Mr Segun Oni, a former governor of Ekiti State and governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 18 election, says he will upgrade the Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti, to a university if elected.
Also, Oni promised to provide more facilities and competent personnel at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere Ekiti, contrary to insinuations that he intends scrapping the institution.
The Polytechnic was established by Gov. Kayode Fayemi as a College of Commercial Agriculture, but was recently upgraded to a Polytechnic.
The former governor made the pledges in Ikere, Ado and Ekiti West Local governments, on Wednesday, during a campaign to the areas in furtherance of his ambition to be reelected governor of the state.
Oni described as unfounded and baseless, the rumours being spread by opponents that he had the intention of scrapping BOUESTI.
“If I am reelected, my intention is to dialogue with the people of Isan Ekiti where our Polytechnic is and ask whether they want it upgraded or not. If they want it upgraded, we will make it a full-fledged university.
“This goes to tell you that I will never scrap BOUESTI. It is only a wicked governor that will destroy any programme meant to bring development. I don’t belong to that class of destroyers; I will rather be a builder”.
Speaking at Ilawe Ekiti, the former governor said that his administration, when elected into office, would harness the comparative advantage the area has in banana production.
Oni said that a cottage industry would be set up in the area to generate more income for the farmers and employment opportunity for the locals.
Addressing mammoth crowd of party supporters in Ado Ekiti with his Deputy, Ladi Owolabi , the SDP governorship flag bearer said that he won’t take the voters for granted in spite of his popularity.
The former governor expressed confidence that Ekiti people would stand by him through the rigours of election, saying no amount of intimidation can cow him in his resolve to free Ekiti from slavery. government.
“We are not going to take voters for granted. We will visit all the farmsteads in Ado Ekiti capital city and other towns. We have to work hard, but we are sure that victory is certain.
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“If there are people that are threatening you, let us know, but let me beg you, if APC or PDP is campaigning anywhere, don’t go there and disturb them.
“If any of them should come to cause violence where we campaign, they will be dealt with accordingly. Whoever provokes us would get a reaction, so they should be careful. Why should they be stoning us? What are they afraid of?” Oni asked. (NAN)