Representative of Ondo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, Olugbenga Edema, has declared his intention to succeed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in 2024.
Edema, at an interactive session with reporters in Akure, said he remains the best person to rule the state after Akeredolu in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NDDC Commissioner explained that he joined the race because he has developed a blueprint to turn the state’s fortunes around. Edema said he would review the school curriculum to give technical education a priority.
Edema, who was Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), promised to give revolving loans to small businesses and students.
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He said, “I have informed Governor Akeredolu of my desire to contest, and he has not opposed it. I consider myself the best man who will carry on Akeredolu’s legacy to the next level because we have shared all these legacies together.
“Our education curriculum should be redesigned to meet our current demands. We need to focus more on vocational and technical skill acquisition. So, our children should be trained in entrepreneurship at an early age so they know how to make and use money.
“When the deep sea port comes on stream, it should be able to attract about 10,000 direct jobs and 30,000 in the multiplier effect. If, for instance, we are able to open up Ondo State through the Lekki Peninsula to Dangote Refinery, that road will also expand opportunities for us.
“Some people think Nigerians are lazy or don’t know what to do. There are things you do to make the citizens active. You can do this by putting structures in place to attract investors to the state. What investment needs is an enabling environment…”