A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina, says his ambition was driven by a desire to reverse the decline in public education and social services.
He spoke at the relaunched Guest Forum organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
He promised to revitalise the education and health sectors, as well as ensure full autonomy for local governments if elected in 2027.
The aspirant, son of former Oyo State governor, Lam Adesina bemoaned the falling standards in public schools, adding that institutions that earlier boasted of frontline leaders and professionals no longer meet expected demands.
Government, he advised, must reposition public education to guarantee quality and accessibility for all, regardless of socio-economic background.
He emphasised the import of merit-based systems supported by strong public institutions.
He advocated the need to strengthen primary healthcare to tackle preventable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and vision impairment through early detection and community-based care.
He said:“We need a functional primary healthcare system that prioritises early diagnosis and preventive care. These are basic services that should be accessible to all.”
He said there must be economic revitalisation through industrialisation and the promotion of technical and vocational education to address unemployment in the country.
He added:“Our graduates face limited job opportunities. We must invest in industries while promoting vocational skills such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Not every career path must be academic.”
He reiterated call for a robust local government autonomy, saying that grassroots development is key to overall state progress.
He explained that with many local governments being predominantly rural, granting them autonomy is essential to ensuring development reaches the grassroots.
He urged sub-national governments to take proactive steps in electricity generation and distribution to support industrial growth.
He also suggested alternative energy solutions, particularly solar power, to address persistent electricity challenges.
