As children across Nigeria celebrate 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 assured children in the state that poverty, background, or geographical location should never define their future.
In a Children’s Day message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Oyebamiji reflected on his personal journey from a humble upbringing in Ikire to becoming a prominent figure in public service and politics, describing his story as proof that every child in Osun State can achieve greatness if given the right opportunities.
The APC candidate stated that, if elected governor on August 15, his administration would prioritise the welfare, education, healthcare, and security of children through the implementation of his PROSPERITY Agenda.
According to him, children living in rural communities deserve the same opportunities and quality of life as their counterparts in urban areas.
“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.”
Oyebamiji criticised what he described as the steady decline in educational standards and child welfare policies under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing the current government of dismantling reforms introduced by previous APC administrations without providing sustainable alternatives.
He recalled that past APC governments in Osun invested heavily in educational infrastructure, modern learning facilities, and policies that once positioned the state as a national model in public education.
“Osun State was once a reference point for quality public education in Nigeria,” he said. “We restored hope and dignity to public schools. Sadly, many of the policies that improved learning conditions have now been abandoned without viable replacements. Our children deserve better.”
The APC governorship hopeful particularly faulted the cancellation of the school feeding programme introduced under previous APC administrations, noting that the initiative significantly boosted school enrolment, attendance, and learning outcomes, especially among children from low-income families.
“The school feeding programme was more than just a meal initiative,” he said. “It supported thousands of children from struggling homes, encouraged parents to enrol their children in school, and helped pupils learn in a healthier and more conducive environment.
“Unfortunately, shortly after assuming office, the current administration scrapped the programme, showing a lack of commitment to educational development and child welfare,” he added.
Oyebamiji pledged to restore the programme immediately upon assuming office.
“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 revive policies that encourage learning, reduce poverty, and restore confidence in public education.”
He also promised a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s public education sector through the reconstruction of dilapidated school infrastructure, recruitment of qualified teachers, improved learning materials, and the deployment of technology-driven education policies across all local government areas.
“Our mission is simple: to restore Osun education to its pride of place,” he stated. “No child should study under a leaking roof or sit on broken furniture while public resources are wasted. Education will once again become the pride of Osun State.”
Speaking on healthcare, particularly maternal and child healthcare, Oyebamiji described the condition of many primary healthcare centres across the state as unacceptable, promising urgent intervention to improve access to quality healthcare services in rural and urban communities alike.
“The condition of many primary healthcare centres today is heartbreaking,” he said. “Pregnant women and children in rural communities are suffering because facilities have been neglected. Some centres lack drugs, equipment, and qualified personnel. My administration will prioritise maternal and child healthcare because the wellbeing of our children cannot be compromised.”
The APC candidate also pledged to strengthen security around schools and protect children and teachers from growing insecurity and fears of kidnapping.
“No parent should live in fear while sending their children to school,” Oyebamiji stressed. “We will work closely with security agencies, local communities, and technology-driven surveillance systems to ensure our schools remain safe for both teachers and pupils.”
He added that his administration’s PROSPERITY Agenda would place strong emphasis on children and young people as the foundation for the future development of Osun State.
According to him, the agenda focuses on poverty alleviation and job creation, responsive governance, opportunities for growth, security and social protection, productive agriculture, education and healthcare renewal, as well as infrastructure development.
