Osun 2026: ZLP candidate Adesuyi promises jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2026 Osun State election, Engr. John Olufemi Adesuyi, has unveiled a manifesto focused on job creation, affordable healthcare, quality education, improved security and inclusive governance.

Speaking during the presentation of the party’s manifesto, titled “The People’s Platform for a Greater Osun,” at a programme organised by the Osun NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Wednesday, Adesuyi said his administration would prioritise agriculture, technology, education, healthcare and community development to improve the living standards of residents.

A key component of the manifesto, according to the ZLP candidate, is the creation of 10,000 jobs through agriculture, which he described as the sector with the greatest potential for economic growth and youth employment.

“My model is to create 10,000 jobs using agriculture because it has the longest value chain and the greatest capacity to absorb our youths. We are going to develop profitable agricultural businesses that will attract unemployed graduates and young people with the support of technology,” he said.

He explained that young people would be engaged in poultry farming, piggery, livestock production and crop cultivation, while the government would encourage the establishment of agro-processing industries to add value to farm produce within the state.

“Instead of exporting raw cassava, we will process it into cassava pellets and other products within the state. That approach alone will create thousands of sustainable jobs and boost the economy,” he added.

Adesuyi also unveiled a technology-driven entrepreneurship initiative he termed “Technopreneurship,” aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and expanding economic opportunities.

“Today’s economy is driven by technology, and government must prepare our youths to compete globally. People do not always need capital to start a business; they need knowledge, skills and access to the right platforms,” he said.

According to him, government should function as a productive institution that creates opportunities and stimulates economic growth rather than merely consuming public resources.

On security, the ZLP flag bearer said safeguarding lives and property would be a major priority of his administration.

“Any government that cannot protect the lives and property of its citizens has failed in its primary responsibility. Security must begin from the communities because those who live there understand the challenges better,” he stated.

He proposed a community-based security framework involving traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders, supported with training and modern security tools to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Adesuyi also pledged to establish effective communication channels that would enable residents to promptly report security threats and criminal activities.

Addressing education, he expressed concern over what he described as declining standards in public schools and promised to strengthen technical and vocational education while addressing the shortage of teachers.

“Many schools across Osun still lack teachers for key subjects, while several technical colleges rely heavily on corps members. That situation is not sustainable,” he said.

He stressed the importance of technical education in preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship and promised to improve access to computer facilities required for computer-based examinations such as WAEC and NECO.

On healthcare, Adesuyi said his administration would focus on making medical services more accessible and affordable, particularly for vulnerable citizens.

“Quality healthcare should be affordable and, where necessary, completely free for the most vulnerable members of society. Nobody should die because they cannot afford treatment,” he said.

He also pledged to expand access to primary healthcare by ensuring health facilities are located closer to residential communities.

The ZLP candidate further promised an inclusive governance model that would allow communities to participate directly in determining development priorities.

“We want to run a government that involves everyone because governance is about the people. Communities should have a direct say in deciding the infrastructure they need most,” he said.

According to him, involving citizens in decision-making would encourage a sense of ownership and help protect public projects from neglect and vandalism.

Adesuyi also condemned vote buying, describing it as a threat to democracy and good governance.

“We are not intimidated by the size of anyone’s purse because we intend to run government with public funds, not personal wealth. Vote buying is a criminal act and should never determine the outcome of elections,” he said.

He argued that leaders who buy votes often seek to recover their investments after assuming office, thereby undermining accountability and public service.

Expressing confidence in his party’s prospects, Adesuyi said the ZLP had established structures across the state and would continue to pursue an issue-based campaign.

“Election victory depends largely on strategy and organisation. We have functional party structures from the local government level down to the wards, and we are committed to using those structures effectively throughout the campaign,” he said.

He added that the party remained committed to offering Osun residents a credible alternative built on transparency, development and people-centred governance.