I believe leadership demands the resolve to act decisively for the common good—a principle I see as vital to Oyo State’s progress. Our land is steeped in heritage and brimming with potential, it thrives when those at the helm prioritise integrity over expedience. For me, daring to do the right thing isn’t just a phrase—it’s my deliberate choice to champion justice, opportunity, and unity. I envision decisions that uplift the farmer in every geopolitical zone of our state, maybe in Orire LGA, and even the artisan in Eruwa, and the entrepreneur in Ibadan, to ensure every community plays a role in building and benefits from our collective success.
The people of Oyo State are the foundation of its strength, and I feel their pulse every day. Our collective aspirations—voiced in various markets, crowded classrooms, and quiet homes—drive my determination to serve. Striving for them is my commitment to amplify their needs and direct resources where they matter most. I see the current efforts to enhance infrastructure and services as a reflection of this dedication, and I’m resolved to sustain that focus. My goal is a system that accommodates every citizen and is empowered to thrive, to build a state that mirrors our resilience and ambition.
Young people, to me, represent Oyo State’s greatest asset. I have a responsibility to that age bracket, because I feel and am the same. Their energy and ingenuity inspire me, and I’m convinced they are the key to our future. I want to harness this potential through robust education, skills training, and economic opportunities. I applaud initiatives like tech development in urban centres and agricultural programs in rural areas, and my aim is to expand them further. The youth aren’t just beneficiaries in my eyes—they’re active partners and participants in progress. Ensuring their voices shape decisions is how I plan to secure a legacy of growth that lasts.
I see effective leadership as a call to serve, not to dominate. For me, it’s about balancing vision with pragmatism, uniting diverse voices under a goal I hold dear. Oyo State has witnessed significant gains—improved roads, bolstered healthcare, expanded markets—and I view these as proof of a governance model that delivers. Yet, I believe leadership must stay dynamic, it must adapt to new challenges while safeguarding these achievements. My approach is rooted in service and accountability, positioning our state to meet the demands of a fast-changing world.
Driving change is a disciplined pursuit I’m passionate about. I see it as leveraging our cultural wealth and human capital to tackle modern needs. The strides in education and commerce give me a platform to build on, and my task is to elevate them higher. I imagine change through investment in sustainable systems—renewable energy, digital connectivity, robust security—that transform every region. Through encouraging partnerships between government, private sectors, and communities, I aim to turn challenges into opportunities for advancement. We can do just that, it’s achievable.
My perspective on leadership centres on continuity and enhancement. Oyo State’s progress fuels my pride, and I’m determined to build on this foundation. I envision a state where rural and urban areas prosper together, where small enterprises I support grow into regional powerhouses, and where education equips every child for global competition. My vision demands bold, yet practical steps—refining policies, strengthening institutions, and prioritising outcomes I can measure over promises that fade.
The essence of leadership, in my view, lies in a resolved dedication to what’s just and effective. This means I’ll tackle pressing issues—job creation, infrastructure resilience, healthcare access—with precision and foresight. I respect the current administration’s efforts, which have built trust and stability, and my resolve is to amplify this momentum. I want every policy I back and every resource I allocate to serve the people’s immediate needs while securing their prosperity for years to come.
Friends, I’ve been saying this, and I’ll say it again, that, looking at the future of our dear state, I hold unity as our strength. My dream is a state that encourages every citizen of Oyo state, from anywhere in the state, to feel part of its story and actual citizenship. To the Muslim faithful, I say Ramadan Mubarak from the depths of my heart—I’m fasting with you this season, sharing the meals at iftar, and feeling the weight of reflection in my own life. This month grounds me, and reminds me why I strive to serve Oyo State in its highest capacity. Together, we can honour our past achievements and boldly shape a future that lifts every one of us.
~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, March 7, 2025
