Youths back Jegede as Mimiko marks 62nd birthday

Orange Youth Network (OYNET), an umbrella body for all youths in Ondo State, on Monday, threw its weight behind the candidature of Mr Eyitayo Jegede, as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming election in the state.

Similarly, a former governor of old Ondo State, Bamidele Olumilua, also commended the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, over his “physical achievements” in the state in the last seven years.

The group, during a public lecture organised to mark the 62nd birthday of Mimiko, in Akure, stated that having weighed all the governorship contestants, it found Jegede as being qualified for the job based on his integrity and a clean bill of health.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director-General of the OYNET, Mr Kayode Ajulo, said, “We the youth of Ondo State have affirmed the candidature of Mr Eyitayo Jegede, because of his inherent leadership qualities, focus and honesty.

“We have investigated his antecedents and found that he is somebody who can never compromise honour because of money, and he is a listening leader, who has great compassion for the masses.”

Ajulo noted that the group conducted similar test on the other contestants but none was able to pass the acid test.

“We must not miss this golden opportunity of allowing a leader after the heart of the people to rule; the youth in Ondo State should mobilise all the needed supports for him,” he prodded.

Also speaking at the event, a former governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, remarked that the almost eight years administration of Governor Mimiko had been marked by physical achievements, all of which are in line with what is in vogue in the modern world.

The former governor recalled that Mimiko, who was the Commissioner for Health under him, between 1991 and 1993, has always been a workaholic, saying “that is why those who are taking over from him must know that they are taking up a serious challenge, to beat his record.”

He further commended the state government for the modernisation of Akure, the state capital, remarking that the ultra-modern event centre, Dome, and the Shoprite shopping mall were classical examples of the rapid progress that the Mimiko-led administration had made the state to witness.

The occasion was graced by dignitaries who included senators, ex-ministers, top government functionaries and a former governor of the old Western State, General David Jemibewon.