The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming off-cycle gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has stated that with the vigour and unity currently existing in the party, the PDP will emerge victorious in the September 21 poll in Edo and that of Ondo State on November 16, 2024.

He said that the determination and effort of the party to win next weekend’s election in Edo State was indicative of the resolve of the PDP to take up the challenge of restoring the glory of Nigeria.

He, therefore, advised the electorate to queue behind the governorship candidate of the PDP in Edo State just as he told the party’s faithful to remain resolute in retaining the state.

Ajayi promised to turn around the fortunes of women and empower them financially when elected as governor in the off-circle election in Ondo State, assuring that 35 per cent of women would be given appointments if elected as governor in the state.

The PDP’s governorship candidate, who spoke during a meeting with the women leaders across the 18 local councils of the state, said that the United Nations (UN) affirmation on gender equality would be adhered to from February 24, 2025, when he assumes office.

Meanwhile, some of the women leaders assured Ajayi of their votes in the election.

Also, a former women leader of the party in the state, Folake Sarunmi, said women should be bold to come out and mobilise for Agboola and the PDP.

MEANWHILE, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Ondo State government to fulfill its promise of providing palliatives and education grants to students of tertiary institutions in the state.

The students’ body in the state said this appeal is necessary to alleviate the suffering of students amid the current economic hardship.

The leadership of the students’ Joint Campus Council, Ondo axis, led by its President, Joshua Oluwarotimi and General Secretary, Oluwanishola Ajibola, during a media briefing in Akure, the state capital, said that the state government had failed to deliver on its promise to provide 12 buses for students’ transportation across the state.

However, Ondo State government has expanded its ‘Ilera Loro’ scheme to include free healthcare services for sickle cell patients across the state.

Director-General of Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Abiodun Oyeneyin, who stated that the initiative was in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Health, said that with the development, the healthcare needs of sickle cell patients would be addressed while the overall health equity of the state will be improved.

Founder of the Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative, Kemi Oguntimehin, who emphasised the importance of the development, said: “Today, we witness a dream that many of us have fought for becoming a reality.

“For too long, sickle cell warriors have been sidelined in our healthcare system. This expansion is a critical step towards ensuring they receive the care and the support they deserve.”