Senator Solomon Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, has unveiled a nine-point development agenda aimed at accelerating the state's economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the welfare of residents. The agenda, tagged "ITESIWAJU," was presented during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, at the Iwe Iroyin Secretariat in Abeokuta. Adeola's plan focuses on key sectors, including education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, sports, tourism, and the creative industry.
Adeola's agenda prioritizes tackling youth unemployment by engaging industries operating in Ogun State to create employment opportunities for qualified indigenes, particularly at the middle-management level. He noted that many companies maintain factories in Ogun while locating their headquarters in Lagos, resulting in higher tax revenues and senior management jobs being retained outside the state. To address this, Adeola's administration would encourage such firms to establish regional headquarters in Ogun, while also securing employment quotas for the state's graduates.
The senator also pledged to strengthen vocational and technical education, equipping graduates of technical institutions with tools to become self-reliant and employers of labor. Additionally, Adeola promised to revive grassroots sports through the reintroduction of the Governor's Cup and the revitalization of the state's football club to nurture young talents. This move aims to promote sports development and provide opportunities for young athletes in the state.
Adeola's administration plans to embark on modern new town development across strategic locations, particularly along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor, to curb the proliferation of shanties and improve urban planning. The plan also includes expanding mechanized farming, providing modern equipment to farmers, and establishing an off-take system through which the government would purchase harvested produce to encourage year-round farming and improve food security.
On security, Adeola's administration would establish a State Security Trust Fund, financed through government revenues, lotteries, and contributions from industries, to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies. The senator also expressed support for local government autonomy, assuring that local councils would enjoy full operational independence if he is elected governor. This move aims to enhance security and governance in the state.
Adeola further promised to improve healthcare delivery, empower women and youths, promote tourism and the creative industry, and collaborate with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to improve rail connectivity between Ogun and Lagos. He also proposed introducing a modern mass transit system on major routes, including Abeokuta–Sango-Ota, Abeokuta–Sagamu, and Abeokuta–Ilaro, complete with modern terminals and ticketing facilities.
During the visit, Adeola was inducted as the Golden Jubilee Ambassador of the NUJ Ogun State Council in commemoration of its 50th anniversary. He also pledged regular engagement with the media through periodic press briefings if elected governor and announced a donation of ₦50 million as seed funding for the construction of a new NUJ secretariat, in addition to promising to provide a utility bus for the council. Ogun State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, lauded Adeola for his support to journalists and infrastructure interventions across the state.
Key points
- Senator Solomon Adeola unveils a nine-point agenda to drive Ogun State's development.
- The agenda focuses on key sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
- Adeola pledges to tackle youth unemployment and improve infrastructure in the state.
