THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA


The National Chairman of YPP

All National Executive Committee

The Ogun State Chairman of the party

All State Chairmen present

All State Executive Committee

Representatives of INEC 

Representatives of different groups

Members of YPP 

Ladies and Gentlemen 


The spirit of the Lord is upon me to deliver the captive from the captor and pave ways for the hopeless.


Today, an historic event has been made. There is no victor or victim. No winner or loser. This is not the time for celebration but the time to restrategize on how to take over the government of Ogun State. Our decision today has created an avenue for concerned citizens, the young men and women, the poor masses, to choose me as a revolutionary leader that will birth new face of Ogun state. From the experience of today's congress, I see a great future in this party and Nigeria because, one day, YOUNG PROGRESSIVE PARTY will takeover the mantle of leadership in this country. All executives, members, potential members and observers, this is the party that has the key to our dream. It is party that belongs to all. 


It is my pleasure to be nominated as the flag bearer of this great and energetic party of ours in the forth coming governorship election. This is just the beginning as whatever we've achieved is comparable to laying of foundation.


Before I present the acceptance speech, it will be a great idea to disclose to you that this journey started with my visit to 18 different local governments to assess the impact of government since the return of democracy in 1999. From the facts we gathered, I discovered our people have suffered neglect and have been short changed, when we compare standard of living to the revenue generated. Without any doubt, the need for intervention is overdue. During my visit round the state, the weakness, the hopelessness and frustration of the people were glaring. They desire succor, comfort , help and support. Today, Babasola Adegbuyi Omo Ogunwa have been chosen to deliver the people from oppressors, intimidators, captors and leaders who lack political will.


The failure of the government to address the issues being faced by the people of Ogun state since 1999, has rendered the future of the state moribund. It is fundamentally wrong for government not to judiciously utilize the available resources for the growth and development of the state. The 42 year old state still lives in the past and there is a need for rejuvenation - there is a need for re-awakening. And that is why  my political vision is making the state the pride of the nation. The untapped resources, including human and natural resources, shall be utilized to revive the economy growth of the state and that is my mission. Our government shall be government that has compassion for poor masses.


I am a youth. I dine with the youth. I socialise with the youth. I know the challenges of unemployment they face. I am just fortunate to be among the few employed, if not, my hope would have been shattered just like they have turned so many to miscreants, used by the same people who have been ruling us for years. Youth are explorers. Youth are innovative. Youth are creative. They are agents of transformation. But the opportunities are lying fallow because of the inability of our leaders to utilise the available resources to transform their situation. In my government, youths shall be our priority because they are life of any development.


Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers, related to me how education was held in high esteem during their time by both government and the people. I remember vividly how proud they were imparting knowledge. But now, teaching is an alternative to unemployment. I attended Ijebu-ode Grammar School because my father finished from same, but I can't send my son to the school because the standard of education in the school has dropped tremendously and this applies to the entire education sector in the state. There will be less or no concentration on establishing new schools, until the existing ones are up to standard academically and structurally across all levels. My government shall, within two years, make Ogun state a destination for quality education by using what we have; qualified unemployed graduates, to get what we want and ensure there is no limit to access of education for anybody across all ages.


The government hospitals used to be number one point of call for any patient, but lack of investment, failure to recruit qualified health personnel, absence of power supply and zero motivation of health workers have turned the 24 general hospitals and health centers in the state to last resort. Health care is key in development and we cannot shy from it. Our government has a plan of transforming 2 of the general hospitals to specialist centres while also giving life to the remaining. We will ensure health centres are established within 5 KM across the state. We will use our own products from all the medical institutions in the state to bring this into reality. 


It is morally wrong for government to deny or delay the entitlements of workers and pensioners, only to pay when election is approaching. He who works deserves his wages. My government has plans to put an end to government borrowing from cooperatives, denying leave allowances, failure to remit pension contributions, back logging retirement entitlements and delaying payment of pensions. 


With ICT, the world is now a global village. Any government without appropriate information available within seconds is far from development and opportunities for investment would be lost. We want to run a government where information, communication and technology play prominent role in government. With ICT, data required by potential investors, residents, medical personnels, students, among others are available for the purpose it is intended. Information on statistics, GDP, populations, tourist centers, budget, projects executed or planned, among others, are updated  and available when needed. We want to operate paperless government in all ministries and parastatals. With ICT, wastage is minimized. And that is our goal.


My manifesto is not limited to the above, however, but it is expected that they will solve major challenges we have in Ogun state because, they will take the bigger part of the first two years, and we shall subsequently review the benefit cost ratio.


In conclusion,  our government shall concentrate more on the people and provide opportunities for jobs, businesses, and employment. I am using this opportunity to call on Ogun State indigenes and residents, within and outside Nigeria, to come to the aid of the state by supporting my vision. The pride of the state must be restored. Support my vision, support my dream. It is  the beginning of a NEW ERA.


THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU

Babasola Adegbuyi Omo Ogunwa
Ogun State Governorship Candidate, YPP