The immediate past governor of Osun and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, has described the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, as the right person to govern the state.
Oyetola said the former Executive Director, National Inland Waterways Authority possessed the competence, experience, and vision required to reposition Osun on the path of sustainable growth, infrastructural development, economic revitalisation, and social advancement.
The minister stated this at the investiture of the Osun APC gubernatorial candidate as the most friendly maritime Chief Executive Officer on Tuesday.
The award, organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, was presented in Abuja in recognition of Oyebamiji’s transparency, accessibility, and partnership with the media, as well as his wider contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways.
Oyetola added that Oyebamiji’s reputation as a prudent manager of resources, a consensus builder, and a development-oriented leader offers considerable assurance that he will bring renewed hope and effective governance to Osun state if elected.
He also commended the Coalition of Maritime Journalists for promoting accountability and professionalism in the maritime sector, stressing that specialised maritime journalism remains vital in shaping public understanding, strengthening governance, and encouraging stakeholder participation.
“Asiwaju Oyebamiji possesses the competence, experience, and vision required to reposition Osun State on the path of sustainable growth, infrastructural development, economic revitalisation, and social advancement. His reputation as a prudent manager of resources, a consensus builder, and a development-oriented leader offers considerable assurance that he will bring renewed hope and effective governance to the state.
“As he now represents the All Progressives Congress as the governorship candidate for Osun State in the August 8, 2026 election, many who have witnessed his track record remain confident in his ability to deliver purposeful and transformational leadership,” Oyetola added.
Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr Frank Meke, explained that the award celebrates maritime leaders who value transparency, media partnership, and information-sharing in building sustainable institutions.
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Meke noted that Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness, support for journalists’ welfare, and encouragement of first-hand reporting across NIWA operations distinguished him as a deserving recipient.
“Leaders like Asiwaju Oyebamiji see the media not as adversaries but as partners in development, providing support, fostering a conducive work environment, and encouraging field reporting to ensure accurate coverage,” Meke said.
In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji thanked the maritime journalists for the recognition, describing the award as the result of collective effort during his tenure.
He also paid tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as a mentor and leader, acknowledging his support from their early days at Osun State Investment Company through his roles as Commissioner for Finance, aide at the Federal Ministry, and ultimately NIWA boss.
