Nurudeen Salako

Gubernatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) has expressed displeasure over the dwindling state of education and healthcare in the state.

Isiaka described the education and health sectors as some of the major defects of the Ibikunle Amosun-led government, which his administration intends to correct.

The governorship hopeful, who spoke as a guest on Saturday at Fresh 107.9 FM in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, however assured that his administration, if elected would set priorities right by revamping the two vital sectors.

While lamenting the State’s 19th ranking in the last West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), he promised to promote vocational and technical education.

He said, “We all know that education is at the forefront in Southwest and we have an early start because of what Baba Awolowo did for us. It is a pity though that we have now lost that edge as a State.”

He however attributed the poor standard of education in the State to the lack of teachers’ motivation by the government, poor learning environment, stalling of teachers promotion and little allocation from the education budget.

GNI, as fondly called also faulted Amosun’s decision to set up model schools that are yet to function in the State, saying such misplaced priority has cost the people benefit of other laudable projects.

“The kind of money (model schools) that was tied down there in the bushes and forests around the state in the name of model schools is not an accountancy decision but a decision by a person,” he noted.

Stressing further, he said “Health infrastructure is poor in terms of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and also equipments that are there. As it were today, a population of about six million plus, we are having just around 200 medical doctors in Ogun state. There are still a lot of ways to go.”

“We need to correct all of these things so that our people can have good health care facilities. It is only when you have productive people that you can have a productive State and a productive citizenry. When people are knocked down by illnesses like malaria and all of that, we need to look at that and that is what we want to do.”

When asked about his chances in the forthcoming election, he said, “out of the political parties contesting for Governor in Ogun state, my party (ADC) is the most peaceful among them, as it were. It was internal crisis and wranglings that culminated in my loss both in 2011 and 2015.

“I know what it takes when you have crisis, 60% of your time will be spent on how to solve the crisis. Even when I lost the two previous elections, I have never left the people. I have continued to move round the state to identify the challenges of our people.

“Come March 3rd, 2019, I am going to be declared as the Governor-elect of Ogun state. That’s the bottom line.”

“I believe that I understand what is required and the people also know that we understand what we need to do to move our State forward with the strong belief and passion and I hope INEC will be independent and where they choose not to, we will also make sure that we put necessary measures in place to make sure that we get the right result.” he submitted.