Oyo 2027: Alli Pledges LG Autonomy, 13th-Month Pay, 30 Pupils Per Class

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has unveiled a reform agenda for the state, promising full autonomy for Local Governments, 13th-month salary for workers and major reforms in education and healthcare.

Alli made the pledges on Tuesday at a high-powered dialogue on the future of Oyo State organised by the Oyo Rising Citizens Forum (ORCF) at an event centre in Ibadan.

He promised that, if elected governor, his administration would grant full autonomy to Local Governments from May 29, 2027, saying councils would be allowed to manage their finances and affairs independently.

“My administration will not spend one kobo belonging to Local Governments. They will build their schools, build their health centres and employ their own workers. That era of stifling the councils is over,” Alli said.

On education, the APC candidate pledged to reduce classroom population to a maximum of 30 pupils per class, saying the policy would improve learning outcomes and create more employment opportunities for teachers and fresh graduates.

He also promised to comply with what he described as UNESCO’s recommendation of allocating at least 18 per cent of the state budget to education, while prioritising teacher training and recruitment to address manpower shortages.

In the health sector, Alli pledged to establish a functional general hospital in each of the 33 Local Government Areas and at least one fully equipped primary healthcare centre in each of the 351 wards across the state.

He also promised to facilitate and commission at least three fully equipped health centres across Oyo South Senatorial District before the 2027 election and hand them over to the state government.

On the controversial Circular Road project, Alli promised to take action within 72 hours of assuming office, including setting up a committee within 48 to 72 hours to address grievances of affected residents.

“We will not seize people’s land and we will not sell state assets,” he assured.

Alli also promised to boost the state’s economy through agriculture and mining, establish at least one cottage industry in each Local Government Area and provide parabolic dryers in the seven towns in Ibarapa and two in each senatorial district before December.

He further pledged to revive the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), create more opportunities for youths, empower women through key appointments and ensure prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

At the interactive session, participants questioned the candidate on energy supply, alleged sale of state properties, welfare of doctors and revolving loans for traders, with Alli responding with policy proposals on the issues.