*Demands accountability for N17b monthly allocation

The former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to run an inclusive government centered on listening to citizens and addressing their specific needs rather than imposing policies from the top down.
  
He stressed that the welfare and security of the people would remain the top priorities of his administration, while every other consideration would be secondary.
 
  Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, Oyebamiji said different segments of society, including artisans, civil servants, traders and market women, face distinct challenges that require tailored government interventions.

  Oyebamiji also pledged to prioritise prudent management of public resources and people-centred development, insisting that restoring public confidence in governance would require leaders who place human lives above politics and ensure that every public fund translates into visible improvements in the lives of Osun residents.
  The Ex-NIWA ‘s boss stressed that good leadership begins with understanding the specific needs of various groups and responding to them through inclusive governance.

   “The needs of artisans are different from those of civil servants and marketers. Good leadership starts by understanding these needs and addressing them. We need to listen to these categories of people and run an inclusive government,” he said.

  He questioned the lack of visible development in the state despite receiving about N17 billion in monthly allocations from the Federal Government.

  The APC candidate argued that Osun State has witnessed a substantial increase in monthly federal allocations since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yet residents have little to show for the inflows.
  Oyebamiji said a tour of Osogbo, the state capital, and other parts of Osun State would reveal few projects commensurate with the funds received by the government.

  “This state has been receiving between N16 billion and N17 billion monthly since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board. What has this administration been doing with the money?” he asked.

   Oyebamiji added that effective governance requires broad participation, transparency and accountability, noting that government exists to serve the people rather than political interests.

  The Ex-NIWA boss further stated that the protection of lives and the welfare of citizens must remain the primary responsibility of any government, noting that no political ambition or public office is worth the loss of a single life.

  He added that governance should be measured not by political rhetoric but by how effectively it improves the lives of ordinary people.

   Drawing from management principles, Oyebamiji said successful administrations embrace collective decision-making and shared ownership of development goals.

  “In management, there is management by objectives, which means getting everyone involved. Running the government is for the people,” he added.