Youth In politics Submit: "I am R. O Kazeem, Not Akeredolu", Agriculture is the currency- Barr. Rasheed Olanrewaju speaks

Ondo state youth in politics on there Sunday summit has honored Hon. Barrister Rasheed Olarewaju kazeem, one of the leading APC governorship aspirant in the state, VAM news reports.

Hon. Barrister Rasheed Olarewaju kazeem, one of the leading APC

I am Hon.st Akinduro, one of the interviewers of Ondo state Youth in Politics Platforms to shape and restructure the lagging areas of Ondo state and bring together the youth in the state towards economy growth.

We welcome you here and there are lots of questions for you Honorable.

Once again, you’re welcome sir

I am pleased to be with you here Good evening everyone

Without mincing words

We’ll be going through the profile of Hon.

Profile

He was a former Honourable Commissioner, Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural Development, Ondo State.

CURRICULUM VITAE

NAME : Rasheed Olarewaju Kazeem (Alhaji, Hon)

DATE OF BIRTH: 11TH March, 1957

HOME TOWN: Ikare AKOKO

DIVISION: AKOKO North East Local

Government

STATE : Ondo

RELIGION: Islam

MARITAL STATUS: Married

ADDRESS: OFFICE: CJ/19, Jubilee Road, Ikare

Akoko, Ondo State

HOME: O/15 Igbede Street, Ikare

Akoko, Ondo State

PHONE NO: 08059225648

08034753997

INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED:

. Ansar-Ud- Seen Primary School III, Ikare 1968

. Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Ikare 1975

.Methodist High School, Owo (External

Candidate). 1978

.University Of Maiduguri 1983

.Nigeria Law School, Victoria Island ,

Lagos. 1983-1984

.Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko

(Master Programme In Environmental

Management 2000-2001

.Negev Institute For Peace And Development

The State Of Israel (certificate In

Leadership And Sustainable Development).

QUALIFICATION:

.WASC, G.C.E A/L,

.LLB(Hons.) ,

.M.SC

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

.Constitutional Law

.Commercial Law

.International Law

.Criminal Law

.Civil & Environmental Law

JOB EXPERIENCE

.Teacher with Akoko North Local Schools

Board inst Stephen’s Modern School,

Ikare Akoko. 1975- 1976

.Produce Inspection with Ministry Of Agric

And Natural Resources, Ondo State.

1977-1978

A Corper with Headquarters Of Nigeria

Army Military Police As Law

Reviewing Officer. 1984- 1985

Private Legal Practice. 1985-1992

Honourable Member Federal House Of

Representatives, Abuja. 1992-1993

Director Ondo State Road Maintenance

And Construction Company Limited

(ROMACO). 1995-1996

.Commissioner, Ondo State Independent

Electoral Commission. 1999-2001

.Hon. Commissioner, Ministry Of Lands

and Housing, Ondo State. 2001

.Hon. Commissioner Ministry Of

Agriculture And Rural Development

Ondo State. 2002-2003

.Hon. Commissioner Overseeing

Ministry Of Natural Resources,

Ondo State. 2003

.Member Ondo State Oil Producing

Area Development Commission

(OSOPADEC). 2002-2003

.Member National Cocoa

Development Council. 2002-2003

.Commissioner, Judicial Service

commission, Ondo State. 2013-2017

.Chairman, National Anti-Doping

Committee Of Nigeria. 2018 till Date

COUNTRIES VISITED: MANY

COURSES ATTENDED:

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

.Leadership For Peace And Sustainable

Development ; The State Of Israel

.Food Production: Burkina Faso 2002

Research And Food Security In Nigeria

.Research On Cocoa Development in Nigeria

.Challenges Of Procurement And Marketing

Of Cocoa In Nigeria

.Study On Increase In Cassava Production

AND Export In Nigeria

APPOINTMENTS

.Member Board Of Governors, A.U.D.

