By Olayinka Ajayi

Ibukun Tony Ashamu is a like a proverbial child who has learnt how to wash his hands well to be qualified to dine with the elders. Born into the famous Ashamu family in Oyo, he combines the dynamism of the youths with the wisdom of the elders. This is why he was accepted by all and sundry in his constituency when disclosed his intention to enter into politics.

Senator Abiola Ajimobi

Ashamu, who has declared his intention to contest the Oyo Central senatorial seat, come 2015 examined the state of things in Oyo State and the positive impact the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has had on the development of the state within the last three years.
According to him, Ajimobi’s developmental accomplishments has not only returned the lost glory of the “Pace Setter” state, but has made it an envy of other states. “His landmark achievements which dot the 33 councils of the state are not ones observed in the speeches of politicians and dreams of the constituents, but seen by all, even his political opponents”, Asamu said.

“Within three years, development, which has eluded the state for long due bad governance, is finally availing itself to Oyo indigenes, thanks to our technocrat and eloquent governor, Ajimobi. But one is not surprised, given the governor’s background and track record. He had his university education in the United States of America, where he bagged a degree in business administration and finance from the State University New York, in  Buffalo, New York.“

The senatorial hopeful, contesting on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), said Ajimobi was passionate about his country that rather than remain in the United States like most of his peers did then, and since 1977, has been contributing to nation-building thus serving as a positive influence to the Nigerian people.

The performance of the governor, as Ashamu put it, was not unexpected, because before going to the Senate, he had established the first and the largest free vocational training centre in Oyo State, offering training in computer engineering, computer operations, telephone engineering, fashion designing, hair dressing, tie and dye to youths. So far, the center has produced over 16,000 students free of charge, who have all gone on to gain employment in banks and many industries in Nigeria. The centre has been recognized and certified both as a partner and training center by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

“Ajimobi is a great leader who sees beyond today. He is a true pace setter for leadership in our very own Pace Setter state. He has empowered people of Oyo, while transforming Oyo into a world class economy. Governor Ajimobi can simply be qualified as one of the best performing governors in our country quite frankly, Nigeria needs more of him. No doubt, His Excellency has earned our salute as one of the worthy sons of our great state.”

One critical question, which many have asked is: Where did Oyo, which used to rank as the leading light, not only in Nigeria but Africa got it wrong that it was plagued with inept leadership before the coming of the present administration?
Ashamu was quick to add that Oyo has never lacked worthy sons in its history citing the Late Chief Emmanuel Oyedele Ashamu, as one of them. He however averred that these worthy sons never bothered to venture into politics thus leaving the development of the state in the hands of mediocre who hijacked the state’s politics and left the citizens worse off.

He said: “If you will recall, the late Ashamu was wealthy land owner and Oyo chief who was prominent in the Nigerian business sector in the 1960s to the 80s, Ashamu rose to become one of most prominent businessmen in Africa, with interests in agriculture, banking, transportation and real estate. A devout Christian, Chief Ashamu was the patriarch of a large extended family and known as a revered leader in his community. He impacted lives and created employment through his business ventures that cut across the various sectors.

“Chief Ashamu was a pharmacist by training and was later the owner of Industrial Chemists Ltd, Lagos, among many other prosperous businesses. He was on the board of directors for Oke-Afa Farms and the Nigerian Explosives and Plastic Company, all of which he had majority shareholding.