By John Dike, Osogbo
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has unveiled an ambitious development blueprint aimed at transforming the state through economic revitalization, infrastructure development, reliable electricity supply, youth empowerment, agricultural revolution and transparent governance.
Speaking at the manifesto presentation held at the Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Osogbo, Salaam declared that Osun stands at a defining moment in its history, stressing that the state must embrace a new direction capable of unlocking its vast economic and human potential.
The event, which attracted party leaders, supporters, professionals, community leaders, traditional institution representatives, youth groups and members of the media, provided the ADC flagbearer an opportunity to unveil what he described as a practical roadmap for restoring public confidence in government and repositioning Osun for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Addressing the gathering, Salaam said the manifesto was founded on the principles of service, accountability, inclusiveness and responsible leadership, noting that governance should focus on improving the lives of citizens rather than serving the interests of a privileged few.
According to him, the document represents the aspirations of the people and reflects months of consultations with stakeholders across various sectors of the state.
He explained that the blueprint was designed to address pressing socio-economic challenges confronting Osun while laying a strong foundation for future development.
“Our state stands at a critical juncture. The decisions we make today will determine the kind of Osun we leave behind for our children and generations yet unborn. We can choose the path of stagnation or embrace the path of transformation. I believe the people of Osun are ready for transformation,” he declared.
The former speaker observed that despite Osun’s enormous potential, many residents continue to face economic hardship, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to opportunities.
He lamented that while the state is blessed with fertile agricultural land, a vibrant population, rich cultural heritage and strategic economic advantages, these resources have not been fully harnessed to improve the welfare of the people.
According to Salaam, the challenge facing Osun is not the absence of resources but the lack of visionary leadership and effective governance capable of converting available opportunities into tangible benefits for citizens.
He stressed that leadership must be seen as a sacred trust and not merely a position of authority.
“Leadership is not about occupying an office. It is about serving the people. It is about providing solutions. It is about creating opportunities. It is about ensuring that government works for everyone,” he said.
A major highlight of the manifesto presentation was Salaam’s pledge to pursue a comprehensive power sector agenda aimed at delivering stable and reliable electricity across Osun State.
Describing electricity as the backbone of modern economic development, he noted that no society can achieve meaningful industrial growth without adequate power supply.
The ADC candidate said his administration would pursue strategic investments in power infrastructure, alternative energy sources and public-private partnerships to ensure regular electricity supply capable of stimulating economic activities across the state.
He maintained that improved electricity generation and distribution would attract investors, encourage industrial expansion and create thousands of employment opportunities for residents.
“Electricity is the engine of development. It powers industries, drives innovation, supports businesses, strengthens healthcare delivery, improves education and enhances the quality of life of our people.
Through strategic investments and effective partnerships, we shall work tirelessly to provide reliable power infrastructure that will stimulate industrial growth and create jobs across our state,” he stated.
He emphasized that stable power supply would trigger a chain reaction of economic benefits, leading to increased productivity, higher incomes and improved living standards.
“When there is power, industries emerge. When industries emerge, jobs are created. When jobs are created, families prosper. When families prosper, communities flourish. This is the future we envision for Osun State,” Salaam added.
The governorship hopeful also outlined plans to prioritize the welfare of workers and pensioners, promising to create a public service system that rewards diligence, professionalism and dedication.
He described civil servants as the engine room of governance and pledged to implement policies that would improve their welfare and motivation.
Similarly, he assured pensioners of prompt attention and respect, acknowledging their contributions to the growth and development of the state.
On agriculture, Salaam pledged to launch a comprehensive agricultural revolution aimed at increasing food production, enhancing farmers’ productivity and boosting rural development.
He noted that agriculture remains one of the most effective tools for job creation and economic diversification, promising to support farmers with improved access to inputs, mechanization, extension services and market opportunities.
According to him, a properly managed agricultural sector can significantly contribute to the state’s internally generated revenue while improving food security.
The ADC candidate also placed strong emphasis on youth development, describing young people as the greatest asset of any society.
He promised to establish programmes focused on skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, technology innovation and job creation.
He said empowering young people with relevant skills and opportunities would not only reduce unemployment but also strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness.
Women were equally identified as critical stakeholders in the development agenda.
Salaam pledged to promote women’s participation in governance, economic activities and decision-making processes, assuring that his administration would create policies that encourage gender inclusion and economic empowerment.
The manifesto further outlined plans to improve healthcare delivery through investments in medical facilities, equipment and personnel.
Salaam said every resident deserves access to affordable and quality healthcare services regardless of geographical location or social status.
In the education sector, he promised to strengthen public schools, improve learning infrastructure and create an environment that encourages academic excellence and innovation.
He stressed that education remains one of the most important investments any government can make for future development.
The ADC flagbearer also pledged to embark on aggressive infrastructural development, including road construction, urban renewal projects and rural connectivity programmes aimed at facilitating economic growth and improving the quality of life of residents.
On security, Salaam promised to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to safeguard lives and property.
He noted that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
The governorship candidate further assured investors of a conducive business environment characterized by policy consistency, transparency and ease of doing business.
He said attracting both local and foreign investments would be a major component of his economic agenda.
According to him, Osun possesses enormous investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, technology and other sectors capable of driving economic growth.
Throughout his address, Salaam repeatedly emphasized the need to rebuild trust between the government and the people.
He described his manifesto as more than a campaign document, insisting that it represents a binding commitment to citizens.
“This manifesto is more than a collection of promises. It is a contract with the people. A contract founded on integrity, driven by compassion and guided by a clear vision of prosperity,” he said.
The ADC candidate also acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations to the development of Osun State, stressing that progress is achieved through continuity and improvement.
He said his administration would build on existing achievements while introducing innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
While calling for collective responsibility, Salaam urged workers, farmers, traders, artisans, professionals, traditional rulers, women and youths to actively participate in the task of rebuilding the state.
According to him, government alone cannot achieve the transformation required to move Osun forward.
“The task of rebuilding Osun belongs to all of us. Together, we can create jobs. Together, we can strengthen our economy. Together, we can secure our communities. Together, we can modernize our infrastructure. Together, we can build a government that is accountable to the people,” he said.
As political activities ahead of the next governorship election continue to gather momentum, the unveiling of the ADC manifesto is expected to intensify policy debates among political parties and provide voters with an opportunity to assess competing visions for the future of Osun State.
For many observers, however, the significance of Salaam’s manifesto lies not only in the promises contained in the document but also in the challenge of translating those promises into practical realities capable of improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
With his message centred on restoring trust, rebuilding institutions and empowering the people, Salaam expressed confidence that Osun can overcome its present challenges and emerge as a model of development, prosperity and good governance in Nigeria.
The manifesto presentation ended with a renewed call for unity, hope and collective action as supporters cheered the candidate’s vision for what he described as “a greater Osun built on opportunity, integrity and shared prosperity.”
