OYO ADC CANDIDATE ADEGOKE PLEDGES MONTHLY SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTS AGED 75 AND ABOVE

The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has promised to introduce monthly stipends for residents aged 75 and above if elected governor in the 2027 governorship election.

Adegoke said the proposed support programme would be launched within his first 100 days in office, alongside other measures aimed at improving the welfare of residents. He also reiterated his commitment to granting greater autonomy to local governments in the state, saying the policy would be implemented if he assumes office in May 2027.

The ADC candidate made the promises during a thank-you visit to the Irepo, Olorunsogo and Orelope federal constituency, where he expressed appreciation to residents and party supporters for backing his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate. He said the visit was part of a planned tour of the 14 federal constituencies in Oyo State to acknowledge the support he received during the process that produced him as the ADC candidate.

Adegoke explained that he chose the Irepo, Olorunsogo and Orelope constituency as the starting point because of the connection of the area to the state ADC leadership. He specifically acknowledged the contribution of the ADC state chairman, Afees Jimoh, popularly known as Ona Ara, who hails from the constituency.

Beyond the proposed welfare package for elderly residents, Adegoke also promised to provide free education from primary through secondary school if elected. Under the proposal, parents would not be required to pay school fees for their children in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The governorship hopeful further unveiled plans to improve transportation infrastructure linking the Oke-Ogun zone with other parts of the state. He proposed the construction of a railway from Moniya in Ibadan towards Oke-Ogun, arguing that the project would provide farmers with a more efficient means of moving agricultural produce to Ibadan and other urban markets.

Adegoke, who studied Agricultural Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University, said his understanding of the challenges facing farmers had influenced his proposed transport intervention. He described Oke-Ogun as the food basket of Oyo State and argued that better transportation would make it easier for farmers to move their produce while improving their economic prospects.

According to him, improved access to markets would not only benefit farmers but could also increase their ability to provide better education and opportunities for their children. He said his administration would prioritise infrastructure and other development initiatives across the Oke-Ogun area and other parts of Oyo State.

The ADC candidate also expressed affection for communities including Kishi, Igbeti and Igboho, assuring residents that their interests would receive attention under his proposed administration. He maintained that his interest in developing the area existed even before he secured the party's governorship ticket and promised additional infrastructure if elected.

Adegoke said he would return to the communities for campaign activities once the official campaign window opens on September 9, 2026. His current visits, he explained, were intended primarily to appreciate residents for their support rather than to formally commence campaign activities.

Speaking during the visit, the Oyo State ADC chairman, Afees Jimoh, thanked residents of Kishi and surrounding communities for supporting Adegoke's emergence as the party's governorship candidate. He urged party members and supporters to intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Jimoh called for grassroots engagement, including house-to-house mobilisation, in support of ADC candidates contesting the presidential, governorship and other elective positions. He said the party's objective was to secure a mandate that would enable Adegoke to pursue what he described as balanced development across Oyo State.

Several ADC candidates and party leaders from the area were present during the visit, including the party's Oyo North Senatorial candidate, Lanre Saheed Agoro, as well as candidates for the Irepo-Olorunsogo-Orelope federal constituency and the relevant state constituencies.

The promises announced by Adegoke add welfare support for elderly residents, free education and improved agricultural transportation to the ADC's emerging campaign agenda as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.