Abimbola Olawunmi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) female governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, has outlined a comprehensive seven-point agenda designed to revitalize and transform the state. Driven by a deep concern for the well-being of the Ekiti people and a belief in the state’s untapped potential, Olawunmi’s platform centers on rescuing Ekiti from its current state of underdevelopment, rebuilding its infrastructure and economy, and restoring its pride and prosperity. Her motivation stems from a conviction that successive administrations, dominated by career politicians, have failed to effectively utilize the state’s rich human and natural resources, leading to widespread hardship and a sense of stagnation. Olawunmi argues that this underperformance has disempowered the youth, stifled economic growth, and perpetuated a cycle of poverty, which she believes has been intentionally weaponized for political gain. She aims to break this cycle by offering a leadership style grounded in service, transparency, and accountability.
Olawunmi’s seven-point agenda addresses critical areas crucial for Ekiti State’s progress. Firstly, she emphasizes economic diversification, moving beyond reliance on limited sectors to create a more resilient and dynamic economy. This diversification will be coupled with a robust job creation strategy, providing opportunities for the state’s youth and reducing unemployment. She also highlights the importance of reviving the education sector, ensuring that Ekiti’s future generations are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the 21st century. Furthermore, her plan includes significant healthcare reforms, aimed at providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to all citizens. The agenda also prioritizes transparent governance, ensuring accountability and responsible resource management to build public trust and foster a conducive environment for development. Finally, Olawunmi plans to empower the people, particularly women and youth, providing them with the resources and opportunities to become active participants in the state’s transformation. This empowerment focus underscores her belief in inclusive development, where every citizen has a role to play in shaping Ekiti’s future.
Central to Olawunmi’s vision is the belief that leadership should be driven by service and not personal gain. She contrasts her approach with that of previous administrations, criticizing the self-serving nature of career politicians who have prioritized personal enrichment over the welfare of the people. She pledges to put the needs of Ekiti citizens first, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in government operations. This commitment to ethical leadership is intended to restore public trust and create an environment where citizens feel valued and empowered. Olawunmi aims to foster a sense of ownership among the people, encouraging active participation in the development process. She envisions an Ekiti State where the government works in partnership with its citizens to achieve shared goals and build a brighter future.
Olawunmi’s core argument revolves around the urgent need to break the cycle of underdevelopment and mismanagement that has plagued Ekiti State. She contends that the state’s abundant potential has been squandered due to a lack of visionary leadership and a failure to prioritize the needs of the people. The consequences of this failure, she argues, are evident in the high levels of unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and widespread poverty. She presents herself as the alternative, a leader who is committed to serving the people and ushering in an era of transformative change. Her seven-point agenda is designed to address the root causes of Ekiti’s challenges and lay the foundation for sustainable development. She believes that by focusing on economic diversification, job creation, education, healthcare, and transparent governance, Ekiti can become a model of progress and prosperity.
The emphasis on empowering women and youth reflects Olawunmi’s commitment to inclusive development. She recognizes the vital role that these groups play in shaping the future of the state and pledges to provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. This focus on empowerment also aligns with her broader vision of creating a more equitable and just society where every citizen has the chance to realize their full potential. By investing in women and youth, she aims to unleash a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship that will drive economic growth and social progress. This empowerment strategy, she argues, is not only morally right but also economically sound, as it taps into the vast untapped potential of these demographic groups.
Olawunmi’s campaign message is one of hope and renewal. She offers a vision of an Ekiti State that is transformed, prosperous, and a source of pride for all its citizens. Her seven-point agenda, grounded in the principles of service, transparency, and accountability, represents a comprehensive roadmap for achieving this transformation. She calls on the people of Ekiti to embrace her vision and join her in the effort to rescue, rebuild, and restore the state to its rightful place as a beacon of progress and development in Nigeria. Her campaign is a call to action, urging citizens to reject the status quo and embrace a future where the potential of Ekiti State is fully realized.
