THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE FOR OUR PEOPLE
(TEXT OF DECLARATION OF AMBITION REMARKS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE, BY DR ADEWALE KOLAPO KAREEM – AKK 2027)
A spark remains in the depths of our collective soul, a flame that flickers with the hopes and dreams of our people, you the Oyo State people. It’s the spark that fuels our resilience, our determination, and our strongest commitment to a better tomorrow. Yet, despite the unrelenting passion and perseverance of our people, the harsh realities of our world often threaten to extinguish this flame. We’ve witnessed the erosion of trust, the perpetuation of inequality, and the systemic injustices that have left countless voices unheard and unseen.
But I believe that there is more to be done for our people. I believe that we have the power to reignite the flame of hope, to fan it into a blaze that illuminates the path forward. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the generations that will follow to rise up, to demand more, and to fight for the world we deserve. A world that houses every voice, shields every soul, and waters every heart to blossom. It is a journey we must embark together, a journey of courage, conviction, and a commitment to the collective dream, a dream of more for our tomorrow.
Fellow Compatriot, and my dear good people of Oyo State, I have a wide range of views and conviction about leadership and governance, – I see it as a sacred institution that form the cornerstone of progress and prosperity in any social setting. The efficacy of these institutions is contingent upon the caliber of individuals who occupy positions of authority. It is imperative that leaders are guided by a deep sense of purpose, a profound understanding of the needs of their constituents, and a commitment to serving the common good. When leadership is informed by a philosophy that prioritises the well-being of all, it becomes a force that elevates individuals, communities, and societies as a whole.
I have always be a man of much reflection, constantly in deep thoughts about my life’s journey, its trajectory and various circumstances that have made me and makes things around, and I feel reminded of the personal philosophy that has guided me thus far. Rooted in patient observation, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the human experience, my approach to life has been characterised by equanimity, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. I was raised by God-fearing parents and family; I undergo teachings and submit myself to the rigorous process of taking a strong sense of values and principles that have informed my choices and actions. With these teachings and experiences, I have come to appreciate the dignity that accrues from living a life of decency, hard work, and integrity, and trying to make others imbibe the same. I have learned that success is not a destination but rather a journey that requires perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to the very best.
Our contemporary society is marred with many struggles and complexities, and in the midst of it all, the imperative of good governance assumes center stage. It is unarguably the fulcrum upon which the aspirations of our people pivot, the fundamental indices that unlock the vast potential of our great state. The notion that good governance is an unattainable ideal is a myth that we must collectively debunk. I firmly believe that with unmatched commitment, unshakeable resolve, and an unrelenting passion for the welfare of our people, we can build a governance framework that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
There are a number of good examples we can point to as national and subnational aspirations in good governance, – my exposure to the governance models and realities of countries like the United Kingdom and Australia has been a worthy experience. These nations exemplify the virtues of transparency, accountability, and efficiency, they blatantly demonstrate that good governance is not a utopian fantasy but a realistic attainment and cause driven by men of conscience. I am unshakably optimistic that we can replicate these successes in Oyo State. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of our state to strive for a governance framework that is just, equitable, and truly representative of the will of our people.
We must all strive to elevate Oyo State to unprecedented heights, and a lot of factors would determine this. I firmly believe that a multifaceted transport system, carefully networked to connect all six geopolitical zones (Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa 1 and II), is an imperative that will catapult our economy into a trajectory of unbridled growth and development. This visionary network will both facilitate seamless movement and harmonise the disparate regions, this encourages an ecosystem of synergy, cooperation, and collective progress, – we must all progress in our journey of economic prosperity together, without anyone, any region left behind. We can actualise this audacious vision, and we will – we will unleash a maelstrom of entrepreneurial innovation, cultural exchange, and socio-economic transformation that will forever alter the future of our beloved state.
Dear compatriots, we have to revitalise the educational structure of Oyo State, it cannot continue this way, – I am resolute in my conviction that a paradigm shift is imperative, one that redefines the very essence of our education system. We can transition from a pedagogical approach that merely imparts knowledge to one that inspires, motivates, and empowers our youth to become visionary leaders, creative problem-solvers, and conscientious citizens. We can also integrate a holistic education model that harmonises academic excellence, moral values, and vocational skills, all these affords us to build a new generation of individuals who are equipped to attend to greater life challenges, and who possess the character, compassion, and creativity to activate a different future for themselves, their communities, and our beloved state.
