A Professor of Political Science and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant for Oyo North, Professor Adeolu Akande, has outlined a comprehensive development agenda centred on agriculture, youth empowerment, and federal infrastructure for the district.
Akande, a former Chief of Staff, former Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is also an academic, lawyer, and community leader.
Speaking on his ambition to represent Oyo North at the National Assembly, the Otu born politician noted that while the zone has enjoyed credible representation since 1999, the democratic process requires fresh leadership and renewed vision, especially as the current occupant of the seat Senator Buhari. prepares to exit after 12 years.
Akande explained that his legislative focus would be on attracting greater federal presence to the senatorial district, particularly in agriculture, which he described as the economic backbone of the zone.
“Oyo North is the food basket of Oyo State. We must move from subsistence and rain-fed agriculture to modern, mechanised farming by leveraging federal incentives and infrastructure such as dams and irrigation systems,” he said.
Akande stressed the need to make agriculture attractive to young people, linking it to broader efforts to tackle unemployment. He lamented the growing dependence on commercial motorcycle operations, popularly known as Okada, among youths, including graduates.
According to him, federal youth development programmes must be deliberately channelled to the district to provide sustainable alternatives and empower young people economically.
The APC chieftain also highlighted the untapped potential of solid minerals across the 13 local government areas in Oyo North, calling for a structured and regulated mining framework that would create wealth, enhance rural development, and improve security.
On trade and commerce, Akande proposed the development of an international market in the border community of Okerete, leveraging the district’s proximity to the Republic of Benin.
He said the project could generate up to one million jobs if properly implemented.
In addition, he pointed to tourism opportunities in the area, citing the Ado Awaye Hanging Lake as a globally significant but underutilised natural asset that could boost revenue and attract visitors if developed.
Akande maintained that his candidacy is driven by a desire to reposition Oyo North through strategic legislative interventions and effective engagement with federal authorities to unlock the zone’s economic potential.
