The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has unveiled a comprehensive development agenda for the state, pledging to prioritise education, agriculture, youth employment and prudent management of public resources if elected governor in the 2027 general election.
Adegoke made the pledge while speaking during an interactive session on The Ibadan Hangout, where he responded to questions on governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, energy, youth empowerment and local government administration. The programme was anchored by Mr. Afonda Samuel and Mrs. Sekinat.
Introducing himself, the ADC flagbearer described himself as a traditional chief in Ibadanland, a Fellow Chartered Accountant and a graduate of Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
He also highlighted his membership of the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee, noting that years of research, policy formulation and public engagement had equipped him with the knowledge and experience required to lead Oyo State.
Speaking on agriculture, Adegoke described the sector as the engine of economic growth, stressing that strategic investments and collaboration with professionals would unlock Oyo State’s vast agricultural potential.
According to him, expanding value addition through agro-processing would create wealth, boost food security, generate employment and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
He maintained that revitalising agriculture would provide sustainable jobs for thousands of young people while significantly reducing poverty across the state.
On education, Adegoke expressed concern over overcrowded classrooms in many public schools, describing the situation as detrimental to effective learning.
He promised to reduce classroom populations to a maximum of 30 pupils by constructing additional classrooms and expanding educational infrastructure across the state.
The governorship hopeful also pledged to provide modern teaching and learning facilities, adequate classroom furniture, continuous teacher training in emerging technologies and improved learning environments.
He assured residents that education reform would rank among the top priorities of his administration within its first 100 days in office.
Speaking on governance, Adegoke emphasised that effective leadership begins with appointing competent and qualified individuals into key public offices.
He disclosed that his nominees for the positions of Secretary to the State Government, commissioners and special advisers would be announced immediately after his inauguration on May 29, 2027, to ensure a smooth and efficient take-off of his administration.
On local government administration, the ADC candidate lamented what he described as poor grassroots development despite the financial resources available to councils.
Drawing from his experience as a former member of the Ibadan South East Local Government Council, he pledged to strengthen local government administration by granting council chairmen greater autonomy and adequate resources to drive development in their respective communities.
Addressing the challenge of youth unemployment, Adegoke said his administration would focus on entrepreneurship, agriculture, vocational education and the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) as major drivers of job creation. He added that equipping young people with practical skills, access to finance and employment opportunities would stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment across the state.
He also unveiled plans to diversify Oyo State’s economy through renewable energy initiatives, including the proposed conversion of the Old National Park into a solar energy farm. In addition, he promised significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, modern medical equipment and improved welfare packages for healthcare professionals.
On transportation and regional development, Adegoke proposed the construction of a rail corridor connecting Moniya to Oke-Ogun to facilitate trade, ease the movement of goods and people, and promote regional economic integration.
He also advocated the revitalisation of technical colleges and vocational institutions to equip young people with industry-relevant skills.
The ADC standard-bearer stressed that politics should never be allowed to hinder development, insisting that merit, competence and professionalism must remain the guiding principles of governance.
He further proposed the establishment of Urban Development Areas across Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa to promote balanced urban planning, attract investments and ensure equitable development across the state.
Adegoke also pledged to remodel major historical and commercial landmarks, including Mapo Hall, rehabilitate critical road infrastructure, improve access to potable water and ensure transparent and prudent management of the state’s estimated ₦1.1 trillion budget.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to assembling a team of competent professionals capable of delivering sustainable, people-oriented governance, expressing confidence that strategic investments in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and youth empowerment would restore Oyo State’s position as Nigeria’s true Pacesetter State.
