…as govt pledges continued collaboration with student bodies
By Michael Olatunji
The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), Oyo State chapter and the Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), on Wednesday, declared their support for the re-election bid of the Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, stating that his administration has done well for the state.
The students, who converged on the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, following a walk to commemorate the 2022 International Students’ Day, which is celebrated on the 17th of November, vowed to work for the re-election of the governor, as according to them, the governor has performed well in their ‘own constituency.’
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdulroheem Bayo Lawal, while addressing the teeming students, stated that his administration would continue to collaborate with student bodies in the state.
According to the governor, the administration places a great importance on the well-being of students and the existence of a conducive environment for their academic efforts, and so will continue to deliver on its promises.
He said: “On behalf of His Excellency, we extend our appreciation to Oyo State students on the auspicious occasion of International Students’ Day. We appreciate this support and we don’t take it for granted.
“Oyo State government under Governor Makinde has extended to you students all those things that will make you learn in your institutions conveniently and comfortably. I believe this is a kind gesture in respect of that extension of good governance.
“Moving forward, this is your government. Since this administration came into place, it has not portrayed itself as that of ‘a constituted authority’ but a collaborative government. We will continue to collaborate with the student bodies in Oyo State.
“In this respect, there are those things that will be extended to you. The other time you met with the government, he made a promise and that will be fulfilled. I want to assure you that the government will give you Aluta Buses.
“Those of you that will be coming out of schools, we guarantee you maximum support in terms of employment.
“We have also put in place a mechanism that, even if you are not gainfully employed, will cushion through various local governments, which will transit from partial to full employment.”
The Deputy Governor, however, urged the students to keep their Permanent Voter Cards and to work assiduously to ensure that the governor is re-elected in 2023.
“Your PVC is your power to support this administration. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that this government is reinvented in 2023.
“Don’t listen to those who want to ‘jagba,’ as we are running a very decent government that will benefit you and other Oyo State indigenes here. As young people, if you see something, say something.
“And, we can assure you that our administration will continue to look at the interest of the Oyo State students adequately.”
Earlier, Comrade Adeleke Quadri, who spoke on behalf of the students, said they turned out in their numbers to endorse Governor Makinde for a second term.
He added that students in Oyo state will deliver the Omituntun 2.0 mandate, as according to him, the governor has done well in the state.
He said: “We are here today to appreciate our governor. We want to let you know that you have done well, most especially in our own constituency.
“And on behalf of all students in Oyo State, we believe to whom much is given, much is expected. We are here to declare that we are prepared to support, endorse and vote for good governance and the re-election of the governor.
“By the special grace of God, come 2023, we will deliver the Omituntun 2.0 mandate. Because the governor has done well, the only thing we can do to appreciate him is to make sure that the Omituntun 2.0 works perfectly in Oyo State.
“So, we are declaring our support for the re-election of the governor.”
Some of the government functionaries in attendance include the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Ademola Ojo; Commissioner for Education, Barr. Abdulrahman Abdulraheem.
Others were the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede and the Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede, among others
