By Banji Ayoola
A retired army general aspiring to contest the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Brig Gen Felix Olamide Ohunyeye, has unveiled his 12-point agenda.
The agenda which he has woven within the acronym “New AGE”, with which he plans to rapidly transform the economy of the sunshine state to the pride of the Nigerian nation if elected the next governor, is contained in his manifesto as obtained on Wednesday by The Radiance.
The 12 points are Women Empowerment; Functional Health Care Delivery, Eradication of Child Mortality and Improvement of Maternal Health; Agricultural Development; Quality Education System; Social Security; and Massive Infrastructure Development.
Others are Sports and Youth Development; Tourism Development, Arts and Culture; Community Development/Poverty Eradication, and Job Creation;
Good governance, Accountability, Revenue Generation, and Inclusive Administration; and Security Architecture and Safety Needs.
In his manifesto, Ohunyeye said: “My good people of Ondo State, I seek to bring you a new AGE where hopes and expectations are fulfilled; I wish to bring a new AGE of solutions to many lingering challenges facing the people of our sunshine state.”
On his mandate, he promised that the core values of his administration would be an All-embracing Transformational Leadership and Inspired Followership; while its mantra would be anchored on the acronym “new AGE.”
This is translated as A – Adequate security and safety for the people; G – Good governance and transformational leadership; and E – Empowerment for social, political, economic, technological, industrial, energy, youth, and all-sectors development.
He said the Vision of his Administration is “To make Ondo State the most secured in Nigeria for economic and industrial growth; for farming and wealth creation; for social engineering as well as the hub of development of all sectors”; and the Mission is “To mobilize the entire people of Ondo State for productivity and wealth.”
Giving a breakdown of his 12-point agenda, Ohunyeye pledged on Women Empowerment that: ‘We shall engage in deliberate women empowerment in Ondo State through the removal of hurdles faced by women, easy access to quality education for women, promote women participation in active politics, engaging women in profitable businesses, promote gender rights and protection of the girl-child.”
On Functional Health Care Delivery, Eradication of Child Mortality, and Improvement of Maternal Health, he said: “Improved health has been one of the main pillars of development.
“Building patient-centered health systems is central to my aspiration as governor of Ondo state. Accessibility to quality health care, good hygiene, access to safe drinking water, and good health infrastructure is well built into the health care delivery system.
“Our government shall be committed to ending child mortality in the most practical way in collaboration with the United Nations, World Bank, Federal Government, Medical Associations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Development Agencies, and other stakeholders in line with global best practices.
“We shall work effectively to improve maternal health in Ondo State through concerted efforts to health care delivery for women and children; pro-active policies of collaboration between government, donor agencies, CSOs, and local communities. Primary health care, secondary health care, and tertiary health care shall be well funded and equipped.
“There will special package for health workers that will encourage commitment and retention.”
On Agricultural Development, he promised: “We will use agriculture as a veritable tool to help reduce poverty, raise incomes, improve food security and economic growth for people of Ondo State.
“We are determined to support all ideas that enhance traditional agriculture, and technological agriculture, employ low capital technology and high capital technology to improve farming; provide training in post-harvest technology, plant operation and management; encourage entrepreneurship in agriculture; promote marketing and distribution of agricultural products, agricultural extension, sustainable market chains; and revitalize rural areas, develop sustainable farming systems, effective crop-livestock integration systems, development of food production-marketing system; provide more financial support programmes for farmers; encourage partnership between farmers and private sector; support small and large scale farming; establishment and direct funding of agricultural research institutes, improve transport facilities for farmers, irrigation facilities for farmers, soil improvement, agricultural education; cash crop production, seedlings, and farm inputs; storage and encourage all year-round farming.”
On Quality Education System, Ohunyeye’s manifesto says: “It is our strong belief that quality education nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity.
“Quality education equips individuals with the ability to adapt to our ever-changing world and empowers us to make well-informed decisions. Quality education is known globally as the foundation for social and economic development that fosters equality and creates opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
“In this regard, we have resolved to focus on academic excellence and holistic academic development that will equip students, give them practical skill acquisition, and build a culture of innovation.
“We will invigorate the idea of teacher quality and professional development. A conducive learning environment will be given adequate attention by building modern classrooms, that are well equipped with state-of-arts facilities.
“We will improve on teacher training programmes, provide and expand e-learning digital classrooms, a well-designed curriculum that meets society’s needs, and employ competent and motivated teachers.
