By Ọmọsọla Olumide
ABEOKUTA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has unveiled a nine-point development agenda, ITESIWAJU, promising aggressive job creation, industrial expansion, urban renewal, sports revival and improved infrastructure if elected governor in 2027.
Adeola also announced a ₦50 million seed fund for the construction of the Ogun State NUJ Secretariat, ₦10 million for the NUJ Golden Jubilee activities and a utility bus for the council.
The senator made the commitments on Friday, September 25, 2026, when he appeared before journalists at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, during an interactive session organised as part of activities marking the Ogun NUJ @ 50 Golden Jubilee and Press Week.
The engagement also witnessed the induction of Adeola as a Golden Jubilee Ambassador, with the NUJ presenting him with a special recognition award for his support and interventions for journalists and the union.
Adeola, who represents Ogun West in the National Assembly and chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, was accompanied by his running mate, Mrs. Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, alongside other political associates and aides.
ITESIWAJU: Yayi's Nine-Point Agenda
Presenting the agenda, Adeola said ITESIWAJU would focus on sectors he identified as critical to the state's economic growth and human development.
On employment and industrialisation, he promised to engage industries operating in Ogun State on employment opportunities for qualified indigenes, particularly at the middle-management level.
He also said companies with factories in Ogun but regional or head offices in Lagos would be encouraged to establish regional offices in Abeokuta, arguing that this would bring more jobs, economic activities and tax revenue to the state.
Technical Education, Youths
Adeola promised increased investment in technical and vocational education, with graduates equipped with practical skills and tools to establish businesses and become employers of labour.
He said the initiative would help expand economic opportunities for young people and address youth unemployment.
Sports: Governor's Cup, Football Clubs
The APC candidate also promised to reposition Ogun's sports sector.
He proposed an annual Governor's Cup and the revival of dormant state-owned football clubs, saying the initiatives would create platforms for young talents to develop and compete at national and international levels.
New Cities Along Lagos-Ibadan Corridor
Yayi proposed the development of planned new communities, particularly along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor and other areas with available land.
He criticised the spread of shanties and illegal structures, warning that unplanned settlements could create security and environmental challenges.
According to him, his proposed administration would promote modern, planned communities capable of supporting economic growth and improving living standards.
Agriculture: Mechanisation, Off-Taking
On agriculture, Adeola promised greater attention to mechanisation and the introduction of an agricultural off-taking programme.
He disclosed that he had previously facilitated the distribution of more than 40 tractors and other agricultural equipment to farmers across the state.
He said the proposed off-taking scheme would give farmers access to buyers for their produce after harvest, encouraging increased production and contributing to food security.
Security Trust Fund, LG Autonomy
Adeola proposed a State Security Trust Fund to provide security agencies with modern equipment and logistics.
He said funding could come from the state government, lottery proceeds and corporate organisations operating in Ogun.
He also pledged to respect local government autonomy, saying the councils would enjoy autonomy from the beginning of his administration if elected.
Rail, Mass Transit
On transportation, Adeola said he would engage the Nigerian Railway Corporation on improved rail connectivity between Ogun and Lagos to ease the movement of people and goods.
He also proposed modern mass-transit routes connecting Abeokuta–Sango-Ota, Abeokuta–Sagamu and Abeokuta–Ilaro, with modern terminals and ticketing facilities.
Healthcare, women and youth development, tourism and the creative industry were also identified among the sectors to receive attention under the proposed administration.
Adeola further commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what he described as developmental achievements, promising to consolidate existing projects and programmes if elected.
NUJ: “Our Secretariat Has Been Undeveloped Since 1987”
Earlier, Ogun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, appealed to Adeola to support the union's efforts to construct a befitting state secretariat.
Olanrewaju said the council's proposed secretariat site had remained undeveloped since 1987, stressing the need for improved facilities for journalists in the state.
He said his administration inherited the union in a difficult condition but had completed 26 projects in three and a half years as part of efforts to reposition the council.
Responding to the appeal, Adeola pledged the ₦50 million seed funding, ₦10 million Jubilee support and a utility bus for the council.
He also assured journalists that he would treat the media as a partner in governance and maintain regular engagement with the press to communicate developments and government policies.
The event formed part of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
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