By John Dike, Osogbo
The governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Engr. John Olufemi Adesuyi, has unveiled an ambitious development agenda centred on job creation, agriculture, security, education, healthcare and technology, promising to build what he described as “a greater Osun State” if elected.
Adesuyi disclosed this during News Point, a media interactive programme organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, where he outlined his vision for the state and responded to questions from journalists.
The ZLP standard bearer said his administration would prioritise the creation of 10,000 jobs for youths, with agriculture serving as a major driver of employment, wealth creation and economic growth.
According to him, thousands of young people would be engaged and empowered through various agricultural value chains, including cattle rearing, livestock production, poultry farming, crop cultivation and other agribusiness ventures.
He explained that agriculture remains one of the quickest ways to tackle unemployment, improve food security and stimulate economic development, adding that his government would provide training, financial support and modern farming techniques to enable young people become successful agripreneurs.
On security, Adesuyi stressed that protecting lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any government, insisting that any administration that fails in that regard cannot be regarded as successful.
While acknowledging the efforts of the police and other security agencies, he argued that tackling insecurity requires a holistic approach involving traditional rulers, community leaders and the effective deployment of technology.
He advocated the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations across the state, saying surveillance technology would enhance crime prevention and aid the identification and prosecution of criminal elements.
“If cameras are installed in strategic public places, anyone who commits a crime can easily be identified and apprehended. We must embrace technology in securing our communities,” he said.
The ZLP candidate also pledged to promote technology-driven entrepreneurship by equipping young people with digital skills, innovation and business development training.
According to him, technology has become the backbone of modern economies, and Osun youths must be adequately prepared to take advantage of opportunities in the digital space through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Adesuyi commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for increasing the pensions of retirees and enrolling pensioners into the state’s health insurance scheme, describing the initiative as a commendable step towards improving the welfare of senior citizens.
He, however, assured workers and pensioners that their welfare would receive top priority under his administration if elected governor.
The governorship hopeful maintained that prompt payment of salaries and pensions is a statutory obligation of government and should not be celebrated as an extraordinary achievement.
He also reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare delivery, promising to expand access to quality medical services, strengthen primary healthcare centres and work towards making healthcare more affordable for residents across the state.
Adesuyi further pledged to reform the education sector by addressing the shortage of teachers in public schools, improving technical education and ensuring that schools meet acceptable global standards.
He concluded by assuring the people of Osun that his administration would be anchored on fairness, accountability, productivity and inclusive development, with policies designed to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for all residents.