“Our goal is to achieve universal primary education without compromising quality education in Ondo state through robust, effective monitoring system and conscious planning.
“Students loan, bursary and infrastructural development of higher institutions as well as adequate funding, research grants will be prioritized.”
On Social Security, he says: “The aged, the widows and widows and vulnerable children in Ondo state will receive financial support, economic empowerment, capacity building, linkages, and grants as part of efforts promote social welfare and social security.”
Following are what Ohunyeye’s manifesto promises on the other points of his 12-point agenda:
*Massive Infrastructure Development: “Environmental Sustainability and ICT Infrastructure development is considered as a key factor in promoting economic growth. Infrastructure development requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders for the overall growth of Ondo state.
“The phases of infrastructure development that involve the planning phase, construction phase, and operational phase shall be given close monitoring and due attention.
“Good urban and rural road networks, intra-cities and inter-cities roads, rural and urban electrification, energy and improved transportation system are key to my agenda as governor.
“There shall be environmental suitability in Ondo state through proper attention to curb deforestation and desertification, prevent soil erosion, coastal flooding control, environmental pollution control, stoppage to activities that could endanger the clean environment.
“We shall re-position Ondo state as a leading state in the digital platform and intensify ICT driven-digital governance.”
* Sports and Youths Development:
“The promotion of sporting activities throughout Ondo state shall be a priority.
“Sports development shall involve youths’ participation in all the local government areas of the state, promoting new talents discovery and sporting opportunities for all categories.
“Innovative sporting competitions shall be designed for all public schools in the state. Effective sports development shall be integrated with sport policy, sports personnel, sports funding, sports programmes, sports facilities, and sports sponsorship.
“The youths will be empowered to use their creative talents to develop the state. The Physically Challenged People will be inspired to demonstrate ability in disability.”
*Tourism Development, Arts and Culture “Our government shall engage in tourism development, evolve develop strategies and plans to increase and encourage tourism.
“Tourism shall be used to create jobs, strengthen the local economy, contribute to investment opportunities and improve heritage awareness. We share the lofty dreams of developing all the tourist centres in Ondo state to international standards.
“We are going to collaborate with UNESCO, the federal government, and other agencies to make Idanre Hill which is currently on the UNESCO Heritage List to emerge as a World Heritage Centre.
“In addition, the Golf Course at Atosin-Idanre, Ebomi Lake at Ipesi in Akoko South East, Coast Creeks and Canals in the riverine area, Igbo Olodumare at Oke-Igbo and Iho Eleeru at Isarun in Ifedore L.G.A, among others will receive a new facelift for international tourist attractions.
“The enormous potential in the coastal area of Ondo state will be judiciously tapped to enhance job creation and revenue generation.
“Also, the government will endeavor to showcase our arts and culture to local, state, national, and international corridors.”
* Community Development/Poverty Eradication and Job Creation
“As we all know, Community development is rooted in the belief that all people should have access to health, well-being, wealth, justice, and opportunity.
“Therefore, the government shall promote rural community development with emphasis on physical, financial, human, social, and environmental inputs.
“Government shall build effective human capacity of rural community dwellers, improve their quality of life, and create gainful employment opportunities to make our communities bounce back to life.
“Job creation in particular is crucial for the rural community dwellers through the application of modernization. Thus, improved living conditions shall be accorded top priority and provisions of basic amenities in towns and villages.
“In this regard, our government shall work with development partners, international agencies, the federal government, local councils, ministries and parastatals, NGOs, and the private sector to reduce and eradicate the trends of poverty and hunger in Ondo state through the productive engagement of the rural communities.”
* Good governance, Accountability, Revenue Generation, and Inclusive Administration
“We are assuring you that our government shall demonstrate the true and sincere spirit of accountability, provide exemplary leadership, embody high integrity, activate genuine stewardship, and operate open and transparent governance.
“As part of the indices of our good governance initiative, we shall endeavor to be loyal disciples of the rule of law, free press, freedom of association, human rights, and human empowerment in a bid to deliver dividends of democracy to the door steps of the citizens of the state.
“All these will be shaped into our transformational vision and new “AGE” Policy.
“Integrated in our drive for good governance is to see active, productive, motivated, inspired, well trained and accountable public service structure that will become the pride of the state across the federation.
“It is certain that our administration will continuously reward public servants with high dedication to duty, commitment to work, and exemplary service through recognition, promotion, and financial awards.
