Allies of Tinubu back former Ondo State Secretary for upper legislative chamber position

The Ondo State chapter of the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance has officially thrown its weight behind Princess Catherine Odu, the former Secretary to the State Government, to take the seat for Ondo South Senatorial District in the Senate, should Senator Jimoh Ibrahim's nomination for a United Nations ambassadorial appointment be confirmed.

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This development unfolds as the All Progressives Congress is immersed in discussions to determine who will fill the impending vacancy if Ibrahim's nomination is ratified and he subsequently leaves the Senate.

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At a press conference held in Akure on Wednesday, State Coordinator Samuel Olopade expressed the group's confidence in Odu, portraying her as a distinguished leader and a model public servant.

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Olopade highlighted that Odu's extensive experience in public service, particularly in governance, education, and women's development, makes her an exceptionally strong contender for the position.

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According to Olopade, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu embodies a symbol of hope and inspiration for numerous individuals, especially women and youth who aspire to leadership roles.

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He noted that her academic background, which spans sociology, industrial relations, and law, has adequately prepared her for leadership and public administration.

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Odu, a seasoned politician and administrator, has occupied several strategic positions both in Ondo State and at the federal level, including roles such as Commissioner for Education and Commissioner for Women Affairs.

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Her tenure also included serving as Chairman of the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Federal Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, and ultimately becoming the first female Secretary to the Ondo State Government.

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Olopade stated that her performance in these offices demonstrated administrative competence and a commitment to grassroots development, as she championed reforms that prioritized institutional strengthening, educational advancement, and grassroots development.

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He praised her disciplined and professional approach to governance, citing her instrumental role in implementing reforms that enhanced educational management and improved access to quality education during her tenure as Commissioner for Education.

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Olopade also commended her passionate advocacy for women's participation in governance and leadership, which was evident during her time as Commissioner for Women Affairs.

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The group argued that Odu's diverse experience across different levels of government positions her to effectively represent Ondo South in the National Assembly, particularly at a time when the district requires experienced leadership.

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According to Olopade, the group believes that her wealth of experience and commitment to the people of Ondo South Senatorial District make her the ideal candidate to represent them in the Nigerian Senate.

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The endorsement also carries a significant message of gender inclusion, coming at a time when advocacy for greater representation of women in elective offices has gained renewed attention nationwide.

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Olopade appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support Odu's emergence as a consensus candidate for the seat, requesting that the President consider their request for Princess Odu to be named a consensus candidate for this important position.

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He also called upon Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to back Odu's aspiration, stating that this would further strengthen the reserve seat for women bill and encourage more women to participate in leadership positions.

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Olopade further urged APC members and residents of Ondo South Senatorial District to rally behind Odu, emphasizing that their support is crucial in ensuring they have a representative who embodies the values of integrity, accountability, and progress.