Our dear Oyo State is a place that carries a quintessential emblem and relevance of history, we have a lot to pride in, from its storied past as the capital of the Western Region to its current status, I am struck by the glaring disparity between our potential and the reality on the ground. Despite our rich history and legacy, it is evident that there exists a profound deficit in infrastructural amenities, a chasm that yawns wide when compared to the lofty standards of our storied past The landscape of our state is dotted with unfinished projects, unfulfilled promises, and untapped potential. This speaks to the vast opportunities that lie dormant and await the touch of visionary leadership. This infrastructural deficit is not limited to roads and bridges alone but it runs through every facet of our society, including the health sector, social amenities, human capital development, and the tin networks that undergird a prosperous and functioning society. I am committed to bridging this vast and yawning chasm, and harness the limitless potential of our state to birth the path to progress, and become an exemplar of what can be achieved with convergence of our collective thoughts and readiness.
The prosperity of Oyo State and every other state is linked with the vitality of its economy. It is an axiomatic truth that a thriving economy is the sine qua non of a prosperous society. We can all seek to create a conducive environment that gives breathing space for economic growth, – it is imperative that our people, particularly women and deserving individuals, are provided with access to interest-free loans that can serve as a catalyst for their businesses, that can unlock their absolute potential and propel them towards unprecedented heights.
The government has a sacrosanct responsibility to create a favourable business climate that stimulates economic growth, promotes healthy competition, and supports the holistic development of our state. Irrespective of the support in loans provided to build businesses, when there is an unfavourable business atmosphere, it translates to nothing. A well-structured economy is the cornerstone upon which we can build a prosperous future and determine the trajectory of critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and the creative industry. We can unlock the vast potential of Oyo State, establish ourselves as a cite and sight of economic excellence in Nigeria, and create a booming future for ourselves and generations to come.
Dear people, Oyo State’s latent potential behoves on us to redefine its trajectory and shatter the shackles of dependence on federal government support. We must recognise that our state’s prosperity is not predicated on external benevolence or overdependence but on our collective resolve to harness our innate resources. Agriculture is a sector replete with groundbreaking possibilities, which offers a paradigmatic shift in our economic fortunes. We can leverage on our vast expanse of fertile land, we can create a veritable Eden of prosperity, where the dividends of the bounties are equitably shared among our citizens. Is there anything stopping us?
My people, we must be guided by an unyielding commitment to excellence, innovation, and collective uplift. We must eschew the tepid incrementalism that has hitherto characterised our approach to development, embracing instead a bold, visionary, and unapologetically ambitious agenda for growth. If we do this, we will not only ensure Oyo State’s emergence as a standard-bearer of self-sufficiency and prosperity but also inspire a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens to join us in this noble quest to redefine the very nexus of our society.
Oyo State is endowed with a unique confluence of human and material resources, a potent amalgam that can be harnessed to propel our state towards unprecedented greatness. Through a meticulous and introspective examination of our state’s vast potential, I have arrived at an unshakeable conviction that Oyo State’s prospects for excellence go far beyond the realm of superficial optics or polished rhetoric. Beneath the surface lies an enormous, uncharted expanse of opportunities waiting to be tapped, a rich pattern of possibilities, a dynamic spectrum of growth that can be fused into a magnificent narrative of progress, growth, and transformation.
My dear people of Oyo State, I feel imbued and more with an unyielding conviction that my experiential expertise, passion and an abiding commitment to the welfare of our people, positions me as the ideal catalyst for Oyo State’s transformative rebirth. With the 2027 gubernatorial election beckoning, I am honoured to present myself for service and declare my intention to contest for the highest office, the governorship of our beloved state.
This decision is not merely a visceral response to the exigencies of the moment but rather a thoughtful, deliberate, and principled commitment to harnessing the boundless potential that resides within our people. I envision an Oyo State where every citizen can thrive, where every child can access quality education, where every individual can enjoy unparalleled opportunities for economic empowerment, and where our collective aspirations are met. I am anchored by the commitment to righteous governance, earned a decent living through legitimate means, and guided by the fear of God, – I have cultivated a leadership ethos that prioritises accountability, transparency, and prudent stewardship of public resources.
The epicenter of my vision for Oyo State is a leadership paradigm that recognises the calamitous consequences of fiscal malfeasance and is resolute in preventing such abuses. I pledge to build a culture of integrity, not only for myself, but one where every subordinate and appointee is held to the highest standards of probity and accountability. The people of Oyo State deserve the best, and I will ensure that every decision, every policy, and every initiative is tailored to meet their needs, aspirations, and expectations.
This journey will be a noble one, and I am mindful of the imperative to rekindle optimism and faith in our collective ability to transform Oyo State. I envision a future that welcomes every citizen’s greatness and allows every individual to enjoy unparalleled opportunities for economic empowerment. With the fear of God and pioneering leadership with good conscience, I am confident that together, we can achieve greatness and witness a brighter dawn for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.
Asiwaju Niwa!
Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Gubernatorial Aspirant 2027, Oyo State