Chief Alex Ajipe, a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, says he will rather face the future growth of his business now than seeking elective position in 2023 general elections.
Ajipe, also the Convener, Ibi Giga Ambassadors and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Klick Konnect Network International, made the assertions on Tuesday in Akure.
He spoke while playing host to Alhaji Kazeem Alebiosu, who led a group, Akoko Vanguard, to persuade him to contest for the Ondo North Senatorial seat in 2023 general elections.
The APC chieftain said he appreciated the group’s genuine interest and intention to compel him to contest.
According to him, 2023 is still far and I prefer to focus more on my business than going into full politics for now.
Ajipe said he had been receiving supports from different groups, urging him to run for a political position in 2023 general elections.
The APC leader said he had not given them any answer, because “2023 is still far and what is paramount to me now is the future of my business”.
According to him, currently, Klick Konnect Networks has brought over 500 million of dollars investment into Ondo State with no fewer than 300 staff strength.
He said that the company planned to do more, by employing more in the agricultural revolution.
Ajipe said: “So, my main target now is to grow my company and have branches across this country and Europe.
“There are lots of opportunities and potential in Ondo State that is able to keep any investor or businessman busy.
“To me, it is not only when you join politics that you can assist your people.
“I have been doing this for long and I will still continue to do it. We have empowered lots of people in various ways to lift them out of poverty.
“It is true that I am a politician and have also registered as a member of APC, because I have decided to give back to people.
“And, I have decided to contribute in any way possible to help develop a strong political party that can be impactful, whether at the local level, state level or at the national level.”
The party chieftain said he believed that there was time for everything, adding, “this is the time for business, and when the time of politics comes, we will participate.
“I know, I’m not God. I know there is nothing that God cannot do. So, I leave what God can do to God.
“I want to contribute my quotas to bringing positive changes to our politics and I can do it from my own little corner here.
“In the last five years, we have helped Ondo and Kano State Governments to create over 20,000 jobs, especially through Foreign Investment and Entrepreneurship, thereby increasing the state revenue base.
“It has also, helped to bring a lot of institutions and individuals into the tax net of Nigeria as confirmed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and States’ Board’s of Internally revenue.”
Listing some of his achievements, Ajipe said he facilitated the establishment of Wewood Limited, which specialised in the production of HDF, MDF, LDF, Plywood, Ethanol and Agrochemical.
“We facilitated the establishment of Win-win Textile, a first of its kind in the Southern part of Nigeria and Africa’s first Automobile Assembly Plant of Dong Feng Motors, all located at Ore Industrial Hub.
“As at the last count, we have over 350 million dollars of Foreign Direct Investment that has been imported into this state, apart from the one converted to structure and has been confirmed by the Ministry of Trade and Investment.
“So, we want to do more, we want to bring more investors to this state and grow our business beyond the shore of this country,” he said.
Ajipe, therefore, called on all lovers of Ondo State to join hands with Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his determination to turn the state around and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
He said that Akeredolu-led administration was also transforming Ondo State into a smart government with policies and programmes that were more of benefits to the people.
“Gov. Akeredolu is doing wonderfully well in Ondo State, so we need to support him to achieve great success.
“The governor is the leader of the party, and we believe in his leadership; so, where ever he goes,we follow,” Ajipe said.
Earlier, Alebiosu said that Ajipe would be a very good candidate to contest in view of his generosity and closeness to the people and also what he had achieved so far in the state.
“We believe that you are fantastic product that we can market and sell, and that other people in Akokoland will embrace what we have seen, and also join the mass movement to support and ensure your victory at the poll.
“We need youths like you and we believe you can deliver and make Ondo North Senatorial District a cynosure of all eyes,” Kazeem said.