By John Umeh
Political Editor
Hon. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) and why his track record of personal development projects positions him as a strong candidate for Governor of Ogun State, particularly representing Ogun West (Yewa‑Awori) region:
1. Proven Commitment: Education & Human Capital Development
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Scholarships & Bursary Awards: YAYI’s scholarship/bursary program has benefited over 1,500 tertiary students in Ogun West, empowering young people from grassroots communities.
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Massive classroom and learning support: He has supplied 40,000 textbooks, distributed school furniture (10,000 desks and chairs) to primary and secondary schools across the district, and commissioned new classroom blocks and ICT centers in numerous schools.
These interventions have created lasting educational infrastructure and nurtured human capital at scale.
2. Infrastructure Delivery: Over 50 Capital Projects
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Early‑2025 push: Between July 2023 and July 2024, YAYI commissioned 59 capital development projects across Ogun West—spanning Ado‑Odo/Ota, Ipokia, Imeko‑Afon, Yewa North, and Yewa South LGAs
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Notable roads and bridges: He facilitated the construction of roads like Ajilete Township, Idogo Ipaja, Igbeji Road; and bridges including Oke Ela, Gbogidi, and Orita Bridge
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Town and community halls: YAYI built ultramodern town halls in Owode, Pahayi Market, Pahayi Township, and Ayetoro (Omidokun Hall), giving Ogun West civic gathering centers and public spaces.
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Community‑driven road schemes: For instance, the Agosasa Road in Ipokia was completed under his sponsorship in response to local needs.
These are tangible, place-based investments he initiated himself from the National Assembly platform.
3. Strategic Institutional Advocacy & Policy Impact
Federal University of Technology, Ilaro: YAYI successfully sponsored the bill to upgrade Federal Polytechnic Ilaro into a Federal University of Technology, securing Ogun West’s first public university .
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National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko: He sponsored a bill for the establishment of this institute in Ogun West, boosting education and research locally.
4. Empowerment & Inclusion Initiatives
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Youth & women empowerment: Introduced programs like fishery value-chain training, small-business grants, ICT training, and local economic support schemes.
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Religious and cultural inclusion: Sponsored hundreds of Ogun West citizens on the holy pilgrimage; demonstrated pluralist approach to constituency engagement.
These initiatives reflect his inclusive approach, reaching diverse communities across Ogun West.
5. Political Legacy of Ogun West Representation
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Breaking the 49-Year governorship jinx: As the first Senator from Ogun West (Yewa‑Awori) in the 2023–2027 Senate, YAYI has spearheaded efforts to challenge the absence of Ogun West governors since 1976, urging unity and strategic planning toward 2027 gubernatorial ambitions.
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His West‑to‑West movement, transitioning from Lagos West to Ogun West representation, galvanized the region and enhanced cross‑border engagement culturally and politically.
He has become not just a representative, but a symbol of Ogun West’s rightful political voice.
Why YAYI Must Be the Next Governor of Ogun State
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Development-Driven Leadership: Unlike abstract promises, every sector—education, roads, healthcare, community infrastructure—shows his hands-on involvement and results.
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Equity Champion: He channels continuous interventions into Ogun West, the most historically marginalized zone, addressing long-standing inequality.
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Strong Legislative Profile: As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, his influence over federal budget allocation positions Ogun West for continued investment.
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Track Record of Unification: YAYI has mobilized the Yewa‑Awori communities, encouraging the collective political will needed for Ogun West to produce its next governor.
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Technical Competence & Integrity: A seasoned chartered accountant and national honoree (CON), he brings fiscal prudence, transparency, and professionalism to governance.
Proposed Agenda as Governor
Should he win the governorship, YAYI’s vision could include:
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Institutionalizing his scholarship & empowerment programs across all wards and LGAs.
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Scaling up capital projects in rural infrastructure, tertiary institution expansion, and health-sector deliveries.
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Attracting private investments alongside federal partnerships for industrial parks, educational innovations, and transport corridors.
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Fostering inclusive governance structures—town halls, constituency councils, digital outreach—to sustain participatory democracy.
Conclusively:
Hon. Solomon Adeola, alias YAYI, is a standout candidate due to his consistent delivery of constituency-specific projects, legislative achievements tailored to Ogun West’s needs, and strong moral capital arising from his transparent and results-based approach.
His track record presents a strong case that:
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He builds not just projects, but institutions.
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He empowers people, not patronage.
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He transforms constituencies, not just polities.
For Ogun West to finally claim its place in the gubernatorial history of Ogun State, a leader with YAYI’s blend of vision, delivery, unity, and professionalism is timely and essential.
