We Must Stop Celebrating Survival — Farinloye Demands Transition To Prosperity In Osun

Olanrewaju Farinloye is the Governorship Candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the forthcoming August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State, in this interview he bears his mind on what he has for the people of Osun State in terms of provision of employment of opportunities for youths, quality healthcare and qualitative education, adding that he his administration, if emerged victorious will ensure state’s long-term economic and social development. On insecurity, he disclosed plans to deploy drone surveillance technology and strengthen local security architecture across Osun State. These among many other vital issues he discussed during an interview with our correspondent.

Excerpts:

It is often observed that politicians become close to the people during elections but abandon them after winning. Why does this happen?

They forget because traditional politics is built around transactions. Once votes are bought, they feel accountable to nobody. That is why we must completely change the governance culture. My administration will operate what I call “Transparency by Default,” where citizens can monitor projects, budgets and implementation processes digitally from their phones.

If people can track government performance directly, leaders can never disconnect from the people again. “Otito koro”, truth is bitter. We must tell ourselves the bitter truth that the old political system has failed our people.

What are some of the things you intend to do differently if elected governor?

The #OsunTunTun movement is beyond politics. It is a developmental movement designed to reposition Osun economically and socially. We must stop celebrating survival and start building prosperity. My administration will focus on technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, industrialisation and infrastructure capable of creating sustainable prosperity instead of temporary political handouts. Osun youths are intelligent and creative enough to compete globally if we provide the right systems and opportunities.

Why are you contesting when there is already an incumbent governor?

Leadership is about vision and capacity. Democracy gives people the opportunity to choose alternatives whenever improvement is necessary. We believe Osun can perform far better economically, technologically and industrially, and that is why we are presenting a fresh direction. I’m not competing against the incumbent governor, but against Osun’s decay and unrealised potential.

How would you rate the performance of the incumbent governor?

Governance should be measured beyond publicity and political excitement. The real question is whether industries are growing, whether youths are getting sustainable jobs, whether the economy is expanding and whether people are experiencing improvement in their daily lives. My focus is not attacks but presenting practical alternatives and measurable solutions.

How do you intend to industrialise Osun and create opportunities for youths?

Modern industrialisation is no longer about smoke-filled factories alone. It is now about technology, innovation, energy, processing and productivity. We plan to establish Micro-Industrial Clusters in Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa, Ikirun and Iwo. These clusters will provide uninterrupted electricity, internet access, shared production equipment, storage facilities and startup support systems for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Many young entrepreneurs fail not because they lack talent but because they lack infrastructure and support systems. The government must create an environment where businesses can grow.

Osun is largely agrarian. What are your plans for agriculture?

Our agricultural agenda is PPP- Plant, Process and Package. We must stop farming like it is still 1960. Farmers will receive direct support through fertilizers, seedlings, mechanised equipment and irrigation support without political middlemen. More importantly, agricultural products grown in Osun must be processed locally before exportation. If we grow cocoa, cassava or palm produce in Osun, we must process and package them here. That is how real jobs are created. Àgbẹ̀ ni ọba, the farmer is king.

What are your plans for youth development and employment?

There is a severe disconnect between what schools teach and what the modern economy demands. We will introduce a “Transition to Tech and Trade” initiative that will equip graduates and young people with practical digital and vocational skills.

The programme will focus on digital skills training, startup incubation, innovation support systems, entrepreneurial grants and technical certification programmes.

The future economy belongs to technology, creativity and innovation. Our youths must move from waiting for jobs to creating jobs.

Nigeria is facing electricity challenges. What solutions do you have for Osun?

You cannot build an economy in darkness. Osun can no longer depend entirely on the national grid if meaningful industrialisation must happen. Using the Electricity Act of 2023, we will collaborate with private investors to establish Independent Power Projects dedicated to industrial zones, business districts and commercial centres. Stable electricity is critical for investors, productivity and the survival of small businesses.

Insecurity remains a major concern across Nigeria. How will you strengthen security in Osun?

We will strengthen local security architecture, especially Amotekun. Our administration will improve surveillance systems, patrol logistics, intelligence gathering, communication infrastructure and welfare packages.

We also intend to deploy drone surveillance and modern monitoring technology to forests and vulnerable border communities. No criminal will find comfort in Osun State under our administration.

What are your plans for technical education?

We abandoned the hands that build society. Technical and vocational education remain critical to economic growth and industrial productivity. We will modernise technical colleges by introducing programmes in solar panel engineering, mechatronics, renewable energy systems, fabrication, machine maintenance and modern electrical support systems. Technical education remains one of the fastest pathways to economic empowerment.

What are your plans for the abandoned farm settlements in Osun?

The old farm settlement initiative introduced during Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s era was revolutionary for its time. We plan to revive those abandoned settlements and convert them into Agro-Tech Hubs equipped with tractors, irrigation systems, warehousing facilities, processing centres, internet connectivity and agricultural technology support systems. Young people must begin to see agriculture as business and wealth creation.

There are speculations that smaller political parties may later align with bigger parties. Is your party planning any alliance?

That is propaganda from the political establishment. They want the public to believe it is only a two-horse race because they fear our growing grassroots movement. We are fully committed to contesting and winning this election. I am not here to negotiate with the establishment. I am here to retire the old political culture.

What is your final message to the people of Osun State?

Oṣù tuntun, Ọ̀ṣun tuntun – a new Osun is loading. The people should reject vote-buying and embrace visionary leadership capable of securing the future of coming generations.

The people deserve a government that respects their sweat, values productivity, rewards hard work and creates opportunities for all.