Senator (Dr.) Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, on Monday, unveiled a wide-ranging governance blueprint aimed at making the state more prosperous, secure and economically vibrant.
Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Iyaganku during a programme tagged “A Day With BSA,” Alli said his administration would emphasize responsive governance and sustainable development by strengthening local government autonomy, improving education and healthcare, boosting agriculture and enhancing security.
“Alli pledged full implementation of local government autonomy in line with the Constitution to strengthen grassroots governance and accelerate development across the state. Local councils, he said, would be empowered to drive agriculture, food production, security, and rural development,” a statement issued after the event said.
He promised restoration of subventions and running grants to local governments to rehabilitate council roads and support neighbourhood watch and vigilante groups. Alli said empowered councils would be able to independently execute projects that directly improve community welfare.
On education, Alli proposed reforms across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, including disengaging consultants who currently manage tertiary institutions, restoring governing councils to operate under their enabling laws, reducing class sizes to 30 pupils, recruiting teachers, upgrading facilities and restoring school subventions.
He also committed to reviving school farms and establishing technical colleges across the state’s three senatorial districts to promote vocational training.
Alli outlined plans to transform agriculture through commodity boards, provision of farm implements, fertilisers and tractors, establishment of cottage processing industries, and guaranteed off‑takers to create jobs for young agripreneurs
Health-care pledges included functional primary health centres in every ward, general hospitals in all local government areas, and recruitment of additional medical personnel to improve access to care.
He also promised to prioritise road rehabilitation and potable water supply for schools, hospitals, markets, and other public institutions.
On security, Alli said neighbourhood watch and vigilante groups would receive improved welfare, operational vehicles, and modern equipment.
He also promised greater government support for artisans, market associations, and trade groups to stimulate economic activity and peaceful coexistence.
Alli addressed workers’ welfare, assuring civil servants of prompt salary payments before the 25th of each month, regular recruitment, capacity development, prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and restoration of the 13th‑month salary.
On sports, the candidate pledged to revive grassroots competitions, build standard stadiums across the state’s six geopolitical zones, and support clubs, including Shooting Stars Sports Club.
Addressing internal party tensions, Alli assured that grievances stemming from the APC gubernatorial primary would soon be resolved, noting that aggrieved aspirants are a normal feature of a competitive party.
The event was attended by Alli’s running mate, Mr. Adesoji Adedeji; State APC Chairman Chief Moses Adeyemo; members of the state APC executive; party chieftains and supporters.
Akeem Abas, chairman of the Oyo State NUJ, said the union remained apolitical and would host all governorship candidates to inform the public of their plans.