Defeated People’s Democratic Party, PDP, aspirant, Eddy Olafeso has congratulated Eyitayo Jegede, winner of the gubernatorial primary of the party on Wednesday.
“A few hours ago, I sent a congratulatory message to Barr. Eyitayo Jegede who won the Ondo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Primary,” Olafeso said “I wished him luck and offered my best wishes on the task ahead of him and us all.”
He added: “As a democrat, we participated in the Primary in our bid to contribute our quota to the development of the State. Over a year ago, we started this process of talking to our people. We have been to the 18 Local Governments and the 203 Wards across the whole state. We interfaced with our people and we’ve seen the kind of mysterious poverty that revolves around our people. We remember the efforts of our leaders, Chief Ajasin, Chief Adefarati, Chief Agagu, and Dr. Mimiko who developed this state to be the Sunshine State.
“I pray that the flag bearer meets the hopes and yearnings of our people for sustainable economic policies and better life for each and everyone of us as passed on by Baba Ajasin and the need for a critical look at our educational and health sectors as bequeathed by Baba Adefarati and Dr. Mimiko. Our desire is to begin to look at our infrastructural development from where Dr. Agagu left it. The tragedy is that until we look at the efficiency of our parties, that’s when we can talk about an efficient government.
“Wednesday, 175 delegates voted for us. That’s the input of the material and human resources we’ve injected into this race. Be that as it may, we cannot overemphasize on the need to move forward to get Ondo’s sun to shine again.
“I want to thank my brother and friend, Rev Bunmi Jenyo who served as my Zonal Secretary of the party. He’s been with me all the way and relocated to Ondo for the past three months. My childhood friend, Chief Kole Omololu remains dependable and cherished. My incredible team ably led by Hon. Dayo Akinsoyinu, assisted by Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele have been wonderful. Ade Adegba greatly coordinated Central for us, Engr. Alabi was resolute in the North and Hon. Lubi Akpoebi in the South was marvelous. I want to thank all LG and Ward Coordinators for the amount of work done.
“I want to also thank my brother, Dr. ‘Kunle Akindele and his team from Abuja. The whole team has been great. Yesterday’s result might have downplayed the enormous work done by this team but I’m sure that we will keep it up and ensure that our party wins the incoming election.
“I will thank our sponsors for believing in our dream for a better Ondo State. I want to thank those who were with me all day, through thick and thin, my PAs Ariyo Adeola and Jide Akinnusi and my security details who haven’t slept for over 72 hours now. My Social Media team led by Wándé T. Ajayi has been fantastic and I want to thank them.
“I can’t mention all names for they are just too much. I’m a blessed man to be surrounded by fantastic human beings.
“But of all these great people I’ve mentioned that supported me, I have my wife and my daughter here today. My daughter is my script writer, my chancellor and adviser. My last recorded television campaign was written by her and she helped me in ensuring that I carried on. That underscores her believe in her dad. The only emotion I’ve had thus far has been when she asked her mom “Mom, will Papi still be Governor”. Because it’s very important to her. She knows I can do it. We debate on a lot of things. But my master to her is very futuristic. I said “the future belongs to God. God gives us responsibilities to change lives in whatever capacity we find ourselves.” I want to thank her so much, she is just 10 years old. I want to thank my wife of 16 years for the long hours in the kitchen. Cooking and uncooking to get us all to where we are. But now that we’ve cut away from that, we will now continue our lives in a different way. To serve humanity and do what we can to shape lives.
“ want to thank my family and my children all over the world. Kunle in Finland is as if he was never away. Tolani in the UK and the rest four in the US.
“I’m becoming a father to all now and as we age gracefully, we will all wish to stay together. I want us all to continue to be friends, to be able to do what we can for humanity as I’ve decided to dedicate the rest of my lives. I am not retiring from politics. “Politicians don’t retire, they die” Sometimes, you set your destination to the East, but God will think otherwise and change your course to the North. We are going to devout the rest of our lives to serving the society in whatever way we can.
“The future of our state is in limbo and expect we enshrine integrity, character and intellectual capacity to create a vision for our people. To me that’s very important and we must not do anything to reduce it. We must ensure we engage our people.
“I want us to be sure that our party will continue to embrace equity and fairness in every decision we are taking. I want us to know that acquiring power for nothing is the most dangerous thing anybody can do and it destroys society. That, to me is unforgivable.
“I wish Eyitayo Jegede the very best and we must take back Ondo State to return the lost glories.
To you all, supporting us is not a waste of time. I thank you and God will continue to bless you all.”
