As children across Nigeria commemorate this year's International Children's Day, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, has vowed to restore education glory to the state, noting that no child should be limited by poverty, location, or circumstance.
AMBO's Personal Story as a Symbol of Hope
In his message to commemorate Children's Day on Tuesday, the APC candidate used his personal life story as a symbol of hope for children growing up in remote communities. He said his journey from a modest background in Ikire to becoming a leading figure in public service and politics proves that every child in the state deserves the opportunity to dream big and succeed.
Commitment to Children's Welfare
Oyebamiji further stated that if elected governor on August 15, his administration would prioritise the welfare, education, healthcare, and security of children through what he described as a "people-focused implementation" of his PROSPERITY Agenda. According to him, children in rural communities must enjoy the same opportunities available to those living in urban centres.
"I am a living testimony that greatness is not determined by where a child is born," AMBO said. "I grew up in a remote community in Ikire with limited opportunities, yet through hard work, quality education, and the grace of God, I was able to break barriers and fulfil my dreams. Every child in Osun State deserves that same opportunity."
Criticism of Current Administration
The APC candidate lamented what he described as the gradual collapse of educational standards and child welfare policies under Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration, accusing the current government of abandoning landmark education reforms initiated by previous APC administrations. He recalled that the previous APC administrations transformed the education sector through massive infrastructural development, modern school facilities, and policies that attracted national attention.
"Osun State once became a reference point in public education across Nigeria. We gave children hope and dignity. It is however, painful today to note that policies that improved learning conditions under the APC administrations have been scrapped without alternatives. Our children deserve better."
School Feeding Programme
Oyebamiji particularly condemned the cancellation of the school feeding programme introduced under previous APC governments, saying the initiative significantly improved school enrolment, attendance, and learning outcomes among children from low-income families.
"The school feeding programme was more than just food," he said. "It was a support for thousands of children from struggling homes. It encouraged many parents to send their children back to school and helped pupils learn in a healthier and more conducive environment. Unfortunately, shortly after assuming office, the current administration scrapped the programme because it clearly does not share our passion and commitment to educational development."
The APC governorship hopeful pledged to restore the programme upon assumption of office immediately.
"I want to assure every child and parent in Osun State that the school feeding programme will return under my administration," he declared. "We will bring back policies that encourage learning, reduce poverty, and restore confidence in public education."
Comprehensive Education Overhaul
Oyebamiji further promised a comprehensive overhaul of the state's public education sector, saying his administration would rebuild abandoned school infrastructure, recruit qualified teachers, improve learning materials, and deploy technology-driven education policies across all local councils.
"Our mission is simple, to restore Osun education to its pride of place," he said, adding that "No child should study under a leaking roof or sit on broken furniture while politicians waste public resources. Education will again become the pride of Osun State."
