ABEOKUTA – The Senator representing Ogun West and All Progressives Congress consensus governorship candidate in Ogun State, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has pledged to sustain ongoing development initiatives in the state while unveiling a broad vision anchored on industrial expansion, infrastructure renewal, healthcare improvement and inclusive economic growth.
Adeola, in a publication titled The Progressive Yayi, said his aspiration was built on consolidating the developmental strides of previous administrations, particularly the current government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, rather than disrupting existing policies and projects.
He described Ogun’s development trajectory since the creation of the state in 1976 as a product of progressive leadership, crediting former governors for laying foundations in infrastructure, industrialisation, education and socio-economic growth.
According to him, successive administrations, from the era of Chief Olabisi Onabanjo through Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, contributed to building Ogun’s profile as a state of enterprise and industry, while Abiodun’s administration had elevated that legacy through strategic investments and governance reforms.
Adeola said the present administration had strengthened Ogun’s position as Nigeria’s industrial powerhouse through policies that attracted investors, increased internally generated revenue and expanded opportunities for residents.
He cited the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, the Remo Economic Development Cluster and the Remo Free Zone partnership as among major industrial initiatives that had expanded the state’s economic base and employment opportunities.
He also commended ongoing agricultural reforms, including the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, saying they were helping to transform agriculture into a profitable venture while boosting food security and export opportunities.
The lawmaker further highlighted infrastructure projects such as the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport in Iperu-Ilishan, the proposed Kajola Dry Port and discussions around a seaport in Ogun Waterside as evidence of strategic planning aimed at positioning Ogun as a logistics and maritime hub.
He said ongoing discussions around rail connectivity and the prospects of Ogun attaining oil-producing status through discoveries in Ogun Waterside and Tongeji Island could further diversify the state’s economy and create jobs.
According to Adeola, the achievements of the current administration provide a foundation that must be protected and expanded, insisting that governance should be seen as a relay in which each administration advances the progress inherited from its predecessor.
He said his proposed administration would focus on continuity while opening what he described as new frontiers of development, adding that disrupting ongoing projects would amount to wasting public resources and denying citizens the full benefits of government investments.
Adeola said his development blueprint would prioritise rehabilitation of rural access and agro-link roads to open up farming communities, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen market access for producers.
He also promised to modernise urban water supply systems and implement an affordable housing programme aimed at addressing shelter needs while stimulating employment in the construction sector.
On education, the APC candidate said his administration would promote technology-driven learning, modernise curricula for the digital economy and improve teacher welfare, while integrating sports development into the education system.
He added that healthcare would remain central to his agenda through expanded universal health coverage, stronger primary healthcare centres, upgraded hospitals and mobile health programmes to reach underserved communities.
According to him, maternal and child health would receive priority attention, noting that no mother should die while giving life and every child deserves access to quality healthcare.
Adeola also unveiled an Ogun Farm Mechanisation Programme, which he said would equip farmers with modern tools, irrigation systems and extension services, while linking agriculture to industrial processing zones to strengthen value chains.
He further pledged to train at least 100,000 youths in digital skills such as coding, data analysis and digital marketing, while supporting start-ups through funding and innovation hubs.
The senator said tourism and creative industries would also form part of his economic diversification strategy through investments in historical sites, festivals and coastal tourism, alongside support for artists and cultural practitioners.
He added that border communities such as Idiroko, Imeko and Ipokia would be transformed into trade and economic hubs through improved infrastructure, logistics centres and stronger security.
Adeola also proposed the creation of new planned towns along high-growth corridors, including the Lagos-Ogun border, Sagamu-Ijebu axis and Abeokuta-Owode axis, saying the initiative would balance urban growth, attract private investment and spread development across all regions of the state.
He said his vision was anchored on inclusive governance and shared prosperity, stressing that development must touch every community and no part of the state should be left behind.
The lawmaker maintained that his mission was to transform Ogun’s economy through strategic investments, infrastructure development, agricultural diversification, quality education, improved healthcare and transparent governance.
He said the vision was ultimately aimed at consolidating existing gains, expanding opportunities and positioning Ogun for sustained socio-economic progress.