“We shall consider regular payment of workers salaries and entitlements as government obligations, fundamental constitutional and moral rights of the workers, and this right to their salaries as at when due will not be denied them under my watch as the governor of Ondo state.
“I will work, partner, and collaborate with the various Trade Unions in order to jointly move the state forward. In other words, there will be accommodation of productive and critical opinions, interests, yearning, and aspirations towards the end goal of jointly building peace and development in the state.
“The government will be well focused and be creative in revenue generation with prudent use of resources.”
* Industrialization, Development of Natural and Mineral Resources, Innovation, and Investment in Renewable Energy
“Special attention will be paid to making Ondo state an industrial hub of Nigeria through public-private partnership and Foreign Direct Investment. Our endowered mineral and natural resources will be effectively, efficiently, and judiciously explored and exploited for economic transformation.
“Massive investment will be made in the utilization of our petroleum resources both the Oil & Gas, Quart sand, Clay, Granite, Limestone, Talc, Kaolin, Coal, Columbine, Rock, Tin, Bitumen, Ocean fronts, and our Coastline in Nigeria which is the largest for employment generation will become a blessing for all.
“The government shall be innovative in the promotion of solar power and clean energy, and invest profitably in renewable energy. Our natural resources will be well tapped.
“Ondo state has extensive fertile soil suitable for agriculture with sub-savannah forest suitable for cattle grazing in the Northern fringes; vast forest resources, and variety of timber species.
“Our Teak, Melina, Manzonia, Cocoa other cash crops that are grown in the state including Rubber, Cashew, Kolanut, and Oil Palm will become more viable economic produce where both the farmers and government will derive maximum benefits.”
* Security Architecture and Safety Needs: “My government in particular wishes to consider adequate security and safety as fundamental and the foundation of any development plan and basis for transformation.
“To this end, there is a need for a holistic approach and systemic strategy for the security architecture of the state. I wish to observe, that: “Agriculture cannot be meaningful when the farmers are unable to access their farms and harvest their crops because of insecurity.
“Investment in education is meaningless when the pupils and students are not safe in schools. Health facilities are a burden where there are violent attacks by hoodlums on the healthcare locations. Infrastructure offers no substantial or enduring contributions to development where the hoodlums destroy existing facilities and prevent the construction of new ones.
“Foreign investments and attraction of foreign investors are empty phrases and efforts in futility where the lives and property of the foreigners, diasporas, and investors are not well secured. In order words, no lasting development can emerge where there is a disintegration of security.
“This is why our vital core values anchored on AGE meaning: Adequate security – Good governance – Empowerment of all.
“Therefore, we want to affirm that we shall make security in all-encompassing ways our major focus. Thus, the security of lives and property shall be the fulcrum upon which all our development programmes in the new “AGE” mantra shall anchor.
“We will systematically work in collaboration and in coordination with existing local/state structure of security networks, and federal government security agencies as well as private security outfits and community security outlets to make Ondo state the safest state in Nigeria.
“There will be deployment and integration of modern technologies apparatus for security surveillance; the use of sophisticated camera drones, a security communication system that will enhance the monitoring and response capacities of security agencies for adequate protection of lives and property in the state.
“We shall constantly engage communities on security matters, encourage neighborhood security watch, amplify intelligence gathering, initiate workable house-to-house, street-to-street, community-to-community, town-to-town, and cities-to-cities security networking systems as part of our innovative strategy for the security architecture in Ondo state.”
Ohunyeye says in the manifesto: “My specialized field provided me with the unique opportunity of traveling widely across Ondo state, across Nigeria, and across the world.
“My local and international exposure prompted the idea and insight of how democracy and good governance should complement to transform a people and a state.
“I have drawn down a deeper understanding of the achievable, practical, and strategic working process for the attainment of the much-desired dividends of democracy for the people of Ondo state.
“The Birth of a new AGE in Ondo State Politics that lacked sustainable transformation and enduring commitment and development no longer well fit for a new AGE of Ondo State Politics.
“Although, some have argued that Ondo state is developing, yes, there is no doubt about that, for what is the purpose of governance if not to bring development? The extent of development of any state in comparison term to the most developed state in the federation should be the basis of the argument.
“Anyone who had the opportunity of traveling far and near, across Nigeria will agree with me that in reality, Ondo state is still one of the least developed states in many ramifications.