Grammar School, Ikare

.Member Board Of Governors, Agolo High

School, Ikare

.Member Board Of Governors,

Comprehensive High School, Ikare.

CHIEFTAINCIES:

.Chief Akeweje Adinni Of Ikareland

.Chief Saraki Adinni Of Ikareland

.Chief Bamofin Of Ikareland

.Chief Gbodeniyi Of Akokoland

CLUBS/ASSOCIATION:

.Member Rotary Club Of Nigeria, Ikare

Akoko.

.Member Akoko Development Group

.Member Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Of

Nigeria.

.Member Young Muslim Brothers &

Sisters Of Nigeria

.Member Unique Club 45 Ikare

.Member Ikare Peace Committee

.Asst. Secretary Akoko Movement

.Asst Secretary Akoko Consultative

Forum.

.Secretary Ikare Development Group

.Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association

(NBA)

REFEREES:

.HIS ROYAL MAJESTY,

OBA AKADRI MOMOH 1V CON, JP

THE OLUKARE OF IKARE

OLUKARE’S PALACE,

IKARE-AKOKO

.HON. JUSTICE SIDIQ S.A

ONDO STATE HIGH COURT

AKURE

.HON. JUDTICE B.A ADEJUMO

PLOT 674,

PORT HARCOURT CRESCENT

AREA, GARKI ABUJA

HOBBIES:

Hunting, Football, Farming, and Reading

Alhaji and Jerusalem Pilgrim(JP)

Many people have been waiting for you since over this days in other to have physical chart with about your political ambition as one of the governorship aspirant sir. Why many youths had already prepared question for you sir to be answer by voice note sir.

Hope you are ready to answer the question been send here sir ?.

QUESTION 1

There is recent call that we need to go back to investing in Agriculture; how do you think Ondo State government can generate revenue via agriculture?

(From : MR BENSONEMURE OWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT)

Hon Kazeem:

Agriculture is the currency of any Serious State because of the need to feed ourselves and drive our development from within

But over the years, Many Governments have paid lip service to it and the result is that we tilt towards a monolytic economy dominated by Oil earnings. Consequently, we become susceptible to fluctuations in oil prices and our oil revenues have conditioned us to what I call a Lazy State. This is why, there is neglect in many sectors of the economy

Studies have shown that the most developed economies are self-sufficient in terms of food production.

My plan is to launch an agro-revolution by leading from the Front through the Ministry of Agriculture direct farming programme . Where we acquire lands and farm with modern tools like it is done in Isreal.

Cocoa is one Area where we have comparative advantage. We are going to revolutionalize cocoa farming and complete the value chain by moving into manufacturing using cocoa inputs. This will be done by a PPP arrangement.

Observation from MR Hassan

Sir, my name is Hassan, it afford me a great pleasure to be here With deu respect sir what do you mean by the ppp arrangements and how will that boost the economy of our dear state. Thanks.

Hon. Kazeem:

I have cognate experience in the Agriculture Sector having served as commissioner of agriculture under Former Governor Adebayo Adefarati

I am also a farmer who hardly buy food crops outside because of sufficient supply from my farm.

Thank you very much

PPP means Public Private Partnership.

Because of inadequacy in resources, Govt must partner with private sector for Direct Productive activities and social overheads so as to generate the needed input to drive growth. In Ondo State today, I do not think that there is a single One Stop Investment Shop (OSIS) where private investors can access funds, facilities and partnership opportunities.

Question 2.

Precisely on the first of September where there was massive downpour that led to flood that rendered many homeless. What measures do you think government should take to forestall reoccurrence?

(From: MR AKIN JOSEPH

ILAJE LOCAL GOVERNMENT)

Hon Kazeem:

Flooding is a very big problem all over the country. Although it is a natural disaster, but human activities trigger the chances of its occurrence.

