PROF. OLUMUYIWA BABALOLA UNVEILS GRACE AGENDA FOR EKITI STATE GOVERNANCE

Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Professor Olumuyiwa Babalola, has unveiled his strategic development blueprint dubbed the GRACE Agenda, promising a transformative governance framework centered on transparency, equity, and progress. Speaking on his vision for Ekiti, Professor Babalola emphasized his administration would prioritize restoring the state’s pride as a fountain of knowledge and prosperity.

“All these are the covenants with the people of Ekiti State. My administration will focus on integrity, development, and fairness to restore the pride of Ekiti as a land of knowledge, dignity, and prosperity,” Professor Babalola declared. He outlined GRACE – an acronym representing Governance & Transparency, Education & Youth Development, Agriculture & Food Security, Healthcare & Social Welfare, Infrastructure & Urban Development, Security & Justice, Women, Children & Vulnerable Groups, and Environment & Sustainable Development – as pillars underpinning his governorship bid.

On Governance & Transparency, Babalola vowed to operate a corruption-free government earning public trust, introducing e-governance to digitize services. “We will establish community engagement forums in all 16 LGAs to give citizens a voice in decision-making,” he stated, aiming for inclusive governance.

Education remains pivotal; Ekiti being the “Fountain of Knowledge” will see free and compulsory education up to senior secondary school under Babalola. “We will revamp public schools with modern classrooms, ICT labs, and libraries. Teacher training, better welfare, and performance-based incentives are key,” he affirmed, alongside establishing Ekiti Youth Innovation & Skill Hubs fostering ICT, technical skills, and entrepreneurship.

Healthcare & Social Welfare features renovation of General Hospitals and PHC centers with free maternal, child, and elderly services plus an Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme. Babalola stressed partnerships to combat preventable diseases like malaria.

Agriculture – Ekiti’s backbone – sees Babalola prioritizing profitability: “Provide farmers with tractors, irrigation systems, fertilizers, and improved seedlings. Establish agro-processing zones for cassava, rice, cocoa, and palm oil,” he said, launching initiatives like the Ekiti Food Bank.

Infrastructure includes reconstructing key roads, expanding rural electricity via solar projects, affordable housing, and urban upgrades. Security boosts feature Amotekun strengthening, CCTV surveillance, and victims’ support programs ensuring justice.

Babalola’s GRACE Agenda pledges 35% affirmative action for women in leadership and empowerment funds. Environmentally, he promotes waste-to-wealth projects and combating deforestation. “Together, under the GRACE agenda, Ekiti will rise again,” Professor Babalola concluded, soliciting Ekiti people’s support.