Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Dr. Ayobami Wasiu Lam-Adesina, has unveiled an ambitious policy agenda focused on education, healthcare, and grassroots development, declaring that restoring equal opportunities for all citizens would be the foundation of his administration.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council Guest Forum held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, the eldest son of former Oyo State governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, attributed his political philosophy to his upbringing and the legacy of inclusive governance championed by past leaders such as his father, the late Chief Bola Ige, and the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Lam-Adesina, who recently returned to Nigeria after a career in the United Kingdom’s healthcare system, said his decision to join the 2027 governorship race was driven by a commitment to reverse what he described as the declining standards in public education and social services.
“I come from a modest background despite my father’s position,” he said. “The opportunities that enabled people like my father to rise through public education and equal access must be restored. Today, that system has deteriorated.”
The APC aspirant decried the falling standard of public education, noting that institutions that once produced leaders and professionals across sectors no longer meet expectations.
“We must reposition public schools to a level where every child, regardless of background, can access quality education,” he said. “While not everyone can afford private schooling, the government must guarantee a standard that ensures equal opportunity.”
Drawing from his personal journey—from early education in Ibadan to higher studies at Obafemi Awolowo University and professional advancement in the United Kingdom—Lam-Adesina stressed the need for merit-driven systems backed by strong public institutions.
He also identified healthcare reform as a top priority, citing his experience with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), where he rose to a director-level role.
According to him, strengthening primary healthcare is critical to tackling preventable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and vision impairment through early diagnosis and community-based interventions.
“We need a functional primary healthcare system that detects health issues early. These are basic necessities, yet many of our people still lack access to them,” he said.
Lam-Adesina further advocated economic revitalisation through industrialisation and technical education, stressing that Oyo State must rebuild its industrial base to generate employment.
“Today, many graduates have no job opportunities waiting. We must invest in industries and promote vocational skills such as plumbing, electrical installation, and carpentry, because not everyone must follow purely academic paths,” he added.
On governance, he called for enhanced local government autonomy, arguing that grassroots development remains essential to overall state progress.
“With most local governments being rural, autonomy is crucial to ensuring development reaches the grassroots. Without it, meaningful progress will remain elusive,” he stated.
The governorship hopeful also pointed to opportunities under the Electricity Act 2023, urging state governments to play a more active role in power generation and distribution to drive industrial growth.
He added that alternative energy sources, including solar power, should be harnessed to tackle persistent electricity challenges.
Throughout the session, Lam-Adesina repeatedly referenced the legacy of past leaders, insisting that governance must once again prioritise policies that benefit the majority rather than a privileged few.
“We must ensure that the future of our children is better than our present,” he said. “That is the motivation behind my aspiration.”
The NUJ Guest Forum provided an interactive platform for journalists to engage the aspirant on his vision, leadership capacity, and strategies for addressing structural challenges affecting governance in Nigeria.