First, we need to enlighten the public to avoid erecting buildings along flood plain so as to prevent disasters when there is flooding

Secondly, we must impose consequences on people who dump refuses in Drainage.

Third, we must construct bridges and drainages properly when there is road construction.

We are going to build affordable housing to serve as new homes for those living in flood prone arreas.

When Elected, My Govt will from time to time, address blockage of gutters and do the needful. We can even concession it to private individuals and pay them in return if they keep it free.

In our Riverine arrears, we are going to build proper defences in the shorelines to serve as buffers for any possible overflow due to currents.

Question.

What is your plan sir for the Tourism sector in ondo state ?

(Omoba Adewoleoye Idanre local government.)

Hon Kazeem:

Thank God this question is coming from someone from Idanre.

One of the eye catching festivities in Ondo State is the Mare in Idanre. My Government will invest heavily in tourism. We are going to start the tourism drive from within. We must first get some certain things right before we delve into tourism. We need infrastructures and adequate security. There will be a holistic plan for tourism beyond mere festivals.

Question 3

On youths empowerment; has the present government fulfilled all righteousness?

If yes; what are those areas?

(From: MR GIDEON

IRELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT)

Hon Kazeem:

With due respect sir, I always exercise a great deal of self-restrain From commenting on the policies of the Govt of Governor Akeredolu

I am known for empowering people, that is the driving force of my political sorjourn thus Far

Sports, Education, Skills and Employment are the tools to empower the youths. My government will place priority on it

I intend to launch a skill scout throughout the State to discover the new generations of Olympic Gold medalists for Nigeria

We must focus on Qualitative sports. I believe we have quality footballers in Ondo State who can be better than Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. What they need is a genuine commitment from helpers Our graduates will be gainfully employed and we are not going to retrench workers.

Audience comment:

Sir ,what plans do you have on the not too young to run bill.

And will you promote the youths in your government by appointing them if elected?

Hon Kazeem:

Youth empowerment begins from making education affordable

I will reduce the tuition fees paid by students from all Higher Institutions owned by the State Government by 100%.

Point of Correction, it is no longer a bill

It is now the law in Nigeria

As someone who is under the supremacy of the constitution, I cannot do anything outside the ambience of the Law

I owe the youths in high esteem and I believe they are leaders of now

When we say, leaders of tomorrow, we are simply saying they should sit down now ND wait for their Time

I will make sure that my cabinet is made up of youths. They will take 75% of my appointments.

I have young boys under me and I want them to take leadership positions

I will support young people.

Question 4

During the regime of Hon As commissions for agriculture what development have him bring to ondo state agriculture sector and his impact on youth in agric sector?

(From: COMR OMOTOLA ALABA OLAMI JUNIOR .FROM Okitipupa local Govt)

Hon Kazeem:

As Commissioner for Agric, I enhanced the generation of revenue from Cocoa for over 100% increase

We brought millions on cocoa seedlings to Ondo State

We became a leading Cocoa state in Nigeria

We granted loans to cassava farmers for the production of cassava despite the short time I spent in the ministry.

We trained young people on agriculture with modern tools and sponsored them to the State of Isreal.

But unfortunately, this programme was short lived because Agagu eventuality took over from Adefarati

We gave farmers cocoa seedlings, cashew and other crops free of charge

And we supported them.

I was a member of National Cocoa Board, we advised the govt on best ways to commercialize our local production whilst protecting our farmers from exploitation by foreign partners.

Observation from audience:

What’s your plan towards Making education affordable in Ondo State sir?

(By FEMI Adegbeyeni. From AAUA)

Hon Kazeem:

Certainly,

I am a father with kids in school within Ondo state here

It saddens me as a concerned parent to see the exorbitant fees paid by students.

I also pay for my children education in AAUA

I know what it used to be before and what it is now

I will reduce the tuition fee drastically.

This will not stop the subventions

No student will have to drop out of school due to tuition fee

In all our tertiary institutions, we will work towards being one of the first few states that will actualize free education.

