ABEOKUTA– The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, has unveiled a nine-point development agenda, pledging to prioritize infrastructure, job creation, agriculture, healthcare, education, and industrialization if elected governor in the 2027 election.
Unveiling the policy document during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre in Abeokuta, Friday, Adeola also promised far-reaching reforms to enhance public finance, local government administration, civil service welfare, and the state’s justice sector.
The lawmaker, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, described his electoral manifesto as a binding “covenant” with the populace, while challenging media practitioners to serve as guardians of public trust by holding his administration strictly accountable to every commitment outlined in the document.
Speaking on the choice of his campaign kickoff venue, Adeola stated that his decision to begin statewide engagements with the media was informed by the constitutional role assigned to the Fourth Estate.
“I stand before you not as a politician reciting promises, but as a son of Ogun State bringing you a covenant, a plan I intend to be held accountable.
“I do not come to you asking you to believe me. I come asking you to hold me to this manifesto, line by line, project by project,” he said.
Adeola drew attention to Ogun’s geographical position, sharing borders with Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, the Republic of Benin, and the Atlantic Ocean, saying that this location offers unparalleled economic potential, promising to position the state as Nigeria’s primary export gateway under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through targeted free trade zones and dry ports.
Outlining his infrastructure vision, the senator announced plans for the Ogun State Bus Mass Transit Programme across major transport arteries, alongside light rail linkages in partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
He also introduced “OgunRide,” a state-backed platform designed to provide commercial drivers with vehicle financing, health insurance, and cooperative backing.
To stimulate the local economy, Adeola said he is committed to expanding technical and vocational training in education while prioritizing historic, cultural, and eco-tourism.
On security and health, the candidate pledged increased funding for the Ogun State Security Trust Fund, the rollout of a Residents Identity Management Agency, and expanded local health centers, just as he promised to revitalize the state health insurance scheme, “Ilera D’ero,” targeting universal coverage for two million residents.
Addressing youth development and employment, Adeola promised to train 100,000 young residents in digital skills by 2031 and establish a Youth Enterprise Hub in Abeokuta with satellite facilities across the state. The initiative, supported by microcredit schemes, aims to cut youth unemployment while creating multipurpose sports complexes across all senatorial districts.
In agriculture and solid minerals, Adeola outlined plans for mechanization, processing hubs, and climate-smart farming to protect harvests. He also proposed a State Solid Minerals Development Company to license and integrate artisanal miners into the formal economy under regulated cooperatives.
Turning to energy and natural resources, Adeola highlighted ongoing commercial oil production at Eba Island in Ogun Waterside and exploration at Tongeji Island in Ipokia. He noted that these projects anchor a 200-kilometer Coastal Energy Corridor, positioning the state for official inclusion in the 13 percent constitutional derivation fund allocation.
On environmental sustainability, the APC candidate vowed to reactivate the Ogun State Waste Management Agency, franchise door-to-door waste collection operators, and invest in waste-to-energy and recycling plants to eliminate open defecation across urban centers by 2031.
To ensure institutional effectiveness, Adeola outlined six catalytic reforms spanning fiscal discipline, legislative updates, judicial access, asset commercialization, civil service capacity, and local government autonomy.
Commending recent revenue growth under the incumbent administration, he promised to deploy a Single Window Revenue Collection System to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by 40 percent without adding tax burdens.
Concluding his address, Adeola reaffirmed his commitment to the full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy, assuring that funds will flow directly to the 20 local councils.
He pledged full compliance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, regular press briefings, and enhanced safety measures for journalists as strategic partners in governance.
In his remarks, the NUJ chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju lauded the infrastructural strides of the Senator across the state, adding that he hope he continues if elected.
“You have done so well as a senator, it is our prayers that you will not relent if elected”, he said
