FROM FOUNDATION TO CONSOLIDATION: WHY OYO STATE NEEDS PROFESSOR DAHUD KEHINDE SHANGODOYIN FOR OMITUNTUN 3.0

Governance is neither a one man endeavour nor a leap into the unknown. It is a continuous journey a relay race in which each leader builds on the solid work of those before them.

Governor Seyi Makinde has run a strong and impactful leg through Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0. His administration has restored order and dignity to the civil service, ensured consistent payment of salaries and pensions, expanded critical road networks across zones, stabilised Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, improved healthcare access, strengthened agriculture, and enhanced security for citizens and businesses.

The foundation is not only firm it is visible and working.

The next phase, Omituntun 3.0, must focus on consolidation, strengthening what has been built, scaling impact, and institutionalising reforms to ensure sustainability across all sectors and communities.

In this regard, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin stands out as a compelling choice to lead this next phase.

A proud son of Ibadan, he brings a rare blend of intellectual depth and practical governance experience. He earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Statistics from the University of Ibadan and became the first academic to attain the rank of Professor of Statistics at the University of Botswana. He is also among the few African scholars to contribute to the globally respected Encyclopedia of Statistical Sciences.

This academic foundation has shaped a leadership style rooted in data, precision, and measurable results.

Professor Shangodoyin’s public service record reflects both versatility and performance. He has served in key ministries, beginning with Education, Science and Technology, and later Establishment and Training, where he advanced institutional reforms and capacity development.

As Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, he oversaw the delivery of over 368 kilometres of roads, significantly improving connectivity across the state.

In his current role as Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, he has driven forward critical energy reforms advancing solar street lighting, strengthening operations and maintenance systems, attracting investors, and promoting power generation initiatives to improve electricity supply for homes, markets, and industries.

He is not an outsider. A committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party since 1999, with strong grassroots engagement in Yemetu and active participation in the Omituntun movement, he understands both governance and the political ecosystem that sustains it.

More importantly, he understands the people.

He recognises the realities of transport operators, market women, civil servants, farmers, and youth across Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Oyo, and Ogbomoso.

Under his leadership, Omituntun 3.0 will be driven by a clear and expanded Development Agenda for Consolidation, built around the following strategic priorities:
Education through Infrastructure Revolution: Deepening investments in school infrastructure, digital learning, teacher capacity, and access to quality education.

Agribusiness Expansion: Transitioning agriculture into a full value-chain enterprise through mechanisation, processing, storage, and improved market access.

Tourism and Mineral Resource Development: Unlocking the economic potential of cultural heritage and mineral assets to drive revenue and job creation.

Healthcare System Strengthening: Expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare through improved facilities and workforce support.

Security and Public Safety: Consolidating security gains through technology, intelligence gathering, and community based approaches.

Economic Growth and Investment Promotion: Creating a business-friendly environment that supports SMEs, attracts investors, and drives inclusive growth.

Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: Expanding and sustaining road networks, urban infrastructure, and rural connectivity through structured maintenance systems and strategic investments.

Energy Sector Reforms and Power Expansion: Accelerating electricity reforms, expanding generation and distribution capacity, promoting renewable energy solutions, and ensuring reliable power supply across all zones.

Rule of Law and Institutional Strengthening: Reinforcing governance systems, transparency, and accountability to ensure long-term sustainability.

These priorities are not abstract promises they are grounded in experience and informed by a deep understanding of governance systems and implementation dynamics.

The choice before the people of Oyo State is clear: continue on a path of proven competence and structured progress, or risk uncertainty by starting afresh.

Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin offers leadership that combines experience, intellect, empathy, and continuity. His vision for Omituntun 3.0 is to consolidate gains, scale impact, and ensure that development reaches every citizen across every zone.

The foundation has been laid. The structure is rising.

Now is the time to consolidate, strengthen, and institutionalise sustainable progress.

With Professor Shangodoyin, Omituntun 3.0 represents not just continuity but a higher level of delivery, inclusion, and lasting impact.

The journey continues and the right leadership is ready to take Oyo State forward.