Question 5

What do you have as manifesto that makes you better than the sitting Governor?

(ODEYEMI Sunday E. From Uso, Owo L.G.A.)

Hon Kazeem:

I am R. O Kazeem

Not Akeredolu

I have obliged you much of my time tonight to allow you have a peep through my plans for Ondo state.

It is an organic plan beyond what we have now

And much of my engagement with you tonight touch on some points in my manifesto.

QUESTION 6.

My question is,once Idanre kingdom has a tourist scenic center and a lot of resources that replenish government purse,why has the government been lagging behind in providing industries and institutions either to strengthen the production or to reinforce the town’s glory?

(From: PRINCE OLANIYI OLASUNKANMI ,IDANRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.)

Hon Kazeem:

I am very conversant with Idanre very well

I know a handful of people there who can suggest ways through which the State can resuscitate the lost glory of that City

I know of Chief Akintan (The Ojomu of Idanre) a man who has Idanre in his heart. I am like an adopted Idanre son

But beyond just focusing on Idanre, I will give fair attention to all towns and places within Ondo State.

Question 7.

Given the essentiality and developmental guides as stated in the Global agenda for creating a better future for all.

Achieving the Global goals in Ondo state will solve Almost all socio-economic problems Sir in the State, as the agenda stands as a mother to solving all social problems.How do you intend to accelerate the process of achieving the 17 sustainable development goals in Ondo state?

(Tosin Orimolade: Akoko North East, Ikare)

Hon Kazeem:

I happen to be part of those who shape global debates on sustainable development in the world

Sustainable development goes beyond growing the economy and earning money

It involves tangible socio-economic renaissance

In Ondo state, First we must deal with environmental hazards flowing from oil explorations in our riverine arrears

Secondly, we will create green jobs across many sectors by leveraging on our human resource in the diaspora

We will deal with inequality by reviewing salaries of political office Holder and increase the salaries of workers

We will tackle insecurity.

We will encourage freedom of speech and dignity of human persons

We will be proactive and dynamic in bringing about apt solutions to the myriad of problems we Face.

One thing which my government will do is to resuscitate the dead industries in Ondo State.

Olokola, Olunwa Glass and a host of others will come back to life

We are going to prioritize government involvement in the arrear of Bitumen exploration

We have the second largest deposit at Agbagbu, we must bring it to life.

Part of my engagement will be to partner with Federal Government to get licence to run it.We must use the advantage of being in the mainstream to secure a better position for Ondo State. Why are we in APC if we cannot make good use of federal government patronage to our gains?

This Present Govt has not done that to our satisfaction

Instead, He is busy fighting his party and creating discord.

LAST QUESTION.

How can we survive choosing the right candidate in ondo state come next election, with the current situation of election in nigerian?Do will still have truthful democracy?

(FROM :Akinsowon Abiola Danbaba : idanre local government)

Hon Kazeem:

One thing about Ondo State is the resilience of our people

We always set the standards in Nigeria

Our democracy cannot be traded on the alter of partisanship

I believe strongly in one Man one vote

I don’t have any political God father

I believe in God and I also believe that the true mandate comes from the people

That is why I am talking to you the people.

To give me your support and let us walk the glorious path to our development in grand style.

I believe in the Integrity of INEC and the doggedness of Nigerians particularly Ondo State indigenes.

A Great sage did say that every generation, out of its relative obscurity, will discover its mission, whether to fulfill it or to betray it

We have a mission at hand

It is the interest of our dear state. We cannot fail.

Once again sir we are happy to have you here sir, as one of our special guest tonight , we really appreciate you sir, for the little time been spend with us here sir, Once again from the desk of all the media aide of this platform we say big thank to you sir.

Ondo State must shine again with your support and my support.

Thank you sir.

Hon Kazeem:

It has been a great deal of honor to have interacted you all

Thank you very much for having me

I am very grateful.