By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A Town Planning expert and chieftain of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Mr. Rotimi Matthew Babajide, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, promising to create no fewer than 150,000 jobs within four years, if elected.

Babajide, made the declaration at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, where he unveiled a comprehensive, people-centered manifesto, anchored on economic growth, infrastructure development, education reform, healthcare delivery, agriculture, security, and transparent governance.

The governorship aspirant, while addressing party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, declared that Ogun State must be rescued from the present leaders.

According to him, “I stand before you today, in the name of the Most High, to declare my sincere intention to serve the good people of Ogun State as governor from May 29, 2027.

“I am prepared for the number one job, and I am ready to serve with the fear of God, ensuring an all-inclusive government that truly reflects the aspirations of our people.”

Babajide said his administration would focus on industrialisation and strategic private-sector partnerships to tackle unemployment across the state.

“Ogun State, the land of our forefathers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Prof. Wole Soyinka, must not be surrendered to political invaders. We have history, we have identity, and this is the time to reclaim our future,” he said.

The APM aspirant explained that industrial growth clusters would be established in major economic zones, including Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ota, to stimulate economic activities and create jobs.

He said: “My administration will establish industrial growth clusters in key economic zones such as Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ota, while also providing grants and low-interest loans to small and medium-scale enterprises, artisans and young entrepreneurs.

“We will create youth enterprise hubs to support startups and digital innovation, and partner with private investors to expand manufacturing and agro-processing.

“Our target is clear and achievable; to create 150,000 new jobs within four years. This is not just a promise; it is a commitment backed by a strategic plan.”

On infrastructure, Babajide promised to open up rural communities through road rehabilitation and improved transportation systems across the state.

“We will rehabilitate major roads linking rural areas to markets, expand public transport systems to ensure safe and affordable mobility, and improve electricity supply through independent power projects.

“In addition, we will launch a Clean Ogun Initiative to address waste management and sanitation challenges across the state. Our goal is to construct or rehabilitate at least 500 kilometres of roads statewide,” he added.

Speaking on education and healthcare, the governorship hopeful promised far-reaching reforms aimed at improving access and quality service delivery.

According to him, “We will upgrade public schools with modern facilities and digital tools, recruit and train qualified teachers, and introduce vocational and technical education to prepare our youth for the future.

“We will also provide scholarships for indigent students and ensure at least 90 per cent student retention in public schools.”

On healthcare, Babajide pledged to upgrade primary healthcare centres across all wards in the state, provide free maternal and child healthcare services and strengthen health insurance coverage.

“In healthcare, we will upgrade primary healthcare centres in every ward, provide free maternal and child healthcare, deploy mobile clinics to rural areas, and strengthen health insurance coverage to guarantee access for all,” he stated.

The APM governorship aspirant also outlined plans to boost agriculture and tackle insecurity through community-based initiatives and technology-driven security architecture.

“Our administration will support farmers with subsidies, mechanisation and training, while developing farm settlements and agro-processing zones to increase food production by at least 50 per cent within four years,” he said.

On security, he added: “We will strengthen community policing, deploy modern technology such as CCTV and emergency response systems, and improve collaboration with security agencies to significantly reduce crime within the first two years.”

Babajide further pledged to prioritise youth and women empowerment through entrepreneurship programmes and support for women-led businesses.

“Transparency will be the cornerstone of our administration. We will publish state budgets and expenditures openly, introduce digital governance to curb corruption, and hold quarterly town hall meetings to remain accountable to the people,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of APM, Mr. Abayomi Sanyaolu, urged residents of the state to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next election.

Sanyaolu described APM as “the only credible and formidable platform” capable of taking over power in the state, adding that the party remained open to aspirants interested in contesting various elective positions.