THE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Gbolagade Tajudeen Salami, has commended the state’s improved revenue performance in the first half of 2026, describing stronger internally generated resources as an opportunity to accelerate development across the state.
Recent figures presented by the Oyo State Government showed that the state generated ₦406.9 billion in recurrent revenue during the first half of 2026, representing 91.2 per cent of its target for the period. The government also reported expenditure of ₦345.7 billion during the same period.
Salami said improved revenue mobilisation should ultimately be measured not merely by the amount collected by government, but by the extent to which such resources translate into better roads, reliable transportation, quality education, accessible healthcare, stronger security, employment opportunities and improved living conditions for residents.
“A stronger revenue base is good news for Oyo State because it gives government greater capacity to respond to the needs of the people. But ultimately, the true measure of governance is what the people can see, feel and experience in their everyday lives.”
The APGA candidate also welcomed ongoing investments in infrastructure and transportation, including the planned deployment of electric buses, describing initiatives that can reduce transportation pressure on residents as worthy of attention.
He similarly acknowledged the ongoing work on major infrastructure projects, including the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road and the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, which the state government says is being developed to international standards.
However, Salami stressed the importance of ensuring that development is inclusive and geographically balanced, with communities outside Ibadan also benefiting meaningfully from public investment.
“Oyo is bigger than Ibadan. From Oke-Ogun to Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Oyo and every part of the state, our people deserve to feel the presence of government. Development must be broad-based, measurable and people-centred.”
He urged the government to sustain transparency in the management of public resources and to continue engaging citizens in determining development priorities.
Salami said his own emerging political platform would continue to engage with issues affecting Oyo State based on facts, ideas and practical solutions, rather than reducing political discourse to personal attacks.
“We should be able to commend what is working, identify what requires improvement and present better alternatives where necessary. Oyo belongs to all of us, and the politics of tomorrow must be about how we can collectively build the Oyo that our children deserve.”
He called on stakeholders, professionals, young people, traditional institutions, business leaders and civil society organisations to participate actively in conversations about the future of the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.