AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A former State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Sikiru Titilola Sodo, has promised improved workers’ welfare, local government autonomy and better infrastructure if elected governor of Oyo State in 2027.
Titilola-Sodo, a retired civil servant and former Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, made the promises at a forum organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, in Mokola, Ibadan.
The AA governorship candidate graced the occasion in company with the state Chairman of the party, Hon. Okediran ‘Biodun James and the state Secretary, Olasunkanmi Dauda.
He said his administration, if given the opportunity, would prioritise the welfare of workers and pensioners, noting that many workers were operating without the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
Titilola-Sodo said the minimum pension in the state would be increased from N25,000 to N35,000 from May 29, 2027, if he is elected as the governor of the Pacesetter state.
While scoring the current administration okay in some areas, Titilola-Sodo said no government could address all challenges without room for improvement.
He specifically cited the welfare of workers and the condition of public institutions, saying the government needed to provide the necessary tools and resources for workers to function effectively.
On infrastructure, the governorship hopeful said more attention should be given to areas outside Ibadan, particularly Ibarapa, which he described as being isolated from other parts of the state because of poor road connections.
He also argued that Ibadan deserved an international airport, saying the resources of the state should be distributed equitably across the various zones.
Titilola-Sodo also promised to strengthen the Amotekun security outfit and support the implementation of state police, while linking insecurity at the grassroots to the state of local government administration.
He said his administration would allow local governments to operate with greater autonomy, arguing that this could help reduce insecurity and promote development at the grassroots.
On education, he promised to regenerate educational infrastructure, ensure quality construction through the engagement of qualified civil engineers, and return to the policy of having 30 pupils per classroom.
He also proposed a one-meal-per-day programme for pupils as part of efforts to improve access to education and support vulnerable families.
The former labour adviser further promised to pay outstanding arrears owed public servants, revive the Joint Account Committee, JAC, meetings and establish a cottage industry in each local government area to create jobs and stimulate economic activities.
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of AA has rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s choice of backing Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate for Oyo State in the upcoming 2027 election as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 election.
He described Makinde’s decision as a breach of trust which has heat up the polity.
Titilola-Sodo appealed to journalists to support efforts aimed at giving the masses greater attention in governance, saying his political platform was built around the motto, “Let the masses live.”
