Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has called on journalists in the state to hold him accountable to his campaign promises if elected governor in the 2027 election. Adeola made this appeal during an interaction with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, at the Union's secretariat in Abeokuta. He emphasized that the progress of Ogun State should be a collective responsibility.
Adeola stressed that his manifesto should serve as a benchmark for assessing his administration's performance if elected. He urged journalists to play a watchdog role by monitoring government programs and reporting objectively on their implementation. According to Adeola, his administration would focus on initiatives that improve the lives of residents across different parts of the state.
The APC candidate assured the journalists that his administration would fully comply with the Freedom of Information Act and treat the Ogun NUJ as a partner in governance. He also promised to look into the welfare and safety of journalists, stating that a government that fears scrutiny has already indicated what it intends to hide. Adeola commended the present administration for growing internally generated revenue at a compound annual rate of 33 percent between 2021 and 2024.
Adeola outlined his plans to deploy a Single Window Revenue Collection System, integrating PAYE and other tax streams, fees, and levies across government. This system aims to achieve a 40 percent uplift in internally generated revenue (IGR) and a three-to-fivefold increase in land revenue by 2031. He clarified that this is not a new tax on the people but rather a transparent and efficient collection of what the state is already owed.
On local government autonomy, Adeola maintained that local government allocations would be paid directly into the accounts of the local governments without state-level intervention or diversion. Following the 2024 Supreme Court ruling, allocations will flow directly to the twenty Local Government Areas. Adeola emphasized that governance closest to the people is more effective, and it begins on day one of his administration.
During the interaction, Adeola committed to donating N50 million to build a new secretariat for the NUJ and a brand new bus to the union. These gestures demonstrate his commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the media and ensuring their welfare. Adeola's administration, if elected, aims to make a tangible impact on the lives of Ogun State residents.
Adeola's engagement with the journalists reflects his determination to be transparent and accountable. He encouraged the media to scrutinize his administration's performance, emphasizing that this would help build trust and ensure that his government delivers on its promises. With this approach, Adeola seeks to set a new standard for governance in Ogun State.
Key points
- APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola urges journalists to hold him accountable to his campaign promises.
- Adeola outlines plans to boost internally generated revenue and ensure local government autonomy.
- The APC candidate commits to donating N50 million to build a new NUJ secretariat and a brand new bus to the union.
