Prof. Olumuyiwa Babalola, vying for the Ekiti State governorship under the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) platform, has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the state’s future through his GRACE Agenda, touching on critical sectors poised to reshape, uplift, and propel Ekiti to new heights. The GRACE Agenda – encapsulating Governance & Transparency, Education & Youth Development, Agriculture & Food Security, Healthcare & Social Welfare, Infrastructure & Urban Development, Security & Justice, Women, Children & Vulnerable Groups, and Environment & Sustainable Development – reflects Babalola’s vision of integrity-driven governance fostering dignity and prosperity.
At the heart of Babalola’s pitch is restoring Ekiti’s revered status as the “Fountain of Knowledge” with transformative strides in education: free and compulsory schooling up to senior secondary level, modernized public schools boasting ICT labs and libraries, alongside robust teacher training and incentives. “Ekiti Youth Innovation & Skill Hubs will drive ICT, technical prowess, and entrepreneurial flair among young Ekitians,” Babalola underscores, coupling this with a Graduate Transition Scheme marrying graduates to internships and jobs.
Agriculture – pivotal to Ekiti’s economy – sees Babalola vowing support: tractors, irrigation, improved seedlings for farmers plus agro-processing zones for crops like cassava and cocoa. Launching an Ekiti Food Bank aims to curb post-harvest losses, complementing youth-in-agriculture drives granting access to land, credit, and skills.
On healthcare, renovated hospitals and PHCs promise better service delivery with free maternal, child, and elderly care underpinned by an Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme. Babalola targets preventable diseases via NGO-private sector alliances.
Babalola’s governance mantra hinges on transparency and e-governance digitizing services, reducing bureaucracy. Community forums in Ekiti’s 16 LGAs seek citizen inclusion. “My administration will focus on integrity, development, and fairness,” he avows.
Security amplifications encompass Amotekun reinforcement, CCTV in key towns, modernized security apparatus, and victim support plus expedited justice. Infrastructure sees key road reconstructions, rural solar electricity expansion, affordable civil servant housing, and market upgrades.
Affirmative action beckons – 35% leadership slots for women backed by cooperative funds; skills centers aid widows; child protection curbs labor/abuse. Eco-consciousness surfaces via waste-to-wealth drives, tree planting against erosion, renewable energy in schools/hospitals, checking illegal logging/pollution.
“We are covenanting with Ekiti people for a rise anew,” Prof. Babalola declares of the GRACE Agenda. “Together, Ekiti will rise again,” he rallies, appealing for endorsement as he stakes his claim on restoring Ekiti’s pride, dignity, and prosperity.
