Alabi Lauds Media’s Role in Sustaining Nigeria’s Democracy, Declares Governorship Ambition

By Felix Ajide

Dr. Oluwatoyin Tajudeen Alabi, a philanthropist, advocate of good governance and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Catering Company, owners of Promise Fast Food, has commended media organisations for their critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy over the past 27 years.

Dr. Alabi made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Sobi 101.9 FM, Ilorin, alongside members of his team.

He noted that the Nigerian media have contributed immensely to democratic stability by holding leaders accountable and strengthening public discourse.

According to him, the media have ensured over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance by keeping elected officials on their toes.

“The media have been assisting the nation to improve its democratic experience. You consistently point out what we need to do, what we are doing well, and where we are falling short,” he said.

Dr. Alabi stressed that democracy thrives better under civilian rule, describing the media as the backbone of democratic governance.

“The worst civilian administration is far better than the best military administration. The media are therefore the fulcrum upon which democracy thrives in our society,” he added.

He praised Sobi FM for pioneering innovative broadcasting in Kwara State, noting that this informed his decision to seek partnership with the station.

Dr. Alabi also commended the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing it as impactful in the management of human and capital resources, as well as in infrastructure development across health, education and other sectors.

Drawing from personal experience as the immediate past National President of the Igbaja Progressive Union, he cited several projects executed by the state government in Igbaja community.

“Igbaja experienced positive development for the first time. The bypass road from Gegele to the Town Hall was constructed by Governor AbdulRazaq. When our transformer broke down, the government earmarked about N53 million to repair it,” he said.

He further disclosed that the community benefited from the establishment of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre, reducing the need for students to travel to Offa or Ilorin for WAEC and JAMB examinations.

According to him, the governor also provided 250 additional laptops to the centre as support to the community.

Dr. Alabi added that following a rainstorm disaster in the community, the state government released N10 million, which was distributed among affected residents to alleviate their suffering.

He stressed the need for continuity in leadership to sustain and preserve the achievements of the current administration.

 

 

“We may not be where we want to be yet, but we are no longer where we used to be. The governor is a silent achiever who does not seek personal recognition. Whoever succeeds him must be ready to continue from where he stopped,” he said.

Dr. Alabi used the occasion to formally declare his intention to contest the governorship of Kwara State, stating that the destiny of the state must no longer be taken lightly.

“Kwara State was created in 1967 alongside Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers States, yet those states have moved far ahead in education, health, infrastructure and poverty reduction. It is time for Kwara to take its rightful place among the comity of states in Nigeria,” he said.

He lamented the absence of a comprehensive development master plan for the state, explaining that this prompted him to constitute a 44-member team of experts to develop one.

“We produced a 61-page master plan and distilled it into a one-page actionable document with a seven-point agenda to reposition Kwara State,” he explained.

According to Dr. Alabi, his development agenda will focus on security, agriculture, quality healthcare, tourism development, modern infrastructure, world-class education and inclusive prosperity.

On security, which he described as the top priority, the respected community leader said every resident must feel safe at all times.

“Everyone should be able to sleep with both eyes closed and move freely without fear of harassment, kidnapping or attacks. Our farmers must be able to access their farms at any time,” Alabi said.

The APC Chieftain commended the military and security agencies for their efforts against banditry in Kwara South and North, stressing the need to secure forest reserves to prevent criminals from regrouping.

On education, Dr. Alabi m, a strong supporter of President Bola Tinubu, pledged to make education totally free and compulsory at the basic level, with full provision of infrastructure and learning materials.

“No child should be roaming the streets during school hours. We can still achieve free education like the days of the UPN under Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Education must take the largest share of our budget because it is the foundation of national development,” he said.

He vowed to move Kwara from its current low ranking in educational development to among the top five states in the country, insisting on quality education and enforcement of school attendance.

“The strength and glory of any nation lie in the quality of its workforce,” he added.

Responding, the Head of Marketing of Sobi FM, Mr. Bayo Abubakar and Olawole Babawale Yusuf assured Dr. Alabi of the station’s willingness to partner with him and provide coverage for his activities.

Other senior management staff of the station were also present to receive and welcome Dr. Alabi at the Sobi FM premises in Akerebiata, Ilorin.