By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
An Ekiti governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Demola Popoola, has said he is in the race for the 2022 poll to build on the achievements of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration.
He further revealed that he was not in the race for Ekiti government House to amass wealth, but to support and economically empower Ekiti youths.
He said this while fielding questions from journàlists in Ado Ekiti, where 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 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.
