A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina, on Wednesday pledged to revamp the education and health sectors as well as ensuring full local government autonomy among others if given the opportunity to govern the state
Dr. Lam-Adesina made the pledge while addressing journalist at the newly relaunched ” Guest Forum” organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The son of former Oyo State governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, who recently returned to Nigeria after a successful career in the United Kingdom’s healthcare system, explained that his decision to join the 2027 governorship race is driven by a desire to reverse what he described as the decline in public education and social services.
“I come from a humble background despite my father’s position,” he said. “The opportunities that enabled people like my father to rise through public education must be restored. Unfortunately, that system has deteriorated significantly.”
The APC governorship aspirant decried the declining standard of public education, noting that schools that once produced distinguished leaders and professionals no longer meet expected benchmarks.
“We must reposition public schools to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education. While private education may not be affordable for all, the government has a responsibility to guarantee acceptable standards that promote equal opportunity,” he added.
Reflecting on his academic and professional journey—from his early education in Ibadan to his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University and subsequent career progression in the United Kingdom—Lam-Adesina underscored the need for merit-based systems supported by strong public institutions.
On healthcare, he highlighted the need for reforms, drawing from his experience with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), where he attained a director-level position. He stressed that strengthening primary healthcare will help tackle preventable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and vision impairment through early detection and community-based interventions.
“We need a functional primary healthcare system that prioritises early diagnosis and preventive care. These are basic services that should be accessible to all, yet many people still lack them,” he said.
The governorship hopeful also advocated economic revitalisation through industrialisation and the promotion of technical and vocational education. According to him, reviving the state’s industrial base is critical to addressing unemployment.
“Our graduates face limited job opportunities. We must invest in industries while also promoting vocational skills such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. Not every career path must be academic,” he stated.
On governance, Lam-Adesina reiterated his call for strengthened local government autonomy, noting that grassroots development is central to overall state progress.
“With many of our local governments being predominantly rural, granting them autonomy is essential to ensuring development reaches the grassroots. Without this, meaningful progress will be difficult to achieve,” he said.
He also pointed to opportunities presented by the Electricity Act 2023, urging sub-national governments to take proactive steps in power generation and distribution to support industrial growth. He added that alternative energy solutions, particularly solar power, should be explored to address persistent electricity challenges.
Throughout the session, Lam-Adesina stressed the need to return to people-oriented governance, insisting that public policies must prioritise the welfare of the majority.
“We must build a future where our children enjoy better opportunities than we do today. That is the driving force behind my aspiration,” he said.
