Otunba Demola Popoola, an Ekiti governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he is in the race for the 2022 poll to build on the achievements of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration.
Popoola, popularly known as ODEP, also revealed that he was not in it to amass wealth but to support and economically empower many Ekiti youths.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, he noted that he had tasted poverty before coming to limelight, adding that it has made him know what people are passing through.
The governorship hopeful said he was ready to adopt all necessary mechanisms to industrialize the state and create a conducive environment that would create jobs for youths and promote entrepreneurship.
The Oye-Ekiti born politician said, “I came from a very humble and poor background, sometimes we mix plenty of water with our soup before we can eat.
“I hawked sachet water for many years as well as pounded yam, eba, key holder and other items so as to make little money for me, my parents and siblings to eat.
“My growing up was tough, I lived in a single room with my parents and my other siblings for many years, I have tasted poverty before God helped me out, I don’t wish any youth the kind of hardship I went through while growing up and this is the reason I have come to build future for them.
“Fayemi has done very well in virtually all sectors of the economy, i traveled recently to some places in Ekiti and I was marveled by the level of road construction and other developmental projects the governor had done.
I’m no not Tokantokan neither am I SWAGA, I am God’s sent, I was told by God to return to Ekiti and make impact and I believe that the one with God is with the majority.
“I came out because I believe I can, I have all it takes to win the election, I am working on God’s directive and I believe no one can stop me.”
Speaking on the speculations that he is a first timer, the Oye-born entrepreneur and politician said he had been in the game for a long time since the days of the administration of Otunba Niyi Adebayo whom he described as his mentor.
He added that Fayemi was the chairman during his birthday 14 years ago, even before he became the governor of the state, saying he was part of the struggle for the years Governor Fayemi was in court to challenge the 2007 election.
”During Fayemi’s election, I used my head to carry chairs for some dignitaries and visitors who did not get where to sit,” he said.
Otunba Popoola sought the support of APC members and journalists to enable him attain power with a promise to deliver good governance.
Popoola also condoled with the entire staff and management of Fresh FM Ado Ekiti as well as journalists on the demise of the General Manager of the station David Ajiboye, saying the journalism profession has lost a rare gem.
Otunba Popoola, in a statement, described the late General Manager as an astute professional with impeccable character.
He said the story of his death came to him as a rude shock having believed that he was actually recuperating from the brief illness.
Popoola, who also condoled with the wife and the children of the deceased, prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Popoola said he had put on hold his gubernatorial consultations around the state and its environs for the meantime as a sign of respect for the deceased, whom he described as a friend indeed.
He called on all well to do Nigerians to support the family the late Ajiboye, whom he described as a prolific broadcaster and a friend of all, left behind.
