2027: ADEMOLA OUTLINES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, TARGETS EDUCATION, INVESTMENT AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO

ADEMOLA OUTLINES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, TARGETS EDUCATION, INVESTMENT AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO

ILE-OLUJI/OKEIGBO, ONDO STATE — Mr. Ademola, a candidate for the Ondo State House of Assembly seat representing Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo State Constituency, has outlined his proposed legislative and development agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, investment, youth development, security and accountable representation.

He made the submissions on Monday, August 31, 2026, during an interactive session organised by Opima RealNews on its WhatsApp platform, where candidates contesting the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo State Constituency seat were given the opportunity to respond to questions from the platform and members of the public on issues affecting the constituency.

Speaking on the condition of roads linking Ile-Oluji and Oke-Igbo, as well as inner roads across both towns, Ademola said he had identified several roads requiring rehabilitation. He said he would work closely with the Ministry of Works to support policies and interventions aimed at improving the road network.

He added that some minor roads could be addressed through the use of interlocking materials, saying he would personally facilitate such interventions where necessary.

On electricity supply and estimated billing, Ademola acknowledged that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) operates as a private electricity distribution company rather than a government-owned entity.

He said his interactions with some BEDC officials had convinced him of the need for increased access to prepaid meters, which he believes could help improve billing transparency and electricity management.

He therefore said that, if elected, he would work toward ensuring that prepaid meters become more available to residents of the local government.

On potable water, Ademola said that within his first year in office, he would install at least four solar-powered water boreholes to improve access to potable water in communities where the need is greatest.

Addressing the challenges faced by farming communities in the hinterlands, Ademola said his background as an agriculturist had given him an understanding of the difficulties confronting farmers, particularly the poor condition of rural access roads.

He said he would work with relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Works, to improve rural road networks and make it easier for farmers to transport their agricultural produce to markets.

On cocoa, agriculture and investment, Ademola said he would seek the involvement of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency in advocating investment incentives capable of attracting businesses into the state.

He specifically proposed a policy of five-year tax exemption for manufacturing companies established in the state, describing such incentives as a means of encouraging investment, industrial development and employment creation.

He said increased investment and the presence of manufacturing and other businesses could create more economic opportunities for residents, particularly young people.

On youth employment and skills development, Ademola proposed the establishment of a Tech Hub where young people could receive training and become familiar with technology and emerging opportunities in the digital economy.

He said the attraction of investors into the constituency, coupled with skills development, could contribute to addressing unemployment and creating sustainable opportunities for young people.

On access to finance for young entrepreneurs, Ademola said he would create an avenue for young investors to access microfinance loans.

He stressed that such financial support would be properly monitored to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purposes and contribute to sustainable economic activities.

Education also featured prominently in Ademola’s proposed legislative agenda.

He said that, if elected, he would sponsor and promote bills on the floor of the Ondo State House of Assembly that would encourage free education for pupils up to Primary Six across Ondo State.

He made it clear that the proposal would be pursued through his legislative responsibilities and would be aimed at encouraging a statewide policy on free primary education, rather than presenting it as a personal education programme.

Ademola also said teachers should be rewarded and encouraged in recognition of their commitment to teaching and shaping the future of pupils.

In addition, he proposed what he described as a JAMB Scholars Scheme, under which 20 high-performing students who may be unable to afford JAMB registration and coaching would receive support.

He assured that the process of selecting beneficiaries would be transparent and that the names of the beneficiaries would be published.

On healthcare, Ademola said he would support bills aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers.

He also said he would leverage his connections to bring charitable organisations and other partners into the constituency to organise periodic medical outreaches for residents.

Regarding scholarships and bursaries, Ademola said his approach would be based on transparency and merit, with the aim of ensuring that indigent students from the local government have fair access to available opportunities.

On security and farmer-herder relations, Ademola said he would support the continued enforcement of the anti-open-grazing law while also advocating an alternative pathway for reasonable and regulated grazing within the ecosystem.

He also pledged to maintain an open and accessible relationship with traditional institutions, including the Jegun of Ile-Oluji, the Oluoke of Oke-Igbo and other traditional rulers and chiefs.

According to him, he would maintain daily ongoing consultation with traditional rulers, while ensuring that the traditional institutions remain accessible to his legislative representation and development efforts.

He said their opinions and counsel would be important in addressing issues of peace, security and development across the constituency.

Addressing concerns about youth restiveness and cultism, Ademola said he would promote innovative programmes capable of attracting young people toward productive activities.

Among the initiatives he mentioned were a proposed Tech Hub and sports centre, which he said could provide constructive opportunities for youths and help channel their energy toward productive pursuits.

On legislation, Ademola identified two bills he would prioritise if elected.

The first is the Ondo State Agricultural Processing Incentive Bill, which he said would offer tax credits and incentives to agro-processing companies to encourage investment and value addition within the agricultural sector.

The second is the Universal Primary Healthcare Retention and Quality Standard Bill, which he said would seek to strengthen the retention and quality of primary healthcare services.

On oversight, Ademola said he would ensure that projects and contracts meant for the local government are properly monitored.

He proposed that details of contracts awarded for projects within the local government should be made publicly known, allowing residents to track implementation and determine whether projects are executed as approved.

On accessibility and accountability, Ademola specifically stated that he would hold quarterly town hall meetings to engage constituents and give an account of his activities and representation at the House.

Beyond the scheduled quarterly meetings, he said he would maintain continuous engagement with the people and daily consultation with traditional rulers.

On constituency funds and projects, Ademola reiterated his position that contracts awarded for projects in the local government should be publicly disclosed to enable residents to monitor their execution.

Explaining why he believes he should be elected, Ademola said he was not a career politician and had spent considerable time gaining experience from different phases of life before deciding to enter the political space.

He said the experience had prepared him for public service and influenced his decision to seek an elective position.

On the issue of party loyalty versus the interests of constituents, Ademola said he holds his political party in high regard but maintained that the interests and priorities of the people must also be respected, particularly where they conflict with a party position.

During the question-and-answer session, a participant asked how many students would benefit from his proposed educational interventions, which schools and communities would be covered, and whether the list of beneficiaries would be published.

In response, Ademola clarified that his education-related legislative commitment would be to sponsor and promote bills that would encourage free education for pupils up to Primary Six across Ondo State.

He also reiterated his proposal to support 20 high-performing students with JAMB registration and coaching under the proposed JAMB Scholars Scheme.

He assured participants that the names of beneficiaries under the scheme would be published to promote transparency.

Another participant questioned how he intended to finance the various initiatives outlined during the session, particularly given the limited resources available to a state legislator.

Ademola responded that strategic planning and partnerships with different organisations would be central to implementing the proposals.

He explained that some of the initiatives could be personally sponsored, while others would be pursued through partnerships with private-sector organisations and other stakeholders.

Asked to summarise his agenda into broad priorities capable of benefiting people across different sectors, Ademola highlighted free healthcare initiatives through partnerships with NGOs, a private trust fund for senior citizens and youth empowerment through the proposed Tech Hub.

The interactive session provided an opportunity for residents and members of the public to directly engage the candidate on issues affecting Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo State Constituency, including infrastructure, electricity, agriculture, investment, education, healthcare, security, youth development and legislative representation.

The session also allowed the candidate to explain how he intends to use legislative advocacy, oversight, partnerships and community engagement to pursue some of the proposals presented during the interaction.

Opima RealNews continues to provide platforms for candidates across political parties to present their programmes and respond directly to questions from constituents, providing residents with an opportunity to assess the positions and priorities of those seeking elective office.