A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao) has called for a new era of governance built on innovation, accountability, and strategic development to unlock the vast potential of Oyo State.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, Engr. Alao stressed that Oyo State has the human and natural resources to become a leading economic hub in Nigeria, but this would require bold ideas, practical solutions, and sincere leadership.
> “Oyo State must rise beyond traditional governance models and embrace innovative solutions that create jobs, grow businesses, and improve the quality of life for every citizen. We can not afford to manage poverty; we must create wealth,” Engr. Alao declared.
Key Innovative Ideas for Oyo State Development
Agricultural Industrialization
Establish Agro-Processing Zones in Oke-Ogun and other rural areas.
Support farmers with mechanized equipment, improved seedlings, and access to export markets.
Create public-private partnerships for large-scale food processing industries to make Oyo a major supplier for domestic and international markets.
Smart Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
Develop modern transportation systems, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes for Ibadan and major towns.
Promote smart city projects with integrated technology for traffic, waste management, and security.
Launch rural electrification and road development programs to connect all local governments.
Education and Digital Innovation
Establish Tech Hubs and Digital Skills Centers in collaboration with private sector partners.
Modernize public schools with ICT-driven learning and teacher retraining programs.
Create an Oyo State Innovation Fund to support young entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Healthcare Revolution
Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao emphasized that quality healthcare is the foundation of a productive society and must be made accessible to every citizen of Oyo State, from urban centers to rural communities. His healthcare vision focuses on innovation, accessibility, and sustainability.
Key Strategies:
a) Primary Healthcare Upgrade
Renovate and equip Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across all 33 local government areas.
Ensure each PHC has trained medical personnel, modern equipment, and essential drugs.
Establish a 24-hour emergency response unit in each zone for rapid medical intervention.
b) Telemedicine and Digital Health
Introduce telemedicine platforms to connect rural communities with doctors in urban hospitals.
Provide mobile health units equipped with diagnostics to serve remote areas.
Train healthcare workers in digital health tools for faster and more efficient service delivery.
c) Specialized Hospitals and Research
Develop specialized hospitals for cardiology, oncology, maternal care, and pediatrics in partnership with the private sector.
Establish a Medical Research and Innovation Center to address tropical diseases and public health challenges in Oyo State.
Promote medical tourism by positioning Ibadan as a center for advanced medical treatment.
How
d) Affordable Health Insurance
Expand the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme (OYSHIA) to cover more citizens, especially low-income earners.
Subsidize premiums for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
Partner with private insurers to create affordable, accessible packages for the informal sector.
e) Healthcare Workforce Development
Launch a Healthcare Training Fellowship Program to attract and retain young doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Provide incentives for medical personnel who agree to serve in rural areas.
Collaborate with universities and teaching hospitals to expand medical education and research.
“No citizen of Oyo State should die because of lack of access to quality healthcare. We must embrace technology, invest in our medical workforce, and create a health system that puts the lives of our people first,” Engr. Alao said.