A governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Chief Olaide Owolabi Adelami, has promised to bring panache to government, if elected.

He spoke at the weekend in Lagos when the Pillars Movement of Nigeria (PMN) honoured him with their membership award.

Adelami, who is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was optimistic that he would defeat Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to get the party’s ticket in the coming primaries to fly the party’s flag in the October election.

He promised to govern and not rule, explaining that the latter meant being autocratic.

Adelami said he would use his training as an accountant and the civil service experience to bring growth to the state.

He noted that public service is about selflessness.

‘’I am coming to redefine governance in Ondo State,’’ he said.

Adelami said he would focus on the following areas: agriculture, industrialisation, youth employment, education, develop the ports and make the state an Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub.

He noted that Ondo has the largest and deepest seaport in Nigeria and that its development would boost its status as a gateway to the development of the state.

He said he would rejig the state’s Health Insurance Scheme by adding the informal sector, noting that artisans and tailors, among others also matter in the scheme of things.

Adelami, a retired Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, pledged to support the PMN.

He said: ‘’I will be part of this pillar and impact on the organisation.’’

PMN President-General Otunba Remi Adebiyi said the 29-year-old group honoured Adelami and offered him their platform to achieve his political aspiration because they found him outstanding among the political gladiators.

He said Adelami has the attributes of a good leader, urging Ondo people to support him.

Adebiyi noted that the organisation worked for the victories of some past governors, including the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Chief Adebayo Adefarasin, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Chief Akeredolu.

Adelami has praised the cordial relationship, show of love and tolerance among Christians and Muslims.

He told Muslims that more prayers are still needed to defeat the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we celebrate, let us remember to stick to Covid-19 preventive measures, while praying that Allah (SWT) helps us to defeat the virus soon.”

The APC chieftain reiterated his resolve to salvage the state from the current maladministration through exemplary leadership in driving governance that will truly be for the people.

“Insha Allah, the people of Ondo State shall enjoy the dividends of good governance when I assume the mantle of leadership next year,” Adelami said.