Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, has outlined his plans for youth employment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, creative industry growth and accountable governance if elected governor.
Speaking on Sunday at the “THE GEN Z ASKS… YAYI LISTENS” interactive youth engagement held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Senator Adeola responded to questions from young people on unemployment, economic opportunities, entertainment, education, infrastructure and governance.
On culture and tourism, Adeola promised to reposition the sector, particularly the entertainment and creative industries, through an active Ministry of Culture and Tourism that would provide platforms and opportunities for young talents to develop their careers.
He noted that Ogun State is blessed with enormous creative talents who deserve government support, stressing that no sector would be neglected under his proposed administration.
Addressing unemployment, the senator said Ogun State’s industrial strength and proximity to Lagos would be strategically utilised to attract investments and create employment opportunities.
He promised to strengthen relationships with industries operating in the state, encourage the employment of qualified Ogun youths and introduce an annual economic summit to showcase the state’s investment opportunities to local and international investors.
On the increasing migration of young Nigerians in search of greener pastures, popularly known as Japa, Adeola acknowledged the desire for better opportunities abroad but maintained that his administration would work towards creating conditions that would encourage young professionals and graduates to build successful careers at home.
Speaking on his performance and commitment to delivering on campaign promises, the senator said his record of constituency projects and empowerment programmes provides a foundation for what he intends to achieve as governor.
“If I can do it as a senator, I will do more as governor. I have set a standard that I can only improve upon. Hold me responsible,” he declared.
Adeola also promised to expand his existing empowerment and vocational training programmes across the 20 local government areas through dedicated government structures, including a Ministry of Wealth Creation.
On infrastructure, he pledged to prioritise road construction and rehabilitation, saying his administration would undertake road projects of at least 10 kilometres, while also improving learning environments in public schools.
He commended the infrastructural achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun, stating that his ambition is to consolidate and improve upon the existing administration’s development efforts.
In a major commitment to youth participation and government accountability, Adeola promised to institutionalise quarterly interactive media engagements with Gen Zs, giving young people regular opportunities to question his administration, assess its performance and make recommendations.
He further proposed the establishment of a dedicated command centre where residents could report challenges, lodge complaints and receive government attention. According to him, the centre would provide daily reports for his review, while government aides would be accessible to members of the public.
Also speaking at the event, popular Nollywood actor and Ogun State indigene, Lateef Adedimeji, encouraged young people to believe in their talents and the opportunities available in Nigeria.
Citing his personal experience in the entertainment industry, Adedimeji said he had built a successful career while living and working in Nigeria.
“I live my life in Nigeria and I can say categorically that I am successful in my career. That you can also be here and be successful,” he said.
He cautioned young people against the pursuit of quick wealth and urged them to invest in developing their skills, talents and professional abilities.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for young people from across Ogun State to engage Senator Adeola directly on issues affecting their generation, as he presented his policy proposals and commitments ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
