The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for Oyo state, Senator Sharafadeen Alli has identified education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and transportation as priority sectors requiring urgent intervention if eventually elected governor for Oyo State.
He noted that education in the state had suffered neglect, saying healthcare facilities required significant improvements, and critical infrastructure projects needed renewed attention.
He also stressed the importance of revitalizing the agricultural sector and expanding transportation infrastructure beyond roads to include rail and other modern transit systems.
The senator, who was a former SSG, Oyo State said “We developed several plans in the past, and many of those initiatives will be revisited and implemented. By the grace of God, the people of our state will enjoy the benefits of these programmes,” he said.
Senator Alli expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu who counselled him in 2023 to put his gubernatorial ambition on hold and instead proceed to the Senate.
Speaking during a reception organized in his honour by his staff at the National Assembly, the senator said the advice paid off as he won the senatorial election for Oyo South.
Senator Alli gave all glory to Almighty God since there is nothing he could achieve or become today except by His grace.
He also acknowledged President Tinubu’s role in his political journey. Going down memory lane, Senator Alli said in 2023, he wanted to obtain the nomination form to contest for governor, however President Tinubu when the National Chairman was sent to Ibadan, he was toldhowever President Tinubu, then APC national leader advised that he should not obtain the governorship form. Instead Tinubu said he should leave the governorship race and obtain the form for the Senate.
Though Senator Alli did not like the idea, he had no option but to take the advice. “I must be honest, I did not quite like the idea because I had been preparing for something else. If I decide to go another way and run into trouble, who will come and rescue me?”
“So, I accepted the decision, obtained the Senate form, and, by the grace of God, we are here today”, adding that “although it was something I desired, I was never desperate. I placed everything in the hands of Almighty God”.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli who is the chairman Senate committee on Agricultural Colleges and institutions further appreciated the support and encouragement he received from fellow senators, including the leadership of the Senate and numerous colleagues who stood by him throughout the journey.
He expressed appreciation to close associates and supporters who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of his political aspirations, praying for God’s continued blessings upon them.
