Oyo State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has promised to tackle prolonged power outages in Ibarapa through the development of a solar power project for the zone.
Adegoke made the pledge during a thank-you visit to Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North, held in Igbo-Ora, where he also promised measures to strengthen security and improve agricultural production across the area.
Adegoke, who is the ADC’s candidate for the 2027 Oyo governorship election, said he would prioritise rural electrification if elected governor, with a view to providing a more reliable source of power for communities in Ibarapa. His candidacy has also been listed by the ADC and reported as submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the proposed solar farm would generate electricity for the zone, adding that his administration would seek to reduce Ibarapa’s dependence on the national grid, which he described as unreliable.
According to him, improved electricity supply would also support economic activities and contribute to security by ensuring that communities are better illuminated at night.
Adegoke further linked his security plan to his proposed implementation of local government autonomy, saying stronger local councils and greater empowerment of traditional rulers would enhance grassroots security.
He said his administration would also support farmers with modern agricultural equipment and improved-yield seeds to increase production.
Adegoke, who said he was trained as an agric-economist at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, assured farmers that his background had given him an understanding of the challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
He promised to provide farmers with the necessary resources and support if elected governor.
The ADC candidate also pledged to facilitate farmers’ access to loans through their cooperative societies, describing the initiative as part of the benefits of democratic governance.
Adegoke had previously identified agriculture, education, local government autonomy, job creation and infrastructure among the areas he intends to prioritise under his proposed administration.
Speaking during the visit, the ADC Youth Leader in Ibarapa Central, Mr Ayodele Olanlere, appealed to the governorship candidate to prioritise stable electricity and create more economic opportunities for residents of the area.
Olanlere also called for improved healthcare support and free education opportunities for youths.
He commended Adegoke for his promise to address the power situation in Ibarapa, expressing optimism that the proposed rural electrification programme would be implemented if the candidate is elected.
Adegoke emerged as the ADC’s governorship candidate after polling 16,051 votes in the party’s May 2026 primary. The party subsequently listed him as its candidate for the 2027 Oyo governorship election.
