An All Progressives Congress aspirant in Oyo State, Oyedele Alao, popularly known as Allow Alao, on Tuesday, formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, promising to reposition the state through a four-point development agenda.
Alao made the declaration at the Emmanuel Alayande Teachers Resource Centre, Samanda in Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the event, the aspirant said his decision followed extensive consultations with party elders and interactions with residents across markets, farms, schools, and hospitals, noting that the people were yearning for what he termed “redemption.”
Alao is a highly accomplished Civil Engineer with over 28 years of experience in the global Oil and Gas sector, currently based in the Sultanate of Oman. He’s a proven leader and entrepreneur, serving as Chairman of Oceansalt Oil and Gas Engineering and Oceanreefs Technical Services.
He is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting educational initiatives, empowering youth, and fostering international relations through initiatives like the Oman/Indonesia Golf Energy Tournament.
The NGGOSSIPS reports that a member of the National Assembly representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sharafadeen Alli, had, on Friday, declared his intention to contest for the exalted position in the 2027 election.
He made the declaration at the Divisional Police Station Training Field, Yemetu in Ibadan, the state capital.
Alao, during the declaration, on Tuesday, said, “Oyo is due for redemption. We were once the true Pacesetter, the headquarters of democracy and the home of firsts. We must reclaim that position.”
He unveiled what he called the “Redemption Mission 2027,” anchored on four key sectors, agriculture, healthcare, education, and civil service reform which he said would drive inclusive growth and development if elected.
On agriculture, Alao pledged to transform the sector from subsistence to a modern, profitable enterprise through mechanisation, improved access to finance, and value-chain development.
He added that his administration would establish agricultural processing zones across the senatorial districts and revive irrigation systems to ensure year-round farming.
He said, “We will launch initiatives that will empower farmers with improved seedlings, modern equipment, and access to financing. Our goal is to ensure we eat what we grow and grow what we eat, while making Oyo a food basket for the region.”
In the health sector, the aspirant promised a comprehensive overhaul under a “Health for All” agenda, including the upgrade of primary healthcare centres, revitalisation of general hospitals, and intensified efforts toward preventive healthcare and reduction of maternal and infant mortality.
He also outlined plans to declare an “education emergency” aimed at rehabilitating school infrastructure, improving teachers’ welfare, and promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, alongside digital literacy programmes.
“Scholarship schemes and support for vocational education would also be prioritised to develop skilled manpower and reduce unemployment among youths.
On governance, Alao proposed a reform of the state civil service to ensure merit-based recruitment and promotion, digitisation of government operations, and improved welfare for workers.
“A government is only as effective as its machinery. We will build a responsive, technologically driven civil service that delivers efficiently and remains accountable to the people,” he said.
The APC aspirant also used the occasion to appeal to party leaders and stakeholders to ensure that the party fields a credible and competent candidate in the forthcoming primary election, warning against decisions driven by sentiment or financial inducement.
He said the 2027 election would be critical to the future of the state, urging party elders to prioritise competence, character, capacity, and compassion in choosing the party’s flagbearer.
Citing the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, Alao emphasised the need for unity within the party and strategic decision-making that would position the APC for victory in the general election.
“This is not just my ambition; it is a collective mission for the redemption of the state. If we get it right at the primary, we will get the state back on track,” he added.
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