Oyebanji second term began with a solemn oath‑taking ceremony in Osun on 15 October 2026, where Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s successor reaffirmed his commitment to creating opportunities for the people of the state. The inauguration marked the start of the Oyebanji second term and set the tone for a programme that blends agriculture, youth employment and digital innovation. From Oyebanji second term campaign promises to actionable agenda The re‑election of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy in the off‑cycle June 20 2026 governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) gave the administration a fresh mandate. Their campaign hinged on three pillars: job creation, modernising agriculture and harnessing technology. In his inaugural address, the governor outlined a 2027‑2029 strategic plan that seeks to translate those promises into concrete projects. First, the administration will launch a Youth Skills Acceleration Programme (YSAP) targeting 150,000 young people across the state. The programme will partner with local polytechnics and private tech hubs to deliver short‑term certifications in renewable energy installation, agribusiness management and e‑commerce. Second, a Farm‑to‑Market Initiative will provide subsidised inputs, mechanised services and a digital marketplace for smallholder farmers. Finally, the Osun Digital Corridor will see the establishment of a 5G‑enabled innovation park in Ile‑Ife, designed to attract fintech start‑ups and creative industries. Job creation: tackling youth unemployment head‑on Unemployment among Nigeria’s under‑25s remains a pressing concern, with the National Bureau of Statistics estimating a rate above 30 % in 2025. The Oyebanji second term administration plans to address this through public‑private partnerships that will generate both direct and indirect jobs. Infrastructure contracts: The state will award contracts for road rehabilitation, water supply upgrades and renewable energy projects, prioritising firms that commit to local hiring. SME incubation: The newly created Osun Enterprise Development Fund will allocate ₦12 billion over the next three years to seed‑stage businesses, especially those led by women and youths. Tourism boost: By revitalising cultural festivals such as the Osun‑Osogbo Festival, the government expects a 20 % rise in visitor numbers, creating seasonal employment in hospitality and crafts. These measures are designed to create an estimated 80,000 new jobs by the end of 2027, a figure that aligns with the governor’s pledge to “turn every capable hand into a productive one.” Agriculture: modernising the backbone of Osun’s economy Osun’s fertile lands have long supported cocoa, cassava and yam production, yet smallholders often struggle with market access and climate‑related challenges. The Farm‑to‑Market Initiative will tackle these pain points through three core actions. Input subsidies: The state will provide seed, fertilizer and affordable mechanisation services to 200,000 farmers, reducing production costs by up to 25 %. Digital marketplace: A mobile app, “OsunAgriConnect,” will link farmers directly with buyers, processors and exporters, cutting middle‑men margins and improving price transparency. Climate‑smart training: Extension officers will conduct workshops on sustainable practices, such as inter‑cropping and drip irrigation, to boost yields while preserving the environment. Early pilots in the Ilesa and Ife districts have already shown a 15 % increase in average farm income, encouraging the administration to scale the programme statewide. Digital transformation: positioning Osun as a tech hub Recognising the rapid digitalisation sweeping Africa, Governor Oyebanji pledged to make Osun a magnet for tech talent. The Osun Digital Corridor will feature a co‑working space, incubator, and a 5G test‑bed that will support startups in fintech, health‑tech and agri‑tech. Key components include: Startup grants: Up to ₦5 million per venture for proof‑of‑concept development. Mentorship network: Partnerships with Lagos’ Co‑Creation Hub and Nairobi’s iHub to provide guidance and market entry support. Regulatory sandbox: A framework that allows fintech firms to trial innovative products under supervised conditions, fostering a culture of responsible innovation. By 2028, the corridor aims to host at least 50 startups, creating a ripple effect of high‑skill jobs and attracting foreign direct investment. Regional implications: a blueprint for West Africa Osun’s development agenda resonates beyond Nigeria’s borders. Ghana’s Ministry of Trade has expressed interest in replicating the Farm‑to‑Market digital platform, while Kenya’s ICT Authority sees potential collaboration on the 5G sandbox. Such cross‑border synergies could position West Africa as a leader in inclusive digital agriculture. Moreover, the governor’s emphasis on cultural tourism aligns with South‑South cooperation initiatives, where countries like Tanzania and Ethiopia are exploring joint festival circuits to boost intra‑African travel. Challenges ahead and how the administration plans to navigate them While the roadmap is ambitious, several hurdles remain. Funding constraints, bureaucratic bottlenecks and security concerns in rural areas could impede progress. To mitigate these risks, the governor announced the formation of a multi‑stakeholder oversight committee comprising civil society, private sector and youth representatives. The committee will publish quarterly performance dashboards, ensuring transparency and accountability. In addition, the administration will leverage the CBN’s Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme to secure low‑interest loans for farmers, and will work with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission to attract diaspora investment. What citizens can expect in the coming months Within the first 90‑days, residents can anticipate the rollout of the YSAP registration portal, the launch of OsunAgriConnect, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Digital Corridor. Community outreach programmes will be conducted in all 30 local government areas to inform citizens about the new opportunities and how to access them. In a statement released after the oath‑taking, Governor Oyebanji urged “every Osunite to see this as a collective journey—where government, private sector and ordinary citizens move together toward prosperity.” FAQ When does the Youth Skills Acceleration Programme start? Registration opens on 1 November 2026, with the first batch of training commencing in January 2027. How can farmers access the OsunAgriConnect app? The app will be available for free download on Android and iOS platforms; basic data bundles will be subsidised by the state for the first six months. What incentives are offered to tech startups joining the Digital Corridor? Eligible startups receive up to ₦5 million in seed funding, mentorship from regional tech hubs, and access to a 5G test‑bed for product trials. For more details, see the full report on Premium Times Nigeria. Related Reading Oyebanji Dissolves Ekiti Executive Council Ahead of Second Term Ekiti Varsity Workers Vow Strike over Unpaid Salaries, Poor Funding Related posts: INEC declares Adeleke winner in tight Osun election race Investigation Launched into Adeleke Ally Shooting – Osun State Update APC Governor Appointment Sparks Political Drama with PDP Ex‑lawmaker Osun APC Refutes Accord’s Claim Amid Osun APC Motor Park Dispute Post navigation Billy Evans Husband: New Revelations in Elizabeth Holmes’ Docuseries
