The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Adeola, has unveiled plans to transform infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors.

Mr Adeola spoke on Friday during an interactive session with journalists at the NUJ secretariat in Abeokuta.

He explained that his administration would pursue an integrated development programme aimed at improving living standards.

On infrastructure and transportation, Mr Adeola promised to establish mass transit systems supported by car parks and terminals to facilitate seamless movement across the state.

He said the system would connect major towns, including Ilaro, Sagamu, Ijebu and Abeokuta, while linking Ogun with Lagos and other destinations.

On tourism and culture, Mr Adeola said the state would leverage Abeokuta’s history, the Ojude Oba festival, and coastal heritage sites to develop a viable economy.

“I know the past administration introduced the drum festival, which, for one or two years, was gaining attraction. The Egungun festival is also there, and a lot of people from all over the world can come and watch it.

“This is our heritage. This is what we should showcase, and this is what we are looking at in the area of tourism and culture,” he said.

On education, he stated that Ogun State’s development hinges on the quality of its human capital, promising to upgrade infrastructure across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

The APC governorship candidate said he had facilitated the construction of 12 classroom blocks, staff rooms, libraries and toilets in schools across Ogun West and other parts.

He also promised greater attention to tertiary institutions, saying the concentration of universities and other institutions in Ogun required deliberate efforts to improve standards.

He added that his administration would promote technology and establish an environment where young people could develop innovations, while introducing artificial intelligence into school curricula.

On security, Mr Adeola promised to complement the achievements of the present administration through a Security Trust Fund involving government and industries operating in the state.

He explained that the fund would provide additional resources for security equipment, vehicles and other requirements needed to strengthen security across the state.

In healthcare, Mr Adeola promised to expand access in underserved communities and pursue universal coverage through “Ileragba,” targeting two million residents under the state insurance scheme.

Highlighting his achievements, he noted that he facilitated over 100 primary healthcare centres in Ogun State and initiated the construction of four-storey buildings in its 20 general hospitals.

Mr Adeola pledged to invest in doctors, nurses, and community health workers, while ensuring that senior citizens aged 65 and above receive improved healthcare support.

In agriculture, he proposed a Commodity and Exchange Commission to serve as an off-taker for farmers, thereby helping them secure markets for their produce.

He said government would purchase, process and market agricultural produce while encouraging farmers to return to their farms without waiting for previous harvests to sell.

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Wale Olanrewaju, explained that journalists in the state had consistently been partners in progress with successive governors.

Mr Olanrewaju advised the APC governorship candidate to ensure that all campaign promises made to the electorate were fulfilled if elected. 

(NAN)