Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina, the eldest son of former Oyo State Governor Lamidi Adesina, has officially declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship seat. During his address, he promised sweeping reforms across education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure to restore the state’s former glory.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) “Guest Forum” at the Dapo Aderogba Hall in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Lam-Adesina outlined a comprehensive Oyo development agenda.
He reflected on his political inspiration and a childhood spent in Idi-Arere, noting that his humble beginnings shaped his understanding of the needs of ordinary citizens.
A Vision for Public Education and Youth
Central to his campaign, Lam-Adesina stressed the urgent need to revitalise public education. He argued that quality schooling should not be a luxury reserved for the elite, insisting that public institutions must provide equal opportunities for all children.
He lamented the decline in standards across the Southwest, recalling a time when the region led the nation. Pointing to landmarks like Liberty Stadium and Cocoa House, he cited them as symbols of progress driven by visionary leadership.
To tackle rising unemployment, the aspirant pledged to revive technical education. “Not all youths need university degrees,” he noted, emphasising that practical skills are vital for the modern economy. He further proposed the revitalisation of farm settlements to boost food production and create jobs for graduates.
Healthcare Reforms and Economic Growth
On healthcare, Lam-Adesina promised to expand access to primary services, including free basic medical care. He referenced his Ayo Lam Care Foundation’s outreach programmes, which have screened residents for hypertension and diabetes, describing the current health findings as “alarming.”
Addressing infrastructure, he 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 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State governor.
A Call for Inclusive Governance
Lam-Adesina urged citizens to look beyond individual ambitions and focus on the future of the coming generations. He 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.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism at the NUJ Guest Forum.
He emphasised that the forum aims to deepen democracy through constructive dialogue with political aspirants. Abas praised Lam-Adesina, a professor of Economic Development Planning, for his willingness to engage with the press and the public.
