A member of the Federal House of Representative, Honourable Olatoye Temitope Sugar, representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency in Oyo State has stated that he shares a cordial relationship with the Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.
Hon. Sugar made this revelation on Tuesday at the 2nd edition of the media chat organised by the South West Group of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), adding that the Oyo State governor is his mentor and is like a father figure to him.
The media chat which was held at the CEOAfrica complex, Ibadan, Oyo State had in attendance journalists from various media organisations like; Splash FM, Parrot Extra, CEOAfrica, Alarinka and many other media agencies, who quizzed the lawmaker about his constituency projects, his brand of politics, his achievements so far and some of his future projections.
Hon. Sugar who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, discussed various pertinent issues affecting the polity and economy of the country. He stated that it is not easy to rebuild an economy that was inherited ailing, adding the government has come up with several policies that will revitalize the dwindling economy.
When asked about his opinion of President Buhari’s administration, the Honourable extolled the President’s courage in tackling corruption and insurgency since his assumption in office. He noted that corruption and insecurity are the bane of national development but President Buhari’s war on corruption and terrorism has been commendable.
Concerning the current speculations about the President’s extended vacation in relation to his alleged poor health, Hon Sugar opined that the President has a right to go on leave as well as extend the leave if he so desires, as long as he notifies the Senate and appoints an Acting President until his resumption – both of which President Buhari did before he left on vacation.
Hon. Sugar however stated that he understands that one of the concerns of Nigerians about the President’s mystery vacation extension is because of the economic crisis the country is currently experiencing. He however urged Nigerians to patiently wait for the arrival of the President and trust in his leadership and that of the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.
Speaking about the prevalence of poverty in the country as a result of the economic recession, Hon Sugar said that more people experience poverty yearly because agriculture has been neglected. He noted that to reduce hunger in the country, more Nigerians must be actively involved in subsistence farming. He advised that people should not always depend on the government for assistance but to engage in profitable ventures like farming to empower themselves.
Commenting on the funding of the on-going free medical care and surgery for 2000 people organised by his foundation, Olatoye Sugar Foundation (OSF), Hon Sugar explained that the free surgery is sponsored by his office in partnership with some South African Health Officials, adding that he also sought the partnership of National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA).
The Honourable stated that free surgery will be conducted for 500 patients with hernia, 500 patients with cataract, 500 patients with fibroid and 500 free scan tests will be conducted, adding the screening exercise for the surgery had begun since 4th of February and that the free surgery will commence from 15th to 19th February, 2016. He also explained that he is currently embarking on the construction of 6 schools in Oyo State which will be completed in 2 months, precisely on the 20th of April, 2017.
When asked about his governorship ambitions, the Honourable stated that it is not the appropriate time to reveal such information, adding that he is presently more concerned about fulfilling the duties of his present office and effectively representing the interest of his constituency.
Hon Sugar informed that his projects and the activities of his foundation are not tailored towards aspiring for governor of the state, but are conducted out of his official responsibilities, his civic duties and his genuine interest in the welfare of his people.
The SWEGOP Chairman, Mr Yinka Agboola extolled the virtues of Hon. Sugar, describing him as an excellent politician who is communication compliant. He appreciated the contributions of OSF to the empowerment of the masses. Mr Agboola also urged the Honourable to join forces with other lawmakers to come up with economic reforms that will bring the country’s economy out of recession.
