The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for the June 20 election in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework targeted at reshaping all sectors in the state.
Oluyede described the 10-point development agenda, titled, ‘My contract with Ekiti’, as an ambitious reform programme aimed at repositioning Ekiti State as a productive, inclusive and economically competitive state.
According to a statement made available in Ado Ekiti on Friday, the PDP candidate said the agenda “aims at reshaping the state’s economic structure, strengthening social services and expanding opportunities for citizens.
“While the proposals are subject to voter scrutiny and implementation challenges, they set the tone for a policy-driven campaign ahead of the 2026 governorship election,” he said.
He added that the manifesto, which covered key sectors of governance and development, “focuses on agriculture, job creation, healthcare reform, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, digital economy, taxation reform, local government autonomy, women inclusion and economic diversification”.
It positioned productivity, human capital development and institutional reforms as the central pillars of his proposed administration.
Oluyede said, “At the core of the agenda is agriculture, which is the backbone of Ekiti’s economy. We propose a shift from traditional farming practices to mechanised and technology-driven agriculture to improve output and efficiency. The plan includes the introduction of modern farm machinery, improved extension services, and structured training programmes for farmers.
“The manifesto also addresses long-standing challenges in the agricultural value chain, particularly post-harvest losses and limited market access.”
Oluyede said his administration would establish improved storage facilities including silos, as well as export channels to help farmers access broader markets and obtain fair value for their produce and as well bring about the revival of cooperative societies as a means of strengthening rural agricultural financing and productivity.
The PDP candidate said that the job creation and economic growth agenda would be driven by both agricultural expansion and industrial development, saying, “Economic growth must be driven by production rather than excessive taxation. Our administration will focus on attracting investment, supporting small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship across the state.”
Oluyede, while highlighting the development of the digital economy and ICT sector component of the manifesto, pledged to integrate digital literacy into the education system at all levels to prepare young people for a technology-driven global economy.
The PDP candidate’s manifesto, which also addresses education and skills development, focusses technical and vocational renaissance programme aimed at equipping youths with practical and employable skills and as well establishment of modern vocational training centres, certification systems, and partnerships with industries to ensure graduates are job-ready.
He identified poor road networks, unstable electricity supply and inadequate water systems as major obstacles to development, saying such were among reasons the agenda proposed rehabilitation of roads, investment in energy solutions and improved water infrastructure to support both households and businesses across the state.
Oluyede, who said that Ekiti health sector was under severe pressure, with a large proportion of residents paying out-of-pocket for medical services, said he hoped to address that with a comprehensive health reform programme based on the World Health Organisation’s framework for universal health coverage.
He also disclosed plan for establishment of a contributory health insurance scheme aimed at reducing the financial burden of healthcare on citizens and as well strengthen primary healthcare centres, improve drug availability through a revolving drug fund system, and introduce performance-based incentives for health workers to improve service delivery.
On economic direction, the manifesto proposes a shift toward a productivity-driven economy that reduces reliance on taxation while increasing internally generated revenue through investment and industrial expansion.
The candidate said that sustainable development could only be achieved by expanding production, supporting entrepreneurship, and encouraging private sector participation.
Oluyede said that youth empowerment would be pursued through areas including integration of entrepreneurship education into secondary and tertiary institutions, with a focus on innovation, self-reliance, and job creation.
He also pledged to ensure greater representation of women in governance and decision-making positions and as well initiating programmes aimed at expanding women’s access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities.
Political activities have intensified in Ekiti State ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election, with major political parties unveiling candidates and policy directions aimed at winning voter support.
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