The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Afiz Ogun, has urged residents of Ondo State to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the state should reciprocate the political recognition and developmental opportunities it has received from the Federal Government.
Ogun specifically called on residents of Ondo North Senatorial District, his constituency, to mobilise their families, friends and associates to vote for Tinubu, insisting that the President had demonstrated commitment to the state through federal appointments and industrial investments.
The ITF boss made the appeal in a statement issued on Friday, urging eligible voters across ethnic and religious backgrounds to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in the 2027 general election.
He argued that Ondo State had enjoyed considerable political representation under the Tinubu administration, including ministerial appointments and strategic positions in federal government institutions, which he said should count in the President’s favour during the next election.
“Whether you are Hausa, Igbo, Igbira or Yoruba living in Ondo State, if you earn your living here, you should bring out your family, friends and relatives, get their PVCs and vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Ogun listed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Youth Development and other federal appointees from Ondo State as evidence of the President’s confidence in the state.
“Politically, President Tinubu has always identified with Ondo State. He trusted us and gave us three ministers, alongside several important appointments in federal establishments. I expect our people to come out and reciprocate that gesture,” he added.
His appeal comes after the presidential campaign activities in Akure on Wednesday.
The ITF director-general also pointed to developments in the cocoa industry, saying the Federal Government had renewed efforts to promote local processing and value addition rather than relying predominantly on the export of raw agricultural commodities.
He said the renewed focus would enable Nigeria to produce finished cocoa products, including chocolate, cocoa butter and creams, thereby creating jobs and increasing earnings from the agricultural sector.
Ogun also highlighted the construction of an ITF training and automation centre in Ondo State, describing it as the biggest of its kind in Africa.
According to him, the facility will provide training in fabrication, mechatronics and other technical skills, while strengthening the state’s industrial capacity and creating employment opportunities for residents.
“Work is going on day and night on that project. It is a massive investment that will provide opportunities for our people and strengthen the industrial capacity of the state,” he said.
On the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, Ogun urged citizens to consider the effects of international conflicts, rising petroleum prices and other global economic pressures when assessing the administration’s performance.
He maintained that Tinubu had taken difficult but necessary decisions on local government autonomy and infrastructure development, urging Nigerians not to allow ethnic and religious differences to influence their political choices.
The ITF chief cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Badagry-Sokoto Highway as examples of the administration’s infrastructure investments, expressing optimism that the projects would improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities.
He also called for political unity in Ondo State, saying disagreements should not undermine the collective interest of residents as the country approaches another election cycle.
“Ondo State is the home of progressives in Nigeria. We may disagree on certain issues, but at the end of the day, we are brothers and sisters, and we must continue to work together as one,” Ogun said.
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