“I’ll Prioritise Education, Agriculture, Youth Employment to Reposition Oyo” — Adegoke

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has outlined an ambitious blueprint for the state’s development, declaring that education, agriculture, youth employment and prudent management of public resources would form the cornerstone of his administration if elected in 2027.

Adegoke made the declaration during an interactive session on The Ibadan Hangout, where he fielded questions on governance, education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, youth empowerment and local government administration. The programme was anchored by Mr. Afonda Samuel and Mrs. Sekinat.

The ADC standard-bearer described himself as a traditional chief in Ibadanland, a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a graduate of Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He also noted his membership of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, saying years of research and policy development had prepared him for the task of governing Oyo State.

Speaking on agriculture, Adegoke said the sector remains the backbone of economic prosperity, insisting that increased investment and collaboration with professionals would unlock the state’s enormous potential. He explained that agricultural products could be processed into value-added commodities capable of creating wealth, generating employment and strengthening food security.

According to him, a thriving agricultural economy would provide thousands of jobs for young people while boosting internally generated revenue and reducing poverty across the state.

On education, the governorship hopeful expressed concern over overcrowded classrooms in many public schools, describing the situation as unacceptable. He pledged to reduce class sizes to a maximum of 30 pupils through the construction of additional classrooms and increased investment in educational infrastructure.

He also promised to provide modern learning facilities, adequate furniture, teacher training in emerging technologies and improved learning environments, stressing that education would receive immediate attention within the first 100 days of his administration.

Speaking on governance, Adegoke maintained that competent leadership begins with appointing qualified individuals into public office. He disclosed that his nominees for Secretary to the State Government, commissioners and special advisers would be announced immediately after his inauguration on May 29, 2027, to ensure governance begins without unnecessary delays.

On local government administration, the ADC candidate lamented what he described as inadequate grassroots development despite available allocations. Drawing from his experience as a former member of the Ibadan South East Local Government Council, he pledged to strengthen local governments by granting chairmen the autonomy and resources needed to accelerate development within their communities.

Addressing youth unemployment, Adegoke said his administration would promote entrepreneurship, agriculture, vocational education and small and medium-scale enterprises as key drivers of job creation. He added that providing young people with practical skills, access to finance and employment opportunities would stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment.

He further unveiled plans to diversify Oyo State’s economy through renewable energy projects, including the proposed conversion of the Old National Park into a solar energy farm, while promising significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, modern medical equipment and improved welfare for healthcare professionals.

On transportation and regional development, Adegoke proposed the development of a rail corridor linking Moniya and Oke-Ogun to facilitate commerce and improve connectivity. He also advocated the revival of technical colleges and vocational institutions to equip young people with industry-relevant skills.

The governorship candidate stressed that politics should never be allowed to hinder development, insisting that merit and competence must remain the guiding principles in governance. He equally proposed the establishment of Urban Development Areas across Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa to encourage balanced urban planning, attract investments and promote equitable development throughout the state.

He also pledged to remodel major historical and commercial landmarks, including Mapo, rehabilitate road infrastructure, improve access to potable water and ensure prudent management of the state’s estimated ₦1.1 trillion budget.

Adegoke concluded by reaffirming his commitment to assembling a capable leadership team that would deliver sustainable, people-oriented governance, expressing confidence that strategic investments in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment would restore Oyo State’s reputation as Nigeria’s true Pacesetter State.