Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has outlined a comprehensive reform agenda for the state. Speaking at a high-powered dialogue on the future of Oyo State organised by the Oyo Rising Citizens Forum (ORCF) in Ibadan, Alli promised to implement significant changes if elected. His proposals aim to transform various sectors, including local government, education, and healthcare. The event provided a platform for Alli to share his vision with the public and respond to their concerns.
One of Alli's key promises is to grant full autonomy to Local Governments in Oyo State. He declared that under his administration, Local Governments would become fully independent from May 29, 2027. This means they would have control over their finances and be able to build their own schools, health centers, and employ their own workers. Alli emphasized that his administration would not spend any funds belonging to Local Governments, marking a significant shift from the current system.
Alli's education reform plan includes reducing classroom population to a maximum of 30 pupils per class. He believes this would improve learning outcomes and create thousands of jobs for teachers and fresh graduates. Additionally, he pledged to allocate at least 18 percent of the state budget to education, in line with UNESCO's recommendation. Alli also plans to train and retrain teachers, and employ more hands to bridge the deficit in the education sector.
The APC candidate also made significant promises in the healthcare sector. He vowed to establish a functional general hospital in each of the 33 Local Governments and at least one fully equipped primary healthcare centre in each of the 351 wards in the state. As a demonstration of his commitment, Alli announced that he would personally facilitate and commission at least three fully equipped health centres across Oyo South Senatorial District.
Alli addressed the controversial circular road project, promising decisive action within 72 hours of assuming office. He assured that a committee would be set up to address the grievances of affected residents, and that the government would not seize people's land or sell state assets. This move aims to resolve the disputes surrounding the project and ensure a fair outcome for all parties involved.
To revive the economy, Alli's government plans to focus on agriculture and mining. He intends to establish at least one cottage industry in each Local Government Area and set up parabolic dryers in various towns. Additionally, Alli aims to revive the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and engage youths through vocational and political opportunities. He also plans to empower women with key appointments and ensure prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
During the interactive session, participants raised questions on various topics, including energy supply, alleged sale of state properties, and welfare for doctors. Alli responded to these concerns with detailed policy proposals, demonstrating his preparedness to tackle the state's challenges. The event provided a platform for citizens to engage with the candidate and gain insight into his vision for Oyo State's future.
Key points
- Senator Sharafadeen Alli promises full autonomy for Local Governments in Oyo State.
- Alli aims to reduce classroom population to 30 pupils per class and allocate 18% of the state budget to education.
- The APC candidate plans to establish functional general hospitals in each of the 33 Local Governments and primary healthcare centres in each ward.
