As the race towards the Ogun State Local Government Elections hots up with several aspirations been thrown up, one outstanding son of the soil has just launched into the deep, savouring the need to lead his people.
The good people of Abeokuta South Local Government craves for a leader, so confident to stand alone with the courage to make tough decisions, howbeit to the benefits of the citizenry. One of such leader is Hon. Omitogun Muiz.
In this exclusive interview with THE NEWS VILLE, Hon. Omitogun bears his mind on his agenda for the local government
News Ville: May we meet you sir?
Hon. Omitogun: I was born no 5 in the family of 18 children. Though born in Abeokuta, I went to Lagos with our dad and went to Salvation Army Pry School, Ebute Metta, Lagos. I came back to Abeokuta after our dad retired from service and went to Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, for my Secondary Education. Thereafter, I proceeded to Ogun state polytechnic, Abeokuta (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), where I studied Mass communication.
In the quest for more knowledge, I proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where I obtained my Masters in Managerial Psychology (MMP) in 2007
I am an Associate of some institutions which includes, Nigerian Institute of Management (ANIM), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(ANIPR) and Registered practitioner in Advertising (ARPA).
Career wise, I have worked as a journalist and a public relations officer for many firms. I was Client Services Manager at CT & Associates Limited, Surulere in Lagos State, where I was saddled with the responsibility of handling PR needs of Clients, Formulation and writing of campaign Programmes and servicing of existing clients.
NV: What is your view of the Dapo Abiodun’s led administration in Ogun State vis-a-vis the developmental strides so far?
HO: The government of prince Dapo Abiodun, as part of it’s developmenal programmes, just completed the Obantoko road, which was abandoned by the previous government. This road will open up businesses in the area as it covers two local governments, Abeokuta South of and Odeda.
Recently, the government also flagged off the distribution of agricultural input to farmers in the state. A total of 25,000 farmers, from some local governments in the state benefitted from the flag off. These local governments include: Obafemi Owode, Odeda, Odogbou, Ijebu East, Yewa North, Yewa South, ifo.
NV: What are your agenda/blueprint for Abeokuta South Local Government, if elected?
HO: My agenda for Abeokuta South, if elected chairman, is to take the local government to the next level, by complimenting the efforts of the state government at the local government in the area of education, health, road, agriculture.etc
Secondly, provision of vocational training schools for the youths to acquire skills in different vocation and make them self reliant is another priority.
NV: During your stints at the local government, first as supervisor of health and then as secretary to the local government, what was you major high points in terms of achievements?
HO: As the supervisor for health, our government, under Engr. Lanre Edun, (now a member of of the House of Reps) was able to rehabilitate some health centres within the local government. We also ensured they had enough drugs and reagents etc. We also converted some health posts to well functional health centres during my tenure as supervisor for health.
As the SLG, I make recommendation to the chairman on issues that are very critical to the development of the LG, in addition to attending to requests of the people within the local government.
NV: Why did you venture into politics and what is your political ideology?
HO: To see how I can do things differently from the way it was done. To empower the people of my local government, especially the youths, in the acquisition of skills.
NV: What is your opinion on the local government autonomy and how would it impact on the local administration if fully implemented?
HO: The local government autonomy is long over due. It is a welcome development, as it will make local government have access to funds, to carry out developmental projects, that will have direct impact on the lives of the ordinary people within the LG.
NV: Are qualified are you for the local government Chairmanship, apart from other aspirants?
HO: In terms of qualification, I think I am the candidate to beat. Without sounding immodest, academically, I am qualified. Politically, having been a supervisor and secretary to the local government respectively, (in the same Abeokuta South,) I am experienced to run the LG than any other aspirants and therefore, I am qualified to lead Abeokuta South local government. By the special grace of Almighty Allah and the support of my people in Abeokuta South LG, I shall get there.
I love traveling and have travelled within and outside Nigeria., so, having a developed and progressive Abeokuta South, I believe I am the best Man for the job.
