consensus towards FEES. We shall ensure that budget for Education takes the front burner. Ogun State Scholarship Board will be revisited with a view to resuscitating bursaries and scholarship awards to students in tertiary institutions,
Tuition-free Senior Secondary shall be implemented. The training program shall be provided for public school teachers in continuing Professional development (CPD) courses. Free qualitative and compulsory education at Primary and Junior Secondary school levels. Special education programs shall be designed and implemented for migrant fishermen in the riverine areas of the state. We shall re-introduce moral values and teach traditional folk stories in our schools. We shall include the history of Nigeria in the committee of nations as a program in our Secondary School. We shall search for well-meaning individuals to take over government schools in order to improve the quality of our educational system. We shall establish Agricultural Academy and trade school for Artisans. ENVIRONMENT
The problem of waste management requires very urgent attention, especially because of its negative health and socio-economic impact on the citizens of Ogun State. These problems often have a deleterious effect on the availability of potable water, resulting in water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, etc. The poor cosmetic image of indiscriminate dumping of waste also has a negative impact on tourism potentials which has economic implications for the state. Waste management has a direct effect on reducing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In order to attack this very serious menace, our administration will take the following steps:
Establish an “Ogun State Waste Management Authority” (OGWAMA). This authority shall specifically manage solid and liquid wastes. The structure of the authority shall be such that it shall attract foreign funding (grants and soft loans). This promises to end an era of poor waste management in Ogun State. The authority shall also establish waste management facilities such as landfills, incinerators, composting and other waste-to-wealth facilities, waste sorting, and recycling centers via Public Private Participation (PPP). Effluent treatment facilities shall be established through a PPP arrangement in order to ensure the elimination of groundwater and surface water contamination by hazardous and chemical wastes from industrial activities. Central sewage treatment facilities shall be established in urban centers. INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION
Through the Ministry of Environment and OGEPA (Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency), tougher inspection and enforcement of existing laws as it affects industries shall be implemented. Air, water, and soil pollution via industries shall be highly regulated.
“Environmental Management Fund” shall be established by the government in order to remediate environmental disasters,
The fund shall be contributed annually by all stakeholders, i.e., industrial, commercial, e.t.c., with minimal subsidies from the state government and federal ecological fund office. FLOOD AND EROSION
Cases of flood and erosion which is a major causes of disaster in the state shall be given maximum attention. Local and foreign aid shall be sought for the remediation of gully erosion as well as flood sites. Special attention shall be given to the construction and maintenance of primary, secondary, and tertiary drainage channels. HEALTH
There is a need for improved diagnostic facilities in the state. Our administration shall create the enabling environment to attract investors to establish medical imaging centers and other state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities. This will reduce the mortality rate by ensuring on-time diagnosis. Tax incentives shall be provided for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs. Health insurance schemes shall be introduced to cover both the public and private sectors. Primary health care services shall be the priority, particularly in rural communities. WOMEN, YOUTH, AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
Our administration shall continue with and improve women's participation in the political process. This will be in the form of positioning women in both appointive and elective offices. We shall increase the campaigns on girl-child education and sexual abuse. We shall enhance the literacy level among our youths through well-defined mentorship programs. Our administration will create a department of social services that will partner with the Ministry of Women's Affairs to address the needs of women. We shall place emphasis on skills acquisition in order to get our youths meaningfully engaged. Establish youth centers at various locations equipped with educational, sporting, and counseling facilities. New sporting activities and events shall be added to the already thriving football activity in the state. Sports games such as crickets, lawn tennis, table tennis, car racing, basketball, baseball, handball, etc., shall be encouraged by the administration. CIVIL SERVICE
Ogun State is endowed with professional, proactive and conscientious civil servants. The administration will seek newer means to motivate as well as reward the civil servants for excellent performance. Inter-ministerial performance competitions shall be organized through targeted milestones from time to time with a view to rewarding the civil servants based on a merit system. This shall foster healthy competition. Better health insurance shall be provided for civil servants. Improved housing schemes shall be provided for civil servants. This will include mortgage assistance in the form of credit guarantees. LEGISLATIVE/JUDICIARY ARM
The administration shall work proactively and closely with the legislative arm of government in identifying, sponsoring, and putting in place, laws, bills, and guidelines on issues that touch on the lives of Ogun indigenes with a view to improving the standard and quality of life for all. We shall ensure that the legislative arm and the judiciary function without any pressure or undue influence. Freehand shall be given to the legislative and judiciary arms of government while ensuring mutual respect between all parties. SOLID MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
Our administration shall put on the list of priority solid minerals development. We shall create local and foreign bodies interested in the exploitation of our vast solid mineral deposits e.g. Kaolin, Bitumen, Bauxite, Limestone, etc. TOURISM
Our tourism program shall be strategic. Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State as well as some other cities and towns are ancient.\our administration shall redefine the face of Abeokuta City and others similar to Cicely. HOUSING
CITY CENTERS shall be developed in urban locations. This shall be done through PPP arrangements and it is expected to boost commerce, significantly attract corporate bodies as well as improve tourism starting with the state capital. This concept shall be extended to other urban centers i.e. Ijebu Ode, Otta, Sagamu, Ilaro etc. Emphasis shall be on low and middle-income affordable houses. TRANSPORTATION
Inter-city bus transport system shall be established in urban centers, through PPP. Pricing (fares) shall be highly regulated by the government and subsidies provided where needed to ensure competitive pricing with Okada (motorcycle) fares. This will minimize the deleterious effects of Okada on the lives of people. Monorail lines will be done in conjunction with the Federal Government, Lagos State, and Oyo State Governments for intercity transportation with international Monorail Funding Assistance. URBAN RENEWAL
We shall preserve our heritage, old and traditional settlements. We shall create satellite towns to complement the industrial layouts and ease the congestion of city centers. City centers shall be created to boost metropolitan activities. DUE PROCESS, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Our administration shall enforce transparency and accountability from inception. Due process mechanisms shall be established, both at local government and state levels. Our objective is to create an effective “MODEL” of due process, transparency and accountability.
