Leaders and elders of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure South Local Council of Ondo State, at the weekend, declared their support for an indigene of the town to emerge as the next occupant after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s tenure.

With the party leaders in Akure reaffirming their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and Aiyedatiwa, they stressed the need for equity, fairness and political inclusiveness.

According to them, in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held under the leadership of Prince Tony Ala, in Akure, the state capital, the community is ripe and deserves a shot at producing the next governor of the state.

The communiqué was signed by Prince Tony Ala alongside other party leaders, including Sunday Adejuyigbe, Ifedayo Ologometa, Dele Faboro, Idowu Otetubi, and Femi Bello.

Others include Elder Micheal Olusanya Ojuola, Ifedayo Adewole, Oluranti Fakinlede, Sunday Faleye, Muyiwa Adebayo, Enas Mohammed, Francis Belonwu, Rev. Abisola Oluwatayo and Mr Ayo Alabi.

In another development, an Associate Professor of African socio-cultural, diplomatic and military history at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Solomon Tai Okajare, at the weekend stressed that Ondo has no moral and logical justification to remain among Nigeria’s economically struggling states.

According to him, given the state’s overwhelming endowment of natural and human resources alongside substantial economic potential, Ondo ought to be among the high-flying states in the country.

The don stated this while delivering a lecture titled ‘Unlocking Subnational Economic Power: Practical Pathways for Sustainable Economic Growth in Ondo State’ during the lecture series and induction of new members into Club Elan, Akure.

Okajare, while dissecting the paradox of poverty amid plenty in the Sunshine State, stressed that Ondo’s fertile lands, extensive coastline, oil and bitumen deposits as well as diverse tourism attractions should undoubtedly position the state as what he described as an “economic gem” among its peers in the country.

President of Club Elan, Mobolaji Adeyeye, said the inductees signified that the club remains a destination of choice for professionals and businessmen seeking camaraderie. (The Guardian)