The gubernatorial candidate of the Because of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) political party, Engineer Adekunle Dreher Adenuga, has pledged to restore the glory of agriculture and improve the fortunes of farmers in Ogun State if elected governor in the 2027 general elections, by the grace of God.
Adenuga made this promise during a meeting with members of the Farmers’ Association, known as Ki Ebi Ma Pa Ilu, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
He described agriculture as an indispensable sector in every society, expressing concern over the difficult conditions currently facing farmers in the state.
The gubernatorial candidate disclosed that agriculture was among the key areas he had been researching and studying for approximately 24 years.
He further stated that one of his major strategies for reviving the agricultural sector would be the establishment of a dedicated agricultural development bank, which he referred to as an “Agro Bank”.
According to him, agricultural development would remain a major priority of his administration if elected.
He also recalled the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo as an example of a period when farmers enjoyed better conditions and benefited from policies and facilities that supported agricultural production.
Speaking further, Adenuga said the challenges facing the country were more serious than many people realised, stressing that the next government must be built on divine wisdom, knowledge and sound understanding.
He maintained that the country needed a government with a clear vision and a workable development strategy, expressing confidence that the administration he envisioned would come to fruition.
“The kind of government God has prepared for us will become a reality. It has taken us 16 years of careful planning, adjustments and preparation before we could confidently say that we are ready to establish this government,” he said.
Adenuga argued that many existing governments had failed because they lacked a proper understanding of governance and the principles required to administer society effectively.
He identified two fundamental pillars of good governance: wisdom, knowledge and understanding, alongside good character and conduct.
“As an engineer and a scientist, I want you to understand that wisdom, knowledge and understanding are essential requirements for effective governance.
Anyone who wants to govern successfully must possess these three qualities.
“These three qualities are interconnected.
I am revealing to you one of the secrets of good governance because of our collective future,” he explained.
He further identified personal character and upbringing as another critical factor influencing leadership and governance.
According to him, the foundation of good leadership begins at home, particularly with how parents raise their children and instil discipline and good values in them.
He stressed that character and conduct, which he described as personal character, were essential qualities that every individual aspiring to leadership must possess.
“Yoruba people are wise, When someone is accused of stealing, people sometimes say it is something they have been doing since childhood.
If a person’s character and conduct are questionable, such an individual cannot provide good leadership, regardless of the position they occupy.
“No matter the office a person holds in life, character and conduct remain important.
This is one of the major reasons governance is failing today,” Adenuga stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ki Ebi Ma Pa Ilu Farmers’ Association, Elder Adekunle Akanbi Soyemi, appreciated the gubernatorial candidate for honouring the association with his presence.
He also pledged the group’s willingness to work with Adenuga towards achieving his ambition of becoming the next governor of Ogun State.
The meeting also featured an interactive session during which members of the association raised various questions, which Engineer Adenuga addressed.
