Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Engr. Seyi Makinde, has introduced a four-point Reset Agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria. The agenda focuses on economy, education, security, and socio-political development. Makinde's initiative seeks to address the country's major challenges and create conditions for improved living standards and expanded opportunities for citizens. He urged Nigerians to become "Resetters" and work together to achieve the goals.
The economic component of the Reset Agenda aims to reduce structural costs that make living and doing business expensive, improve infrastructure, support productive sectors, and create a predictable environment for businesses to thrive. Makinde cited his experience in Oyo State, where investments in infrastructure, agribusiness, and development of secondary cities have helped identify and address factors constraining economic activities. The objective, he stressed, is not merely growth on paper but growth that translates into better opportunities and improved living conditions.
Education is another critical pillar of the Reset Agenda. Makinde emphasized that Nigeria cannot build a competitive economy without investing in its people. He expressed concern over the lack of consistent and current data on out-of-school children and learning outcomes. The education system, he said, must go beyond enrollment to focus on retention and actual learning. Makinde noted that his administration has invested in education to increase enrollment and improve learning outcomes in Oyo State.
The security component of the Reset Agenda seeks to ensure that Nigerians can travel, farm, trade, attend school, worship, and live in their communities without fear for their lives and livelihoods. Makinde expressed concern that Nigeria moved from eighth in 2023 to fourth in 2025 on the Global Terrorism Index. He argued that the country's security strategy must shift from post-attack response to intelligence gathering, early warning, prevention, and stronger community-security agency relations.
Makinde also emphasized the importance of socio-political development in the Reset Agenda. He questioned the extent of federalism in Nigeria and called for clearer distribution of responsibilities among federal, state, and local governments. The debate, he said, should go beyond transfer of powers from the Federal Government to states to determining which tier is best placed to take specific decisions and whether it has the institutions, resources, and accountability mechanisms to deliver.
The four pillars of the Reset Agenda are interconnected, Makinde noted, citing the impact of insecurity on farming and investment, poor education on workforce productivity, a weak economy on poverty and insecurity, and weak institutions on policy implementation. He promised to provide more details on each pillar in the coming weeks, including evidence behind the proposed policies, specific changes, and how implementation would be measured.
Makinde's Reset Agenda has been hailed as a comprehensive plan to address Nigeria's major challenges. The governor's experience governing Oyo State, including areas of progress and areas requiring more work, would form part of the discussion. As the country prepares for the next election, Makinde's initiative is expected to spark further debate on the way forward for Nigeria.
Key points
- The four-point Reset Agenda focuses on economy, education, security, and socio-political development.
- Makinde aims to create conditions for improved living standards and expanded opportunities for citizens.
- The initiative seeks to address Nigeria's major challenges and promote sustainable growth and development.
