n n

An academic-turned-politician, Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem, has outlined an ambitious governance blueprint for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, emphasising data-driven leadership, education reform, and economic integration.
nSpeaking in a recent interview, Kareem dismissed the notion that his entry into politics marked a departure from academia, describing it instead as “an application of expertise.”
nHe said, “I don’t view this as a ‘transition’ in the sense of abandonment.
n“Politics is the ultimate department of human affairs; it dictates the quality of our collective life. I am bringing the precision of a researcher and the discipline of a scholar to the ‘noble’ art of politics.”
nThe All Progressives Congress chieftain argued that leadership should be reserved for individuals with proven competence and integrity.
n“Leadership should be a sacrifice made by the most capable and God-fearing among us,” he stated, adding that governance must move beyond theory to tangible impact.
n“The dividends of democracy must not just be discussed in journals, but felt on our streets,” he said.
nOn his ambition to govern Oyo State, Kareem said the 2027 election would require “a unique blend of conscience, competence, and a global mindset.”
nHe added, “I am not coming to the table with mere ‘intentions’. I am coming with an architect’s blueprint… driven purely by a desire to see Oyo State reclaim its ‘Pacesetter’ status through data-driven and solution-oriented governance.”
nKareem identified education, economic integration, and healthcare as the core challenges facing the state, with a strong emphasis on reforming the education sector.
n“We must move beyond enrolment to ‘functional education’ that prepares our youth for the global economy.
n“Education will not be treated as a privilege for a demographic elite, but as a fundamental social contract,” he added.
nHe proposed a Comprehensive Educational Incentive Programme to address barriers to schooling, noting that poverty remains a major obstacle.
n“We are moving beyond just ‘free tuition’ to a model that actively rewards compliance.
n“No child in Oyo State should be deprived of the intellectual tools and access to education in the 21st century,” he added.
nOn transparency and implementation, Kareem stressed the importance of data in governance.
n“We will utilise empirical data to map out underserved communities and ensure that resources… are deployed with surgical precision,” he said.
nHe also pledged to improve teacher welfare and capacity.
n“We will restore the dignity of the teaching profession by ensuring our educators are not only properly compensated but are intellectually motivated through continuous professional development,” he said.
nBeyond education, Kareem outlined plans for economic transformation through the establishment of Agricultural and Industrial Parks.
n“This will not be a mere collection of farms, but a sophisticated, integrated ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between primary production and industrial processing,” he said.
nAccording to him, the initiative would boost agricultural output, create jobs, and strengthen internally generated revenue.
n“We anticipate the generation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs… providing our youth with dignified and sustainable employment,” he added.
nKareem also pledged to prioritise accessible healthcare, including the deployment of mobile clinics and technology-driven systems.
nOn national issues, the politician defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to remain patient amid economic challenges.
n“I don’t think they are right,” he said of critics. “The government met the economy in shambles and has been doing its best to address the issue.”
nHe attributed current economic pressures to global factors, including rising fuel prices linked to international conflicts. “There is a kind of recession all over the world, and everybody is affected,” Kareem noted. “Nigerians should just be patient with this government.”n

n

Oyo 2027: Kareem promises evidence-based governance

n

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

n

Contact: [email protected]

n

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

n

n Join The Punch Newspapers Channeln

n n