A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Convener of Ibi Giga Amba youssadors Chief Dr Alex Ajipe has declared his intention to contest for the Ondo North Senatorial District seat in 2023.
He made the much awaited declaration on Wednesday at Oke Mapo Hall in Owo local government describing his intention as one borne out of the desire to improve on the living standard and infrastructure of the district.
In his speech to the APC members and leaders from the six local government that makes the senatorial districts, The MD/CEO of klick konnect network international said his vision if elected is to reposition Ondo North Senatorial District to be amongst notable districts in Nigeria.
He promised to offer quality representation that would improve on the wellbeing of the people of the Senatorial District through quality representation assuring that he would strive to attract world class infrastructure, industrialization, social services and food security for the district.
While noting that he has in the last 20 years consistently been involved in the Ondo state project, Ajipe prided himself as having lived with people of the District, making him to have a clear-cut understanding of their yearnings and aspirations.
He restated his passion to position the district for sustained growth, unity, peace and prosperity as desired by the founding fathers of the district which seem to be like a mirage as major reason for his joining the 2023 Senatorial District race, said from his mapped out strategy, well thought out vision and mission, the desire is achievable.
The aspirant solicited the full support and cooperation of the people in helping to achieve his vision and mission to build a Senatorial District that would be amongst the top Districts in Nigeria as the next Senator, insisting that “it’s time for fresh idea”
“I am not a stranger to service. I do not come to lead you, to promise you what is not in my character or antecedents! I have come to tell you that I have served tremendously well, with what God has given me, and the opportunities that men and women have put at my disposal.”
“With little compared to what others have gotten, I have surpassed so many who have got immeasurable resources, and have unlimited access to wealth.”
While making reference to some of his development strides within the economic sector of the State, he assured the people that his led representation of given the opportunity will be people oriented,as he would ensure that there’s direct impact of democratic dividends on the people.
Responding to questions from journalists on the incumbent senator Prof Ajayi Boroface who had spent 12 years in the Senate, Ajipe said though he respects the incumbent senator whom he refers to as leader and father but advise him to give chance for youths to take over
” To my leader and father Prof Boroffice, I have voted for him 3 times. I think if he vote for me this time will be a vote for a fresh idea”. He said.
Ajipe also described as unfounded and unknown to law insinuation that incumbent governor and Serving Senator can not come from the same local government area, noting that the seat of Governor is for the entire State with 18 local government areas while Ondo North senatorial district belongs to six local governments in Akoko/Owo/Ose axis.
Talking about his achievements and what he intends to do if given chance, Ajipe said, “I have brought investors and investments to Ondo State, so significantly, they cannot be ignored or played down. The President, Governors, Expatriates, Distinguished Personalities across Nigeria and all over the world have recognized the great light that God has caused to shine in Ondo State, through me
“You all know that I facilitated the establishment of Ondo-Linyi industrial hub with over five thousand workers which is the biggest and most sustainable flow of investment Ondo state has ever seen. This is what I’ve done without holding any political office, I promise to do more than this if given the opportunity to serve”
” I am committed to establishing a viable agricultural village in Owo, sustainable cement factory and ethanol plants and ceramics factory in Ose, effective and ceramics and commerce center in Akoko south west and south East. Productive ranches of livestock in Akoko North East and Akoko North West”. He said.
Also at the program, Ajipe named a famous lawyer and political strongman in the area, Barrister Tolu Babaleye as Director General, Alex Ajipe Campaign Organization while the immediate past Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Chief Segun Ajiboye, would be the Director of Media of the Campaign Organization.
Babaleye from Akoko Southwest local government area led the campaign team of the Incumbent Senator from the district (Prof Ajayi Boroffice) in the 2019 general election, while Ajiboye is from Akoko Northwest local government area.
The two appointees are Boroffice’s kinsmen from Akokoland.
Stakeholders who attended the meeting include APC stakeholders in all the six local government in Ondo North senatorial districts
Also in attendance were Women and Youth Leaders and Ward Chairmen, among others.