Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Gbadegesin Ogunoye, has declared that traditional rulers in the state are prepared to mobilise support for the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The monarch made the remarks on Friday at his palace in Owo during a courtesy visit by the Ondo State chapter of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT).
BusinessDay reports that the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT) was in Owo to organise a health programme tagged Jigi Asiwaju Free Medical Outreach for the people of Owo and Ose Federal Constituency.
The programme, which had been held in the three senatorial districts of the state, provided free check-ups, eye tests, glasses and medications to thousands of people.
Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, the Director General of GMT, explained that the essence of the Jigi Asiwaju outreach was to spread awareness of the achievements of President Tinubu in the past two years.
Yusuf-Ogunleye said, “Mr President cannot be everywhere, but it is our duty to spread the message of what he has achieved in infrastructure, health, transport, sports and more.
“This outreach, sponsored by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gives thousands of people access to free medical care, including check-ups, eye tests, glasses and drugs.”
Speaking in his palace during a courtesy visit by the GMT leadership, the Olowo of Owo praised President Tinubu’s performance, saying Nigerians were already reaping the benefits of his administration.
“I know for a fact that President Bola Tinubu is consciously improving Nigeria, and we are all glad for it. Since we are all benefitting from his government now, when the time comes, he is eminently qualified for a second term in office. We will reward him accordingly,” the monarch said.
Highlighting areas of progress under the current administration, the monarch pointed to economic stabilisation, improved foreign reserves, better security, steady power supply, and fuel availability.
He argued that the government’s policies are working and deserve to be sustained.
The monarch said: “The economy is upscale, better and improving. Our reserves are growing, security is improving, the power sector is improving, and the fuel supply has stabilized. People no longer queue endlessly for fuel, and the cost has come down. For all these, Nigerians will be ready to reward the government.”
GMT Secretary-General, Rasheed Badmus, and Director of Women’s Affairs, Olamide Falana, also emphasised that Tinubu’s administration deserved support and encouragement.
Falana noted that the medical outreach was designed to meet pressing needs in communities, particularly in Owo and Ose local government areas.
“We are reaching about 1,000 people here, and we will extend this across Ondo State. President Tinubu hit the ground running from his first day in office. He understands Nigeria’s challenges and is providing solutions,” Falana said.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Kola Olawoye, described the outreach as an initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Eyes are one of the most important organs, and this programme brings relief across party lines. We are grateful to Minister Tunji-Ojo for making this possible. By 2027, when President Tinubu begins his second term, Nigerians will see even greater progress in health, education, and agriculture,” Olawoye noted.
One of the beneficiaries of the health programme, 68-year-old Raphael Adeboye, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as timely.
“Many of us had given up on treating our eye problems because of lack of money. This gesture has restored hope to us,” Adeboye said.
