Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has declared that she is the most suitable and competent to take charge of the State in the next political dispensation.
Obasanjo made this declaration on Friday during an interactive session with management and editorial board members of the Penpushing Media during a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the organisation located in the Leme axis of Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in company with thousands of her supporters confirmed her readiness to lead Ogun State into what she described as its “next chapter of development.”
She emphasised that her aspiration to lead the state was not based on gender considerations but on competence, experience and capacity to deliver impactful governance.
“I just think this is the right time to have somebody like me to lead. Being a woman is good and part of it, but the main thing is that I am the best person that can deliver for Ogun State,” she said.
Obasanjo added that her vision is to reposition the state as an attractive destination where indigenes in the diaspora would be encouraged to return home and invest, as well as strengthening the state’s internally generated revenue.
The governorship hopeful reflected on her background, pointing out that her exposure to leadership from an early age shaped her understanding of governance and public service.
She recounted her achievements in office as Commissioner of Health, including the renovation of all 28 general hospitals in the state, recruitment of medical personnel, and implementation of healthcare programmes aimed at improving both patient care and workers’ welfare.
The former Senator who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District at the national assembly equally referenced outreach initiatives such as rural medical missions that provided surgeries, eye tests and free eyeglasses to underserved communities.
n infrastructure and economic dePvelopment, she stressed the need for improved road networks, particularly in rural areas, to support industrial expansion and reduce congestion in existing industrial hubs.
The female governorship aspirant who is currently on proactive consultations with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), across all local government areas, while equally reflecting on her tenure as a senator, stated that her approach to governance has always been rooted in service, adding that many beneficiaries of her past efforts have continued to express appreciation for her impact.
“I have always been around power and leadership, and I have not changed. What you see is what you get with me. If we can make our rural roads better, we will move factories there. Without good roads, electricity and communication networks, development cannot spread. I took the job as a responsibility to serve, not for personal gain. The goodwill I see today from people is a reflection of that commitment’, she stated.
Obasanjo on leadership and inclusiveness, spoke on advocating for increased opportunities for women in governance while emphasizing competence over sentiment.
The founder of Penpushing Media, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji in his welcome address highlighted the journey of Penpushing Media, which is the first online newspapers to start operations in Abeokuta, the town where journalism started in Nigeria.
He explained that the organisation has been robustly nurtured on the journalistic ideology of adding value to journalism worldwide, by ensuring credible sources of news around the world, recalling that the journey started on July 19, 2016 on a social media platform with 256 members at inception across the globe.
The founder added that Penpushing Media does not limit its operations to news writing, but in same vein, injected corporate social responsibility to its operations by providing succor for the needy
Kayode-Adedeji added that as it progresses, a lecture, which has become a regular project aimed at adding value to the noble profession of journalism, was introduced.
He added that the organization which has become a famous global news dissemination platform, got its certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 1, 2017, with the headquarters in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital
‘Penpushing is indeed set to correct and tackle the menace of fake news which is almost becoming daily occurrence in the world with its greater negative impact in our clime, particularly owing to myriad of online communication channels’, Kayode-Adedeji said.
‘Similarly, it aims to revive the dwindling fortune of journalism practice and be a credible platform for genuine news to its readers across the globe. In line with our mission, we shall consciously want to err on the side of caution to authenticate news for dissemination on Penpushing platform’, he added.
Kayode-Adedeji said the organization is proudly member of notable corporate organisations which include United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and International Press Institute (IPI) with headquarters in Switzerland
The founder disclosed that in adding value to the journalism profession, Penpushing Media has trained over 80 journalism students from various institutions across the country under the internship scheme.
The Chairman Editorial Board, Funke Fadugba in her remarks commended Obasanjo for her determination and zeal working towards becoming first female governor in Ogun State and Nigeria
‘I must commend you and commend your zeal and determination as a female governorship aspirant working round the clock towards becoming the first female governor in Ogun State and Nigeria’, Fadugba said
She added that the visit will serve and remain a reference point in the history of the media outlet, adding that the coming of Obasanjo to the corporate office of Penpushing Media added values, and equally raise its profile.
The chairman of the board assured the guest that the organization will not derail from its editorial policy in reporting the truth and continuous war against fake news and the purveyors across the globe
A notable member of the editorial board, Eddy Aina in same vein, commended the guest for the courage to pursue the governorship seat, even as a woman among other men
The veteran journalist and former Director of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), said the breakthrough of Obasanjo becoming first female governor will be added value for the womenfolk, and will encourage other women
