A Professor of Economic Development Planning, Dr. Ayobami Wasiu Lam Adesina, has pledged to prioritise education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development if elected governor of Oyo State.
Adesina, who is the eldest son of former Oyo State governor, the late Alhaji Lam Adesina, made this known while speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Guest Forum in Ibadan, where he outlined his vision for a better future for residents of the state.
In his welcome address, the NUJ Chairman, Akeem Abass, said the forum was designed to provide a platform for politicians and other stakeholders to present their plans and aspirations to the general public.
According to Adesina, the future of Oyo State must be deliberately shaped to surpass its present condition, stressing that government policies must focus on improving the quality of life for the people.
“We have to strive for our future to be better than our present,” he said.
The professor recalled how he benefited from the free education policy introduced during the administration of the late Chief Bola Ige, noting that such impactful policies must be strengthened and improved upon.
“I benefited from Bola Ige’s free education. If I become governor, I will improve the quality of education given to our children,” Adesina stated.
He also emphasised the need to revamp the healthcare system, noting that access to quality medical services and basic necessities of life should be guaranteed for all citizens. He added that his Ayo Lam Care Foundation is already contributing to supporting people with health challenges.
Adesina further advocated the promotion of technical education, describing it as critical to equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic growth.
On infrastructure, Adesina promised independent electricity generation and distribution across all parts of Oyo State, noting that uninterrupted power supply would significantly boost economic activities.
He also pledged to prioritise the welfare of civil servants through improved remuneration and the provision of affordable housing.
Speaking on governance, he stressed the importance of local government autonomy, particularly for rural development.
“A chunk of our local governments are in rural areas. If we don’t have local autonomy, how will development reach these communities?” he queried.
He also identified uninterrupted electricity supply as a key driver of economic growth, adding that improving essential services would help reduce the increasing rate of migration abroad.
“Unless we improve the essential needs of our people, they will continue to migrate,” he said.
On security, Adesina described the Amotekun Corps as a laudable initiative, promising to strengthen the outfit with adequate resources and foster collaboration with the police, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
“Amotekun is a lofty idea, but I will empower them with what they need to work with. They will work with the state police, federal police and traditional rulers to keep our people safe,” he said.
He added that his administration would ensure a peaceful and secure environment where residents can “sleep with their two eyes closed.”
Adesina, who is aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterated that his agenda would focus on building a prosperous state through strategic investments in education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.
He added that his campaign slogan, “Ojo Ola Awon Omo Wa lo Se Koko,” reflects his commitment to securing a better future for the next generation.
