Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adewale Kareem, has said his decision to join politics is driven by service and integrity, insisting that leadership must not be a tool for personal enrichment.
“I am not in politics to loot or enrich myself,” Kareem said. “I am in politics to serve, to build institutions, and to improve the lives of our people.”
Outlining his development blueprint for Oyo State, Kareem said his vision is anchored on job creation, security, education, and inclusive economic growth, which he described as “the foundation of a prosperous, just, and forward-looking society.”
At the centre of his economic agenda, he said, is the establishment of industrial parks in each senatorial district. “Industrialisation is critical to job creation,” he said.
“By establishing industrial parks across the state and combining this with comprehensive agricultural reforms, we can create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs within the first two years.”
Kareem said agriculture would remain a priority under his leadership, stressing that farmers must be empowered to succeed.
“We will support our farmers with modern machinery, targeted incentives, and structured support systems to boost productivity, ensure food security, and improve rural livelihoods,” he said.
On security, the APC aspirant said development cannot thrive without safety. “A secure Oyo State is non-negotiable,” he said.
“We will deploy a modern, intelligence-driven security architecture, including surveillance cameras at strategic locations, technology-enabled policing, and strong community collaboration.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to free and quality education for all children in the state. “Education must never be a privilege reserved for a few,” Kareem said. “It is a guaranteed right for every child in Oyo State, regardless of background, religion, or location.”
According to him, his education policy will include parental incentive schemes tied to school enrolment. “These models have worked in other parts of the world,” he said.
“They increase enrolment, reduce dropout rates, strengthen accountability, and give us reliable data for effective planning.”
Beyond education, Kareem said his administration would introduce interest-free loans for small and medium-scale businesses.
“Our traders, artisans, entrepreneurs, and young business owners need access to capital,” he said. “Interest-free loans will stimulate growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods.”
He added that fiscal discipline would be a key principle of his administration. “We will manage public funds prudently, limit excessive borrowing, and ensure transparency in governance,” he said.
Speaking on his engagements across the state ahead of 2027, Kareem said he has been consulting widely within the APC.
“I have met with leaders and members across several local governments to share this vision,” he said. “We will continue these consultations to strengthen party unity and ensure that every community is carried along.”
Kareem said his plans are captured in a policy blueprint titled Our Realistic Tomorrow, which he described as “a clear, practical, and realistic roadmap for repositioning Oyo State through inclusive governance and sustainable development.”
Addressing public distrust in politics, he urged residents not to lose hope. “God makes people different,” Kareem said. “Leadership must be rooted in service, accountability, integrity, and the fear of God.”
He called on party leaders, members, and stakeholders to support his ambition, describing it as more than a political contest. “AKK 2027 is not just an election,” he said. “It is a movement for a better tomorrow—and I am ready to lead.”
