…Unveils ‘Solutions 2027’ Economic Blueprint, Promises Local Contractors Priority
The Oyo State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA), has unveiled plans to construct a railway line linking Moniya in Ibadan with Saki in Oke-Ogun, as part of his proposed strategy to strengthen agriculture, improve transportation and expand economic opportunities across the state.
Adegoke said the proposed rail project would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from Oke-Ogun, which he described as the food basket of Oyo State, to markets in Ibadan and other parts of the South-West.
He disclosed the plan on Wednesday during an interview on the ARISE News Morning Show in Lagos, where he outlined key elements of his “Solutions 2027” development agenda. ARISE News also reported that he discussed the proposed rail project, agriculture, infrastructure and his broader development strategy during the interview.
According to Adegoke, the rail connection would provide farmers with a more efficient means of transporting their produce to major markets, potentially reducing transportation difficulties and strengthening the link between rural production centres and urban consumers.
Adegoke said the proposed railway would be a priority because of the strategic importance of Oke-Ogun to the state’s agricultural economy.
He argued that improving transportation infrastructure around the agricultural belt would benefit both farmers and consumers by facilitating the movement of food from production areas to major population centres.
The candidate had previously also identified an Ibadan-Saki rail connection as part of his infrastructure and agricultural development proposals.
Speaking about the likely cost of the project, Adegoke said a standard single-gauge railway could cost about US$3 million per kilometre, while a double-gauge line could cost approximately US$6 million per kilometre.
He stressed that the figures represented estimated costs per kilometre, rather than the total cost of the proposed project.
In the ARISE News interview, Adegoke was reported as referring to a 100-kilometre rail project and discussing a cost of about US$3 million per kilometre.
The actual cost of any rail project, however, would depend on detailed engineering design, route alignment, land acquisition, bridges and drainage works, stations, signalling, rolling stock and other project requirements.
Adegoke, who said he studied Agricultural Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said agriculture would occupy a central position in his proposed administration.
He promised to introduce measures aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ access to markets, finance, technology and infrastructure.
He said the proposed rail project was not merely a transportation initiative but part of a wider agricultural value-chain strategy intended to connect farmers with consumers and create greater economic value from agricultural production.
Explaining his economic blueprint, Adegoke said the components of his “Solutions 2027” slogan represented the key areas he intends to address if elected.
According to him, the agenda encompasses:
– Security of lives and property;
– Organic development of agriculture;
– Job creation;
– Urban renewal of major cities;
– Transformation of the health and education sectors;
– Industrial revolution and infrastructure development;
– On-the-job training and improved status for teachers;
– New technologies and improved governance; and
– Socio-economic development of the state.
ARISE News similarly reported Adegoke’s explanation of the “Solutions” framework, including security, agriculture, employment, urban renewal, health and education, industrial and infrastructure development, teacher training and socio-economic development.
Adegoke also promised to operate a local-content-driven contracting policy, under which qualified contractors from Oyo State would receive priority in the execution of government projects.
He argued that retaining a greater proportion of government expenditure within the state would help stimulate local businesses, create employment and strengthen the state’s economy.
During the ARISE News interview, he similarly spoke about reducing reliance on contractors and consultants from outside Oyo State as part of his economic strategy.
Speaking about the 2027 governorship contest, Adegoke described himself as a candidate who, in his view, was not beholden to any political godfather.
He contrasted his candidacy with those of the APM and APC, making claims about their political affiliations and circumstances.
“Out of the three popular candidates of the three major parties — the APM, APC and ADC — I’m the beautiful bride, not tainted with any godfather, but God Almighty is my father,” Adegoke said.
His comments form part of his broader political argument as he seeks to distinguish his candidacy from those of his major opponents.
The interview also comes amid continuing political developments surrounding the ADC’s Oyo governorship candidacy. Adegoke has publicly maintained that he is the party’s authentic candidate, while reports have documented competing claims within the party.
With agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, jobs and local economic participation at the centre of his proposed agenda, Adegoke said the overarching objective of Solutions 2027 was to reposition Oyo State’s productive sectors and restore its capacity to compete economically within the South-West.