“In terms of concrete human, economic, social, and capital development Ondo state is lagging behind other states that are fast on the developed track despite the status of the state as an oil-producing member of the Niger Delta.
“Ondo state can hardly boast of massive and viable industrialization despite the popularization of the industrial hub. There is no single notable industry of world class in any of the three Senatorial districts (North-Central-South) nor substantial functional industries across the Eighteen Local Government Areas capable of absorbing our teeming graduates despite our huge natural, mineral, and human resources.
“It is obvious that both the low and high have conscious and unconscious fears caused by insecurity despite the intervention of the highly commended local security networks and systems.
“Majority of farmers are now off-their farmlands as a result of frequent attacks and kidnapping for ransom while commuters have no peaceful mind in plying our roads for fear of their vehicles being hijacked.
“Violence characterized the election process in the state despite our pride as best in education, enlightenment, and knowledge accumulation.
“All these are the symptoms of the old…which new AGE seeks to transform. It is my desire that the popular sentiments included in such development statements, such as: “health for all, education for all, food sufficiency, shelter for all, prosperity for all, and security for all” shall never again be regarded as a mere rhetorical statement, empty phrases and fake promises here in Ondo state.
“These development statements shall be backed up by actions and implementations as the governor of Ondo State.
“We should be able to work together with concerted efforts in building a solid foundation for Ondo state and, through all-embracing transformational leadership and inspired followership develop the state in an all-encompassing manner in line with the fundamentals of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is the direction of the new AGE.
He parades a brilliant record of achievements in the public offices he has so far held in Nigeria and many other countries abroad, and an unusually rich working experience especially in the fields of security and intelligence coupled with outstanding global exposure.
Having traveled to many countries, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, China, United Kingdom, Nepal, and Rwanda, he believes strongly that his unusually vast experience will support his leadership drive where Ondo state will be positioned for global competition in development and transformation, as the worthy dreams of new AGE.
The man Ohunyeye
Born on 16th November 1966 at Okitipupa in Ondo State, Dr. Felix Olamide Ohunyeye hailed from Ilutitun-Osooro in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
He attended the Methodist Primary School, Okipupa, and Igbotako Community High School, Igbotako, for primary and secondary education respectively
Ohunyeye had his Ph.D. degree in Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); MBA in Finance from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; Master of Strategic and Development Studies, from Bangladesh Institute of Professional and Development Studies, Bangladesh; B.Sc. (Hons) Applied Accounting, Oxford Brookes University, London; and B.Sc. (Hons) Economics, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
He has the following professional qualifications: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Status; FCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) London Status; FCCA The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria Status – FCTI; Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Status – FNIM; Institute of Directors Nigeria (loD); Associate Member Status – MIOD; Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria (ICMN) Status – FCM; and Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN) Status – FCE.
The military courses he attended were: the National Defence College (NDC) Course, Bangladesh; Commander Division Finance and Accounts Course; Senior Staff Course; Junior Staff Course; Computer Appreciation Course; Cashiers Course; Young Officers Course (Infantry); and Young Officers Course (Finance).
He held the following appointments in the Nigerian Army: Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC); Nigerian Army School of Finance & Administration; Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna; National Defence College, Abuja; HQ 82 Division Enugu; HQ Nigerian Army Finance Corps Apapa; Army Accounts Inspectorate AFCSC; Jaji Command Finance Office Lagos; AHQ Department of Operations; United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone; HQ 3 Armed Division Jos; Command Secondary School Ibadan; Post Service Housing Directorate Army (Ph.D.); 33 Field Artillery Brigade Bauchi; Research Fellow Commandant; Director of Finance; Director Finance & Accounts; Finance and Accounts Deputy Director Finance & Accounts; Deputy Director; Assistant Director Finance; Cashier NA; SO1 Finance; Contingent Finance Officer; Cashier Bursar; Pioneer Finance Officer; and Finance Officer.
