My focus to develop Oyo State is absolute — Kareem

Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem is an educator, philanthropist and a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with BUSOLA OWORU, he speaks on his political journey, governorship ambition, and the dreams he has for Oyo State. Excerpts:

What motivated your transition from academia into politics?

I don’t view this as a “transition” in the sense of abandonment, but rather as an “application” of expertise. Politics is the ultimate department of human affairs; it dictates the quality of our collective life. As an academic and researcher, I have spent years studying systems, patterns, and solutions. My research has consistently shown that for a society to thrive, it must be led by those who have been tested and have succeeded in rigorous, decent and evidence-based environments. I am bringing the precision of a researcher and the discipline of a scholar to the ‘noble’ art of politics. I believe that leadership should be a sacrifice made by the most capable and God-fearing among us to ensure that the dividends of democracy are not just discussed in journals, but felt on our streets.

Why do you believe you are the right person to lead Oyo State in 2027?

Leadership in 2027 will require a unique blend of conscience, competence, and a global mindset. I am a man of faith and a man of results. My track record in building thriving businesses both in Nigeria and the diaspora is a reflection of my ability to manage resources and people toward a common goal. Having meticulously studied the socio-political climate of Oyo State, I am not coming to the table with mere ‘intentions’, rather, I am coming with an architect’s blueprint. My focus is absolute; I am unburdened by the distractions of typical politics and driven purely by a desire to see Oyo State reclaim its ‘Pacesetter’ status through data-driven, solution-oriented governance.

What do you think are the biggest challenges currently facing Oyo State, and how would you address them?

I have detailed these extensively in my book, ‘A Realistic Tomorrow,’ but if I must distill them: First is Education. We must move beyond enrollment to “functional education” that prepares our youth for the global economy. The core pillar of our agenda addresses the foundational crisis of Educational Accessibility and Quality. My administration will treat education not as a privilege for a demographic elite, but as a fundamental social contract and an essential public good. Under my watch, we will implement something I can tentatively tag a Comprehensive Educational Incentive Program designed to dismantle the financial and social barriers that keep our children out of the classroom. I know for a fact that poverty is often the thief of potential. Therefore, we are moving beyond just ‘free tuition’ to a model that actively rewards compliance; we will introduce a framework to incentivise parents and guardians who consistently ensure their wards are enrolled and present for basic and elementary studies. No child in Oyo State, regardless of their family’s financial status should be deprived of the intellectual tools and access to education in the 21st century.

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This vision will be underpinned by a ‘Data-Driven Deployment Strategy’. We will not guess where the needs are; we will utilise empirical data to map out underserved communities and ensure that resources, infrastructure, and personnel are deployed with surgical precision. However, I know infrastructure alone does not teach. 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 and mentorship programmes.

Second is Economic Integration. We must connect the dots between our agrarian potential and the industrial hubs. To really catalyse a total economic rebirth, my administration will be committed to the strategic establishment of a world-class Agricultural and Industrial Park. 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. These parks will be situated strategically across our geopolitical zones so as to leverage Oyo State’s arable land to transition from subsistence farming to high-yield, and even commercialised agribusiness. This initiative is a dual-purpose engine: it will drastically boost our agricultural output while simultaneously creating a robust value chain that keeps the wealth within our borders. The ripple effects of this project will be significant for our labour market. We anticipate the generation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from specialised agronomy and engineering to logistics and manufacturing, all of which provides our youth dignified and sustainable employment.

This process will significantly enhance our Internally Generated Revenue and position the state as the primary food basket and industrial hub of the Federation. We are not just planting seeds in the ground; we are planting the seeds of an industrial revolution that ensures Oyo State remains a leader in economic self-sufficiency and prosperity.

Third is Healthcare. We will prioritise a primary healthcare system that is accessible and technologically integrated including Mobile Clinics. My administration will ensure that these three sectors are not just funded, but reformed to provide world-class services to the last man in the farthest ward. This is not exclusive, I am strongly committed to other very important sectors.