Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC for Ogun 2027 election, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (aka Yayi) to focus on development-driven leadership, agribusiness, youth employment and inclusive governance capable of transforming the state’s economy if elected.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to him by Olamilekan and his entourage in Abeokuta, Obasanjo stressed that the state’s next governor must be committed to leaving a lasting developmental legacy rather than pursuing politics for its own sake.
The former President praised leaders who engage directly with communities to identify areas requiring development, saying effective leadership is about reaching the people and addressing their needs.
According to him, Ogun State requires a governor who understands the enormous economic potential of the state and can harness it for the benefit of the people.
Obasanjo advocated a shift from traditional agriculture to what he described as “agribusiness,” explaining that the sector should encompass the entire value chain from land preparation and mechanisation to processing, value addition and marketing.
“I don’t call it agriculture now; I call it agribusiness,” he said, adding that the sector offers the greatest opportunity for job creation, particularly for unemployed youths.
He noted that Ogun’s strategic location next to Lagos presents a unique opportunity for the state to become the food basket of Nigeria’s commercial capital while exporting processed agricultural products to international markets.
Beyond agribusiness, the former President identified tourism, financial services and technology as key sectors capable of driving economic growth and diversifying Ogun’s economy.
He urged the state’s future leadership to exploit Ogun’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites and artistic resources to develop a thriving tourism industry comparable to successful global destinations.
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On governance, Obasanjo advocated an inclusive leadership model rooted in African values of consensus and collective decision-making rather than divisive partisan politics.
He argued that governance should unite people around shared developmental goals, recalling that during his presidency he appointed ministers across party lines to promote national unity.
The elder statesman also advised political leaders to run inclusive administrations that accommodate diverse interests, insisting that development can only thrive where people work together with a common purpose.
His remarks underscore growing calls for issue-based campaigns ahead of the Ogun governorship election, with emphasis on economic transformation, youth empowerment and people-centred governance.
Speaking earlier the governorship candidate of the APC, Senator Yayi said he has come to seek the former president blessing, prayers and guidance as he formally declared his intention to govern the state.
Yayi described the former President as a father figure whose counsel and support remain invaluable to anyone aspiring to lead Ogun State.
The senator said he visited to formally notify the elder statesman of his governorship ambition before embarking on consultations and campaign engagements across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Yayi expressed confidence in Ogun State’s enormous economic potential, saying the state is richly endowed with natural and human resources capable of driving sustainable development.
He outlined agriculture as key priorities of his administration if elected, stressing his commitment to transforming Ogun into the food basket of Lagos State and the wider South-West region.
According to him, developing the agricultural value chain would not only boost food production but also create jobs, stimulate investments and improve the livelihoods of residents.
The APC flag bearer also pledged to work closely with experienced leaders and stakeholders to deliver purposeful governance, noting that their guidance would be critical to achieving meaningful development.
Yayi thanked Obasanjo for receiving him and members of his entourage, assuring the former President that his campaign would focus on service, development and the prosperity of Ogun people.
Yayi had earlier visited the former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to consult and deliberate with him. During the visit, he promised to always consult with the former governor and also return all his rightful rights to him if elected.