Some of the seminars and workshops he has attended are: CITN – Understanding Lagos State Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Tax – November 2014; ICAN – Leadership Strategies for Outstanding Results – November 2014; CITN – Ethical Standards Issues and Sanctions in Tax Practice and Administration – November 2014; CITN – Implementation of the Transfer Pricing Regulations Practical Challenges – November 2014; CITN- Principles of Differed Taxation – September 2014; CITN – Structural Reforms in Tax Administration in Nigeria – September 2014; ICAN – Relationship Management in the Workplace – August 2014; CITN – Understanding the Dynamics of Tax Appeals – July 2014; CITN – Tax Management in the Informal Sector – July 2014; CITN – Understanding Taxpayers Behaviour and Deployment of Strategies to Enforce Tax – July 2014; ICAN – Commercializing Agriculture: Shift from Subsistence to Business Venture – June 2014; ICAN – Leveraging Financial and Technology for Business Successes – May 2014; ICMN – Project Management for Business/Organizational Growth – November; IoD – Doing business in Nigeria: The Challenges in Public and Private SectorRecruitment – July 2013; ICAN – Capital Market Instrument- July 2013; IoD – Transformation Agenda for Nigeria Economy: Scorecard and Way forward – April 2013; NIM – Understanding Finance & Accounts for Managerial Effectiveness – April 2013; ICAN – Leveraging Current Trends & Development in ICT – April 2013; CITN – Building a High Performance Team – March 2013; IoD – Nigeria’s Economic Development Aspirations: The Leadership Issues – March 2013; NIM – Leadership Competencies & Skills for Global Competiveness – February 2013; and ICAN – IFRS Post Implementation Challenges – Feb 2013.
Following is the list of his publications:
An Appraisal of the Economic Reforms and National Development in Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospects – A Requirement for National Defence Course at the National Defence College, Bangladesh; An Analysis of the Business and Financial Performance of Nigeria Breweries PLC between the Year 31 December 2008 – 2010 (2012) – First Degree Publication (Applied Accounting); The Implementation of the Federal Government Monetization Policy on the Nigerian Armed Forces (2005) – A Requirement for Senior Staff Course at Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji Nigeria; Commercialization of Armed Forces Assets to Augment Defence Budgets: An Imperative (2005) – A Requirement for Senior Staff Course at Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji Nigeria; and The Relationship between Inflation and Economic Growth – Evidence from Nigerian (1991) – First Degree Publication (Economics).
Regarding his specific contributions to the Nigerian Army, Ohunyeye’ Conducted the training of Nigeria Army personnel on the operational technicalities and functionalities of IPPIS and GIFMIS platforms toward a seamless and hitch-free staff migration to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform;
* Supervised and implemented the enrolment of Nigeria Army (NA) personnel into the IPPIS platform;
* He was a member of a committee that developed a functional blueprint and modalities for NA payroll’s migration, in conjunction with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF);
* He was part of the team that articulated the Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA) 2017 and also ensured a seamless Implementation, towards effective staff welfare in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN);
* He superintended on the articulation of Structural and operational blueprints for the establishment, control, and administration of the National Defence College and Nigeria Defence Academy consults towards improved performance and accountability;
* Chairman committee for production of Nigeria Army Finance Corps Training policy and Review if Table of Equipment Order of Battle (ORBAT) 2016;
* Establishment of Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QCQA) Departments in Nigeria Army School of Finance and Administration;
* A standing member of the board of Governors meeting that provides administrative and financial oversight for the effective management of Command Secondary Schools in the Nigeria Army;
* Member of a committee that articulated an administrative guideline for the implementation and execution of Direct Labour Projects in the Nigeria Army, towards effective management of Capital Appropriations;
* Member of a think tank that developed a comprehensive online payroll system for the effective management and payment of Non-Regular Allowances in the AFN; and
* Head of a committee that conducted a Nigerian Army-wide payroll audit through the exercise “Know Your Soldiers” to improve and strengthen the integrity of Nigerian Army payroll. k. Chairman of a committee that developed a real-time online Payment Management System for the efficient, prompt, timely, and seamless disbursement of Ration Cash Allowances to troops.
Married with children, Ohunyeye is a member of many Professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) as a Fellow Chartered Accountant; the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), London as a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant; Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) as Fellow; Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD) as Associate Member; Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria (ICM) as Fellow; and Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN) as Fellow.
Also, he has bagged these decorations and honours: GSS (Grand Service Star); MSS (Meritorious Service Star); FSS (Forces Service Star); Training Support Medal (TSM); and the United Nation’s Medals: Numeros 1 and 2.
He served in the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone and Headquarters Nigerian Army before he retired from the Military as Brigadier-General. His academic prowess is evident in the high-quality publications made in both in local and foreign peer-reviewed journals.
Felix Olamide Ohunyeye, who was commissioned on the 12th of September 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Course, retired from the Nigerian Army as a Brigadier General.
 | ReplyForwardAdd reaction |
