Daniel Agbolade

Governorship candidate of National Interest Party (NIP) in Oyo State, Mrs. Bolanle Ashabi Sarumi-Aliyu, has said time had come for women to rule both at state and federal levels.

She stated this while featuring on an Oyo State NAWOJ platform for Women governorship candidates contesting the March governorship election in the state.

She pointed out that the time had come for Nigerians to entrust women with the much needed power for the country to witness the necessary development, stating that Nigerian men are yet to get it right in terms of governance  by not treating the underlining factors as they are concentrating on roads.

On her governorship ambition, Sarumi-Aliyu emphasized that her mission is to ensure that every citizen in Oyo State lives a fulfilled life, adding that as at present, majority of the people in Oyo state live in poverty.

While tasking youths in Oyo state not to allow themselves to be used to rig her out in the March governorship election, she promised that if elected as next governor of Oyo state, her one year salary will be devoted to humanity.

"I will not take salary if elected as governor of Oyo state. In fact, my one year salary will be devoted to humanity. It is time for women to come out and join in this struggle. We must fight this battle together", she said.

She  also declared that if elected as governor, she will ensure free anti-natal care for pregnant women in Oyo state as well as  for those above 65 years and as well put in place a better education system for the state.

On the controversy over local government autonomy in the country, she said she will restore local government autonomy, saying, “it is very wrong, I will monitor them, I will tell them. if you mess up, I will get you out".

She then emphasized the need for leaders to have the fear of God in all what they are doing, especially while holding public office.

Also speaking at the Forum, governorship candidate of Advance Allied Party (AAP), Mrs. Adenike Victor-Tade, promised  that her government will improve on the health care delivery system of the state by ensuring that people of the state enjoy free medical facilities.

While kicking against the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage, she said it is unrealistic with the current situation of the country.

She then  called for more support for enterpreureship programmes, one that will lift poverty and reduce unemployment in Nigeria, stating that white collar jobs may not be a way out of unemployment but rather skill aquisition will make the difference.