Leadership That Works Will Transform Oyo, Says NDC Governorship Candidate Adebola
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State, Dr. Akim Adebola Yusuf, FCIB, mni, has reaffirmed his belief that quality leadership is the bedrock of sustainable development, good governance, and shared prosperity, declaring that the future of Oyo State depends on leaders who place the public interest above personal ambition.
In a statement titled "Why Leadership Matters," Yusuf, popularly known as Omoluabi Ta Nwa, said leadership is the greatest force that shapes the destiny of any society, stressing that the quality of governance, the strength of institutions, economic opportunities, and the legacy left for future generations are all determined by the quality of leadership.
According to him, leadership is far more than occupying positions of authority, describing it as a responsibility that demands integrity, accountability, vision, and selfless service.
"Leadership is not merely about occupying a position of authority. It is about accepting responsibility. It is about making decisions that place the common good above personal interest. It is about inspiring confidence, building trust and creating an environment where people and communities can flourish," he said.
The former governorship candidate in the 2023 elections noted that history has consistently shown that nations and societies either rise or decline based on the calibre of leaders they produce. He added that visionary leadership creates opportunities where others see obstacles, strengthens institutions rather than personalities, promotes accountability, encourages enterprise, and inspires confidence in the future.
Yusuf maintained that the people of Oyo State deserve leaders who listen before acting, possess the competence to solve pressing challenges, understand the needs of the people, and have the courage to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of society.
"Our people deserve leadership that listens before it leads; leadership that is competent enough to solve problems, compassionate enough to understand the needs of the people, and courageous enough to make difficult but necessary decisions for the long-term good of society," he stated.
Describing leadership as a lifelong commitment to service, Yusuf said it entails prudent management of public resources, building resilient institutions, and leaving every office stronger than it was inherited.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to continuous engagement with residents across Oyo State, promising to listen to diverse opinions and work towards building a society where every citizen has the opportunity to succeed.
Expressing optimism about the state's future, Yusuf said Oyo has the potential to become more prosperous, secure, and inclusive through purposeful and people-centred governance.
"I believe that with the right leadership, Oyo State can become even more prosperous, more secure and more inclusive. The future we desire is possible. And it begins with leadership that works," he concluded.
Widely known as Omoluabi Ta Nwa, Dr. Yusuf is a seasoned banker, technocrat, financial adviser, public administrator, and politician. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB) and a Member of the National Institute (mni), he has built an extensive career in banking, investment services, remedial asset management, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic business consulting.
Born in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, he attended Government College, Ibadan, before obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Ilorin. He later earned a Master of Science degree and completed the prestigious Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. He also holds a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree and serves as a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Before venturing into partisan politics, Yusuf established himself as a respected management consultant and financial expert, contributing to policy initiatives, including advocacy for the integration of Nigeria's Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN) systems to strengthen national identity management and financial security.
His political journey saw him contest the 2023 Oyo State governorship election under the Action Democratic Party (ADP) before emerging as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Dr. Yusuf's policy agenda is anchored on good governance, institutional reforms, agricultural transformation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment through technology, economic diversification, improved security, and transparent public administration. He has also consistently spoken against vote-buying and advocated accountability, transparency, and citizen-focused governance.
His latest remarks further reinforce his campaign message of "Good Governance. Shared Prosperity. A Greater Oyo," as he continues consultations and engagement with stakeholders across the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
