By Adesina Wahab

A youth group, the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance, RHYA, has endorsed Engineer Sunday Babalola for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kwara State come 2027 general elections.

The group, in a statement by Amb. Israel Akinola, the National Coordinator, said Babalola has all it takes to take the state to greater heights.

They also commended President Bola Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which they said represents a new phase of national development that must be supported, defended, and expanded across all levels of governance in Nigeria.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a political slogan; it is a bold framework for economic reform, institutional strengthening, youth empowerment, and national rebirth. However, for this vision to succeed fully, the federal government cannot work in isolation. It requires competent, visionary, and progressive leaders at the state level who can align with the President’s reforms and translate national policies into practical development outcomes for the people at the grassroots.
“It is in this spirit that the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance is today making a principled and strategic call to the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), both at the national level and in Kwara State.
“After careful observation, engagement with stakeholders, and assessment of leadership capacity among potential aspirants ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections in Kwara State, the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance proudly and confidently identifies Engr. Sunday Adebayo Babalola as one of the most qualified, competent, and inspiring leaders who should be strongly considered for the APC governorship ticket.
“Engr. Sunday Babalola represents a rare blend of technocratic competence, grassroots connection, philanthropic commitment, and progressive political ideology. His life journey reflects the kind of leadership profile that our party needs at this critical stage of national development.
“Engr. Babalola has established himself as a respected professional and accomplished technocrat in the oil and gas industry. Through years of dedication, innovation, and strategic leadership within one of the most demanding sectors of the Nigerian economy, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage complex systems, build institutions, and deliver results. His reputation as a successful oil and gas entrepreneur and industry expert underscores his capacity as a strategic thinker and capable administrator.
“In an era where governance increasingly demands technical knowledge, economic foresight, and managerial discipline, leaders like Engr. Babalola stand out as individuals who can bring professional efficiency into public administration. His experience in managing resources, building teams, and navigating the dynamics of large-scale operations positions him as someone capable of steering Kwara State toward greater economic growth, investment attraction, and infrastructural development.
“However, beyond his professional accomplishments, what truly distinguishes Engr. Sunday Babalola is his profound commitment to the welfare of the people at the grassroots.
“Through the remarkable initiatives of the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation, Engr. Babalola has demonstrated that leadership is ultimately about service and compassion. Since its establishment, the foundation has committed over One Billion Naira to various humanitarian and development-focused interventions that have directly impacted the lives of thousands of citizens.
“These interventions include extensive educational support programmes through scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, renovation and upgrading of school facilities to improve learning environments, financial assistance for vulnerable families, and empowerment initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs.
“The foundation has also provided critical palliative support to communities during times of economic hardship, ensuring that struggling households receive assistance and relief. Beyond these interventions, the foundation has actively promoted youth leadership development, civic engagement, and community-based initiatives that empower young people to become agents of positive change.
“Such a consistent track record of philanthropy and grassroots engagement has earned Engr. Babalola the admiration and respect of many communities across Kwara State. His actions demonstrate that he understands the needs, aspirations, and challenges of ordinary citizens.
“For us in the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance, this kind of leadership is deeply aligned with the progressive values that define our party. The APC has always been a party that champions development, social investment, and people-centered governance. Leaders who embody these values deserve the opportunity to serve at the highest levels.”
The group added: “Therefore, on behalf of the entire membership of the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance across Nigeria, we respectfully call on the National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the Kwara State APC leadership to give serious and favorable consideration to Engr. Sunday Babalola as a leading aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This call is not based on sentiment or personal relationships; it is based on objective assessment of leadership capacity, commitment to progressive values, and proven service to the people.”