Thousands of members of the Ondo State Artisans’ Group (OSAG) in Ondo West local government area, on Thursday, rallied support for the governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, as the preferred choice in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The group, which comprises of over 22 trades, gathered at the multipurpose hall of Ondo Boys High School in Ondo City as they unanimously endorsed the governor and his deputy to continue in office beyond 2025.
Giving the group’s reasons for the support, OSAG chairman in Ondo West local government, Comrade Olaoye Olalekan, expressed satisfaction at the programs of Governor Aiyedatiwa since assuming office, promising the group’s massive votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November.
He described Aiyedatiwa as an artisan-friendly governor, who has demonstrated his support for the group by appointing OSAG former president, Comrade Daisi Komolafe, as Senior Special Assistant on Artisan matters and the approval of N200m as soft loans for traders and artisans in the state, among many others.
In his address, chairman of Ondo West local government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, promised that Ondo kingdom will deliver the highest votes for APC in the November 16 governorship election.
While thanking the governor for paying attention to artisans in the state, a former governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, said the group must continue to be recognized as it contributes immensely to the economy.
Mimiko described the governor and his deputy as ‘omoluabi’, a Yoruba word for an upstanding personality. He lauded the artisans’ group for being in the right place at the right time.
Overwhelmed by the massive turn-out, the governor, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, thanked OSAG for the honor and ‘unreserved endorsement’ and for launching the building of a hall to be named after him.
The governor recognized the ‘important role’ artisans play in the economy of the state, saying they are the bedrock of national growth.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the group as he welcomed them to be partners in empowering young people in the state with technical skills.
