Ayobami Lam-Adesina Declares Governorship Ambition, Unveils Agenda for Oyo Development

…As Aspirant prioritises education, industrial revival, healthcare, electricity

Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina, eldest son of former Oyo State governor Lamidi Adesina, has officially declared his intention to contest the governorship seat, promising sweeping reforms in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Speaking and appearing at the Flagship of NUJ program, “Guest Forum” at theNigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Lam-Adesina addressed journalists and stakeholders, outlining his vision for the state while reflecting on his upbringing and political inspiration.

He emphasized his humble beginnings, noting that he was raised in Idi-Arere, Ibadan, and lived with his grandmother during his early years.

According to him, his background shaped his understanding of grassroots realities and the needs of ordinary citizens.

Lam-Adesina highlighted his educational journey, which took him through Ibadan Grammar School, also attended by former Oyo State governor Bola Ige, and later to Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), where he obtained his degree.

He also recounted his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience in Benue State, describing it as a defining period that reinforced his commitment to service, particularly in rural communities.

Central to his campaign, Lam-Adesina stressed the urgent need to revitalize public education.

He argued that quality education should not be limited to private institutions, insisting that public schools must provide equal opportunities for all children regardless of background.

He lamented the decline in standards across the Southwest, recalling a time when the region led in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

He cited landmarks such as Liberty Stadium and Cocoa House as symbols of past progress driven by visionary leadership. Economic Revival and Job Creation.

The governorship aspirant also decried the dwindling number of industries in Oyo State, linking it to rising unemployment among graduates.

He pledged to revive technical education and vocational training, noting that not all youths need university degrees but should acquire practical skills.

He further proposed the revitalization of farm settlements and agricultural cooperatives to boost food production and create jobs, drawing inspiration from policies implemented during the eras of leaders like Obafemi Awolowo.

On healthcare, Lam-Adesina promised to expand access to primary healthcare services, including free basic medical care and targeted surgical interventions.

He referenced his Ayo Lam Care Foundation’s outreach programs, which have screened residents for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, describing the findings as “alarming.”

He also pledged improved welfare for civil servants, including salary reviews, housing schemes, and loan facilities to enhance productivity and living standards.

Addressing infrastructure challenges, Lam-Adesina underscored the importance of electricity to economic growth.

He pledged to pursue independent power generation in line with the Electricity Act 2023, citing reforms initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor.

Lam-Adesina also advocated for rural electrification and the development of local government autonomy to accelerate grassroots development across the state’s largely rural communities.

He urged citizens to look beyond individual ambitions and focus on the future of coming generations, warned that continued economic decline could drive more residents abroad, leaving the state underdeveloped.

“This is not about me,” he said. “It is about the future of our children and grandchildren. We must work together to rebuild Oyo State and secure a better tomorrow.”

The aspirant reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, promising to combine academic knowledge with practical experience in delivering sustainable development across the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalist, (NUJ) Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism, objectivity, and democratic accountability at the relaunch of the NUJ Guest Forum.

He emphasized that the NUJ remains strictly apolitical, noting that the forum is open to public office holders, political aspirants, and industry leaders regardless of their affiliations.

Abas explained that the initiative aims to deepen democracy, strengthen governance, and promote an informed citizenry through constructive dialogue.

“We believe leadership thrives best under the watchful eyes of a responsible and vibrant press,” he added.

The NUJ chairman expressed delight in hosting Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina as the first guest of the relaunched forum, describing his participation as a sign of confidence in the credibility and integrity of the union.

He noted that Lam-Adesina, a professor of Economic Development Planning, has set a positive precedent for other leaders by willingly engaging with the media and the public.

Abas urged other stakeholders to emulate the gesture by embracing openness and accountability.

He also called on participants to engage constructively during the session by asking informed questions and contributing meaningfully to discussions, stressing the need for decency, professionalism, and intellectual depth.